Play a key role in Coon Rapids’ sustainable future as the City’s Senior Planner—Sustainability. If you’re passionate about environmental policy, energy efficiency, and managing a wide array of projects and initiatives, this is the opportunity for you! The City of Coon Rapids employs a great team of people dedicated and service centered! Our mission revolves around the understanding that only together, can we provide outstanding leadership and services that strengthen our community. This posting will remain open until filled, with first consideration given to applications received by February 23, 2026 at 11:59 pm. 

Essential duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. 

Programming

• Develops and implements the City’s sustainability work program and policies, including managing energy efficiency programs, administering grants, and coordinating promotional and educational offerings. 
• Assists in research, public engagement, and drafting of comprehensive plan updates.
• Leads and writes chapters and plan content in areas of sustainability, resiliency, water management, environmental resource protection, and transportation as it relates to various City functions.

Project Management

• Develops and administers contracts with external entities to achieve project goals.
• Researches, applies for and administers grants to support environmental policy, recycling and sustainability efforts; including preparation of application materials, City Council agenda materials, and presenting applications to the City Council for approval as necessary.

Policy Analysis & Development

• Conducts research, maintains data and coordinates with internal staff and external agencies to develop city-wide action plans (i.e. active transportation, energy conservation, parks master plan, etc.)
• Makes recommendations for sustainability inclusion and periodic updates to various City Plans.
• Assist Community Development staff in conducting research, preparing reports, drafting ordinances, and preparation of policy documents. Presents these to the City’s Sustainability Commission, Planning Commission and City Council for review and approval. 
• Serves as the Green Step Cities coordinator, implementing environmental policy, attending training sessions, overseeing the progress of best management practices (B3 reporting), and pursing and administering grant opportunities.

Technical Reviews

• Assists Engineering and Planning staff with reviews and inspections of development plans and site permits to ensure code compliance. Including sustainable practices, recycling and refuse, stormwater runoff best management practices (BMP’s), shoreline protection, and landscaping components.

Special Projects

• Coordinates with Public Works staff to implement best management practices related to Natural Resources. Work includes review and coordination on parks projects (i.e. native planting and pollinators)..
• Coordinates special events, as directed.the City’s sustainability initiatives. 
• Recruits, trains, and engages volunteers for special events.

Education, Outreach & Communications

• Assists the City and Watershed partner’s stormwater management efforts by promoting and coordinating stormwater management practices and BMP education, programs and projects. 
• Coordinates sustainability public education efforts with the City’s Communications and Marketing Coordinator.
• Drafts City newsletter articles, social media posts and web site updates.
• Establishes and maintains professional and effective working relationships with internal and external customers.

Other Initiatives 

• Serves as the staff liaison to the City’s Sustainability Commission, including preparation and distribution of meeting packet materials, coordination of meeting agendas, keeping minutes, and maintaining the public records of the Commission.
• Represents the City and maintains appropriate communication and training at state, regional, county, Watershed, and professional organizational meetings to stay current with regulations, market trends, and certifications requirements. 
• Performs additional duties as assigned.