Employment Status: Contract >6 months (FT)
✓ Pension ✓ Dental Insurance ✓ Health Insurance
✓ Weekdays
Sustainability Officer
Competition Number: 22958
Primary Work Location: Waterloo City Centre
Posting Status: Internal & External Job Posting
Hourly Range: $44.80 - $56.00 (Band G)
Number of Positions: 1 (Current)
Employment Group: Staff Association
Job Status: Temporary Full Time (up to 18 months)
Posting Release Date:March 19, 2026
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
Posting Closing Date: April 10, 2026
Why work with us:
The City of Waterloo is a rewarding place to work. Each day, you will support and/or participate in the delivery of services that impact residents of this city, making it a great place to live, work and play for everyone.
Home to two world-class universities, a top-ranked college, a tech ecosystem, entrepreneurs and small businesses, there is a readiness to do things differently in Waterloo. Our vision is to be a leader in sustainability and to build a future-ready community for all. We are committed to workplace wellbeing and providing an inclusive, safe and enjoyable work environment.
The City of Waterloo has a long history of environmental sustainability work and recognizes the urgency associated with the current climate emergency. Most recently, the City approved the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan that includes a priority focused on Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action. The City has been focused on developing a strong policy framework to support the work that needs to be done to reach aggressive GHG emission reduction targets for 2030 and net-zero by 2050. The City also recognizes the important work that is needed for the community to adapt to the current effects of climate change and build resiliency in the face of rapidly changing conditions. This full time contract position will be responsible for assisting the City's Deputy Commissioner, Strategy and Innovation and the Senior Sustainability Officer (SSO) with a number of projects and initiatives related to environmental sustainability and climate change to help the City meet its climate change goals.
For more information about the City of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Values & Guiding Principles, please click here: City of Waterloo 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.
What we offer:
- Supportive and caring organization that promotes respect, inclusivity, sustainability, health, safety and wellness.
- Dedication to the organization’s commitment for Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion through ongoing training and access to related programs and workshops, opportunities to connect with others around topics of social justice and equity, and opportunities to be involved with the initiatives that guide this corporate journey.
- A commitment to environmental sustainability as demonstrated in many plans and policies. For example, we are working towards reducing our corporate greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050, with real progress underway.
- Certification as a Living Wage Champion.
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan (OMERS) eligibility for all employees.
- Up to 10 paid Reservist Leave days per year, with single contribution OMERS buyback option for any unpaid time.
- Flexible work schedules, paid vacation and personal days, and the opportunity to bank overtime.
- Easy and sustainable commuting options through the TravelWise program, which offers public transit discounts and a dedicated carpool network for employees.
- Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities along with opportunities to get involved and give back to the community.
- Enjoyable employee-wide events, activities, site visits, BBQs to connect with co-workers.
- Complimentary FitPass for access to leisure, swim, and fitness drop-in programs for employees and family members.
…And so much more!
What you will do:
Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner of Strategy and Innovation your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Coordinate and oversee the monitoring of progress towards the City’s Corporate Climate Action Plan and lead the implementation of related initiatives and projects both independently and collaboratively with Sustainability and Climate Change team and other internal divisions.
- Support the implementation and monitoring of TransformWR, the community climate action plan.
- Support the implementation and monitoring of the City’s Corporate Climate Change Adaptation Plan.
- Support and lead the design and delivery of new projects and program areas to advance the City’s work on sustainability and climate change.
- Support the annual corporate greenhouse gas inventory and annual sustainability and climate change progress reporting in collaboration with community partners and internal divisions.
- Research, synthesize, and communicate new or emerging ideas and practices in the realm of environmental sustainability to Council, staff, community partners, and the public.
- Assist in general day-to-day duties as assigned.
What you will bring:
- Post-secondary degree in Environmental Science or related field with a minimum of three (3) years experience within a climate action or sustainability field; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
- Comprehensive knowledge of sustainability as it relates to climate change and corporate social responsibility on environmental affairs in a municipal setting.
- Knowledge of industry standards (i.e. greenhouse gas emission standards) and measurement systems and frameworks.
- Experience engaging with internal and community partners with the ability to communicate information effectively and concisely.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills, ability to multi-task and manage priorities.
- Qualitative and quantitative research and data analysis skills.
- Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office is required.
- A passion for promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace and the ability to work respectfully and effectively in a team environment.
- Strong commitment to delivering quality customer service.
- Demonstrated commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion.
What we will require:
- A Police Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check satisfactory to the City
- Proof of your current and valid certificate(s), licenses and/or educational qualifications, if applicable
Be You @ Waterloo (Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging):
The City of Waterloo acknowledges that our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples, and is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. The City is dedicated to advancing the organization’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion and to reducing barriers to employment opportunities. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities, and members of 2SLGBTQ+ are encouraged for positions at all levels within the organization. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to self-identify in their application.
Accommodations are available throughout all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation . We encourage applicants to access support(s) that may be needed. To request accommodation during the application process, please email recruitment@waterloo.ca, quoting the position and competition number. Applicants advancing to the next stages of a recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known.
Our use of AI during recruitment:
Our applicant tracking system includes artificial intelligence (AI) features, such as tools that highlight relevant work history or suggest potential job matches. These features are built into the system and may be visible to staff. AI does not make any screening or hiring decisions, and all decisions about interviews and hiring are made by City staff in accordance with applicable City policies and procedures.
Staff Association:
Qualified and eligible City of Waterloo Staff Association applicants will be considered first for this posting.
