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Position Summary:
Reporting directly to the Sustainability Associate Director, the Climate & Biodiversity Officer will implement the McGill University Climate & Sustainability Strategy and Biodiversity Plan, focusing on the climate and biodiversity related initiatives. The incumbent will be participating in the development of policies and programs tailored for students, faculty and staff to reduce McGill’s carbon footprint and to increase McGill’s biodiversity. Responsible for McGill reach carbon neutrality, enhancing climate literacy, improving climate resilience, and increasing biodiversity efforts and awareness. Analyze and implement other climate and biodiversity related initiatives that are considered a priority by the University administration or emerging from a university plan, policy or program.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Participate in the development and implementation of institution‐level programs to reduce the University’s carbon footprint, especially targeting greenhouse gas emissions generated by air-travel and commuting.
- Produce McGill’s yearly greenhouse gas inventory.
- Track the implementation of McGill’s biodiversity plan.
- Use professional expertise to assess the key climate-related risks for the University and propose mitigation options in order to improve McGill’s climate resilience. Advise the University on the main climate-related risks.
- Develop initiatives that increase the presence of biodiversity on McGill campuses.
- Analyze and propose requirements to reduce the carbon footprint of major events on campus.
- Engage with the academic community to enhance climate and biodiversity literacy throughout the McGill community.
- Deliver and implement training programs to bring engagement, participation and commitment towards carbon neutrality and biodiversity.
- Act as a liaison between various groups (students, staff or faculty) potentially involved in climate and biodiversity-related initiatives.
- Foster the development of carbon reduction, carbon sequestration and carbon offset projects, in collaboration with key institutional partners.
- Measure the impacts of those projects.
- Keep abreast of best practices in other universities and large institutions (with regard to carbon reduction, sequestration and offsets). Gather information to guide decision-making processes.
- Participate in the development of a multi-stakeholder Carbon Neutrality Working Group, and a Biodiversity Working Group.
- Represent the Office of Sustainability in various multi-stakeholder meetings related to matters of biodiversity, climate and carbon neutrality.
- Work on other biodiversity, climate and sustainability-focused projects and activities as directed.
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities
- Undergraduate degree in Environmental Science or equivalent preferred. Knowledge of the higher education sector an asset.
- Graduate degree is an asset.
- Understanding of McGill’s greenhouse gas inventory, greenhouse gas coefficients, and knowledge of greenhouse gas reduction targets.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
- Demonstrated aptitude for systems thinking, with acute strategic and analytical skills.
- Superior interpersonal skills including ability to work effectively in a team environment. Proven talent for problem-solving.
- Demonstrated organization skills, with the ability to set priorities and multi-task.
- Capacity to navigate in a large and decentralized institution.
- Experience in developing and implementing climate / sustainability related programs.English & French, spoken & written.
This position is for a maternity leave replacement for a period of one year, with the possibility of an extension.
As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:
- Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance)
- Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%)
- Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
- Competitive vacation policy
- Two (2) personal days
- Two (2) floating holidays
- Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
- Paid time off over the December holiday period
- Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
- Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience with Bachelor’s Degree /
(MPEX Grade 05) $71,890.00 - $89,860.00 - $107,830.00
Job Profile:
MPEX-LOG2B - Security, Safety & Environment - Professional 2
33.75 (Full time)
Associate Director Sustainability
Position End Date (If applicable):
2027-10-31
2026-05-14
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.
