Sustainability and Energy Coordinator

Racine • Full-time • Racine, WI, US • 3d ago

Job Description

We strongly encourage City of Racine residents to apply. We're committed to building a workforce that reflects and understands the community we serve. City residents will earn a 4% differential on top of the hourly pay range. Learn more and apply today!

This position is a grant-supported position for the City of Racine, in partnership with the Racine Water and Wastewater Utility, to focus on Sustainability and Energy Conservation for the City of Racine and Utilities.

Position Purpose

The Sustainability and Energy Coordinator will be a central unit between the City of Racine departments and the Utilities to develop, implement, and monitor environmental initiatives to improve the organization’s Environmental, Social, and Governance performance. The Coordinator will focus on reducing waste, energy, and water usage, while tracking metrics to ensure compliance with regulations. Key duties include managing sustainability projects, stakeholder engagement, reporting progress, and promoting an eco-friendly corporate culture.

For questions regarding the role, application process, or a submitted application, please contact Human Resources at hrrecruiting@cityofracine.org. Please note that applications must be submitted online to be considered for employment.

Essential Duties

The following duties are representative of the position and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Researches, and applies for, applicable grants in order to further develop and improve sustainable City initiatives.
Develops criteria, policies, and procedures for sustainable programs. Administers training and outreach to City personnel for the development, adoption and implementation of sustainable practices in City operations.
Assists departments in identifying and implementing best practices in sustainable operations by acting as a resource to and directing staff activities with the public, City departments and other organizations on programs and policies related to the Sustainability and Conservation as directed by the Utility General manager and\or City Administrator, specifically in the areas of conservation, transportation, pollution prevention and climate action.
Strengthens existing partnerships with community organizations and expands network and partnerships through engagement and outreach activities.
Identifies potential energy savings and greenhouse gas reduction projects / strategies, and evaluates such projects/strategies in terms of feasibility and satisfaction of designated criteria.
Represents the City and Utilities at external meetings and committees. May make presentations to City Council and/or represent the City and\or Utility at meetings of City Boards and Commissions and civic or professional groups. Required meetings may be held outside of normal business hours.
Support implementation of solar PPV and renewable energy projects.
Conduct or coordinate energy audits of city/utility facilities.
Assist leadership across all City departments and Utility divisions as needed.
Perform administrative assistant duties as directed.
Consult on portions of the annual Utilities Operations and Capital Improvement budgets.
Perform other tasks as directed.

Additional Tasks And Responsibilities

The following tasks may be performed at Leadership’s discretion and are not considered essential job functions:

On-site visit to municipal facilities to check operational energy usage and compliance
Engagement as team member for $80 million ‘Get the Lead Out’ program and Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Track and benchmark energy usage across municipal departments
Advise on LED conversion and building efficiency upgrades.
Support environmental programs within the state of Wisconsin
Coordinate with residential programs like the Racine Energy Efficiency Program (REEP)
Provide support for grant and sustainability partners

Conditions of Employment

Work locations include the water treatment plants, office settings, and various field sites. The role involves providing customer service and supporting community and client outreach activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, sustainability, business, or a related field.
Previous experience in project management, data analysis, or environmental advocacy.
Strong Communication, research experience, data management, and knowledge of environmental best practices.

We welcome applicants with relevant skills and competencies gained through education, internships, volunteering, and personal experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in outreach initiatives
Grant management and reporting

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

Ability to decide the time, place, and sequence of operations within an organizational framework, as well as the ability to oversee their execution. Ability to analyze and categorize data and information using established criteria, to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives.
Ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests from others. Ability to advise and interpret regarding the application of policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations.
Ability to utilize consulting and advisory data and information such as plant operations reports, invoices, budgets, personnel reports and policies, engineering reports, State and Federal drinking water regulations and standards, purchase orders, non-routine correspondence, State statutes, OSHA and DILHR regulations, technical textbooks and periodicals, computer software operating manuals, and organizational analysis.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with Utility personnel, State and Federal regulators, consultants, vendor representatives, labor union representatives, customers, and the public.

Special Requirements

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability

Ability to use functional reasoning in performing influence functions such as supervising, managing, leading, teaching, directing, and controlling.
Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness, and creativity required in critical and/or unexpected situations involving high risk to the organization.

Environmental Adaptability

Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as toxic agents, noise, and/or electrical currents may cause discomfort and poses little risk of injury

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands of the Position

Ability to operate equipment and machinery with some required complex and rapid adjustments, such as computer terminals, calculators, chemical feed systems, pumps, laboratory equipment, etc.
Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet, and limbs in performing semi-skilled movements such as data entry.
Ability to exert very moderate physical effort in sedentary to light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
Ability to recognize and identify harmonious or contrasting combinations, as well as recognize individual characteristics of colors, forms, tastes, and odors associated with job-related objects, materials, and ingredients.

Equipment Used

Computers, calculators, telephones, office equipment, electronic instrumentation, personal protective equipment, water treatment equipment, and machinery such as pumps, motors, engines, compressors, membranes, gauges, sensors, miscellaneous hand tools, laboratory apparatus, and analytical equipment.

City Employee Benefits - 2026

Health Insurance
- 92.5% of the Premium is paid by the City of Racine - either single or family.
  - Centivo administers the PPO Plans that are offered. You can chose from two high-deductible health plans and one low-deductible health plan, with two different networks offered.
  - CVS Caremark administers our prescription plan
- Payment of $50 per month to employees who waive health coverage
Health Savings Account (H.S.A.)
- A Health Savings Account (H.S.A.) is a tax beneficial savings account that can be used in conjunction with a qualified High – Deductible Health Plan. The funds put into an H.S.A. may be used on future, eligible health care expenses without any taxation. The City makes a prorated, one-time contribution to an employee’s Health Savings Account, with the amount of the contribution determined at the time of hire.
- The maximum contribution amounts are determined by the IRS each year.
Racine Employee Health & Wellness Center
- The Employee Health and Wellness Center run by Ascension Wisconsin is available to you and your dependent(s) if enrolled in the medical insurance
- It provides comprehensive services including clinic visits, health coaching, and preventative exams and health screenings.
Life Insurance
- City provides one unit equal to your annual earnings
- Employee may buy additional insurance – each unit is equal to your annual earnings.
- Maximum additional life insurance is four units; For a total of five (5) units at the maximum coverage.
- Cost depends on age and annual salary
- Spouse and Dependent Life Insurance is available – maximum coverage is $20,000 for spouse and $10,000 for dependents, cost is $3.20 per month or half for $1.60/month
Pension
- Wisconsin Retirement System, the contribution rate for 2026 is 14.4% Funded 50% by the City of Racine and 50% by the employee.
- Rates can change per year depending upon what is approved through WRS.
Vacation
- Less than 4 years of continuous service – 96 hours
- At least 4 years but less than 9 years of continuous service – 136
- At least 9 years but less than 14 years of continuous service - 176
- At least 14 years but less than 21 years of continuous service - 216
- At least 21 years of continuous service – 256
- You may carry over up to 80 hours into the next year.
- During the first calendar year of employment, new employees shall earn vacation on a prorated basis based on the new employee’s start date.
Holidays
- 13 paid holidays, 12 scheduled and 1 floating
Sick Leave
- Accrues at the rate of 1 day per full month worked.
Casual Days
- You can earn up to 4 casual days based off the amount of sick time that you have accrued.
- You are also eligible for an additional casual day if you use 16 hours or less of sick time in the preceding year.
Dental Insurance
- MetLife administers our dental plan with two options available to employees (Basic plan or Advanced plan). Employees pay the premium with a pre-tax payroll deduction.
- The City of Racine pays for the Basic Employee premium if you are enrolled in the medical insurance.
Vision Insurance
- Superior Vision administers our vision plan with one option. Employees pay the premium with a pre-tax payroll deduction.
Flexible Spending Plans
- Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts administered by Health Equity.
- The maximum contributions are determined by the IRS each year.
Short Term Disability Policy
- Automatically enrolled in a short-term disability insurance policy through MetLife, excludes Water and Wastewater Utility Employees.
- 70% of annual income, up to 13 weeks with a maximum benefit of $2,000 weekly.
Employee Assistance Program
- The City of Racine offers an employee assistance program through Advocate Aurora.
Parental Leave
- 320 hours of paid parental leave, if eligible for FMLA. Water and Wastewater Utility employees are eligible for 80 hours.
Deferred Compensation
- Provided through Nationwide, Security Benefit (RPA/The Standard) or Wisconsin Deferred Comp.
Supplemental Insurance
- Provided through AFLAC Funded by payroll deduction
- Accident, Hospital & Cancer policies are available
Tuition Reimbursement
- $4,000 per year, or 80% of the employee's total tuition cost, whichever is lower.
Student Loan Repayment Program
- The Student Loan Repayment Program, administered by Bakertilly Vantagen, helps assist you with the financial burden of the education that you have received. Non City of Racine residents can receive up to $1,200 per year towards student loan repayments, and City of Racine residents can receive up to $2,400 per year towards student loan repayments.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- The PSLF Program promotes full-time public sector employment. Public Employees, may qualify for public service loan forgiveness after making 120 payments toward their student loans while working full-time in public service. This means that nurses, policeman, firefighters, public health, and government employees can be eligible for participation. The Forgiveness Program was designed uniquely to provide relief to those who are doing the best for our communities every day. To find out if you qualify for a forgiveness program call 866-706-5005.
Wellness Incentive
- Employees, spouses, and retirees covered by the City health insurance plan who complete the Wellness Incentive requirements are eligible to receive $200, spouses receive $100.
Fitness Reimbursement
- Employees, spouses, and retirees covered by the City health insurance plan are eligible for 50% reimbursement of their annual membership fee up to a maximum of $200 per household.
- Reimbursement also includes fitness classes and weight reduction programs.
City of Racine Residency
- City of Racine employees that are non-represented are eligible for a 4% per hour pay differential if you provide proof that you are City of Racine resident.
  - City of Racine residency pay differential rates are different for:
    - Racine Police Association – 3% differential rate
    - Local 321 Firefighter Union – 3% differential rate
    - Transit Union – 2% differential rate
- You can receive additional City contribution into your H.S.A. account if you are a City of Racine Resident. Residency contributions are based on what
Homebuyer Down payment Assistance Program
- The City of Racine Employee Homebuyer Assistance Program offers up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to help you purchase your dream home in the City of Racine – Submission deadline for applications is August 1st, 2026.
Racine Financial Empowerment Center
- The Racine Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) provides free one-on-one professional financial counseling for all City of Racine employees, and residents of the City of Racine.

Additional information about the City’s comprehensive benefits package can be found on the following website; Active Employees - City of Racine - Human Resources Department

01

What is your highest level of education?

High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School Diploma or Equivalent with Some College
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Doctorate (PHD)
None

02

Please explain in detail your ability to perform records management activities to ensure confidentiality of materials according to filing procedures and practices?

03

How many years of experience do you possess in environmental science?