Environmental Manager for Energy Transition

Putting Apeldoorn on the map – literally and figuratively – for everyone. That’s something you’d love to be part of! In this role as Community Manager at Apeldoorn City Council, you’ll play a key part in ensuring successful public engagement in Apeldoorn’s high-impact projects.

Here’s what you’ll be doing
Society is changing rapidly. This is reflected in the way we live, learn, provide care and live together. As the municipality of Apeldoorn, we are keeping pace with these changes, with clear ambitions for both the city and our organisation. We are looking for the necessary environmental managers in the physical domain to work on projects relating to area development in the city centre, the energy transition programme, major infrastructure projects on the ring road, and the reception of Ukrainian refugees. A separate job profile is being drawn up for the physical domain.

Energy Transition Programme
As part of the energy transition programme, work is underway to achieve the goal of making Apeldoorn energy-neutral by 2050. Efforts are being made in three areas: energy saving and insulation, energy generation, and phasing out natural gas.

You will be working on saving on heating costs and improving insulation, as well as on the VVE approach (VVE stands for Vereniging van Eigenaren, or Owners’ Association). In addition, you will be working on personalised plans for residents who wish to switch to their own, individual natural gas-free solution (in most cases, their own heat pump).

As regards the collective aspect, this is the responsibility of a fellow environmental manager. You will, of course, work together and cover for one another where necessary. You will also work closely with the Energy Point: the place where residents can go with questions about making their homes more sustainable,

What do we expect from an environmental manager?
The Individual Environmental Manager, under the overall responsibility of a project leader, engages the local community in the plans within the ‘Individual Energy Transition, Owners’ Associations and Energy Savings’ project. An Environmental Manager does this, amongst other things, by identifying the local community and the various interests involved in a sub-project within the Individual Energy Transition programme. They develop a stakeholder strategy, identifying the requirements and wishes of the local community and determining how these can be addressed within the project. An Environmental Manager also acts as the point of contact for all parties involved in the Individual Energy Transition, with the owners’ associations (VvE’s) forming a separate group.

In the Individual component, residents who are not switching to the district heating network must be contacted. You will liaise with, amongst others, owners’ association boards, housing associations, homeowners, private landlords and the ‘de A’ energy co-operative.

A further subdivision is required for residents who fall under the ‘Individual’ category. Owners’ associations are one such category. Owners’ associations are a complex matter, characterised by great diversity and their own specific responsibilities.

In practical terms, this means that you

Internal collaboration

• Works and coordinates with the other team members on areas of overlap and the choices to be made;
• Works closely with the project leader and liaises regularly;
• In collaboration with the project manager, is responsible for the preparation work for the project.

External collaboration

• Involves residents, (civil society) organisations and colleagues in developments and systematically documents this;
• Be visible and approachable to those around you, and be able to explain any questions and the decisions you have made;
• Organises and implements the process of public participation in accordance with the Apeldoorn approach;
• You are accustomed to working within an administrative organisation with its associated political dynamics, whilst acting as a partner to society.

Department of Environmental Management
The field of environmental management is still very much evolving within our organisation. We currently employ two environmental managers. Together with your colleagues, you will play an active role in sharing knowledge and experience, and in standardising and improving processes and working methods within the field of environmental management.

As an Environmental Manager, the following skills are a given:

• Highly sensitive from a political and administrative perspective;
• Calm and steady under pressure;
• Unifying, but not conflict-averse;
• Customer-focused and a strong networker;
• Flexible and environmentally conscious.

Working for Apeldoorn…
…means working for an open and ambitious organisation. With over 169,000 residents, we are the 12th largest municipality in the Netherlands. Together with around 2,000 colleagues, we are working to shape Apeldoorn today and tomorrow. So there’s no shortage of challenges!

You will be joining the Energy Transition Programme: a close-knit team of dedicated professionals. Organisationally, you will be part of the PPIM department (Projects, Programmes and Interim Management). Here, project leaders work day in, day out on a wide range of projects across various municipal sectors. Alongside you, there are also programme managers, interim managers, development managers, planners, strategic advisers and project support staff. The Centre of Expertise for Project-Based Working supports the entire organisation in ensuring that project-based working is embedded throughout. The whole department, including a flexible workforce, comprises around 115 colleagues.

As an environmental manager, you’ll work in an environment where social challenges, political and administrative interests, and collaboration with residents and partners all come together. What sets us apart? A deep commitment to the city and to one another. At Apeldoorn City Council, you’ll be working not only on the development of our city, but also on your own personal development. We’re a learning organisation, with plenty of opportunities for training and growth. You won’t often find a closed door here; instead, you’ll find helpful and innovative colleagues.

Here’s what we offer you

• A 36-hour-a-week role;
• A gross monthly salary of up to €6,422 (scale 11) based on a 36-hour week. Salary will be determined based on your experience;
• An Individual Choice Budget (IKB) of 17,45% on top of your salary. You can use this, for example, for:
• Extra income by having it paid out.
• Buying extra holiday hours.
• A good work-life balance, with the option to save up leave and flexible working hours;
• A range of opportunities in the field of learning and development;
• 201.6 holiday hours based on a 36-hour week;
• An attractive pension scheme;
• It’s a lovely setting, as our townhouse has been beautifully modernised and fitted out to support flexible working;
• Can you work (partly) from home in your role? If so, you will receive a home-working allowance;
• Do you travel to work by public transport? If so, you’ll be fully reimbursed. Do you travel by car, bike or on foot? If so, you’ll receive an allowance for this.

Things to bring with you

• A relevant degree at, at least, higher professional education (HBO) or university (WO) level;
• Extensive and demonstrable work experience (>5 years) as an environmental manager is required for this role. You may have gained this experience whilst working for a government body and/or a development or implementation organisation;
• You have gained experience in the energy transition and participatory processes;
• You have a sound basic understanding of building insulation and sustainability measures, and you are familiar with the relevant (planning) procedures and grants;
• You have a good understanding of what it’s like to work within a local authority organisation;
• Empathy; you have a keen sense of the dynamics at play and a healthy dose of resolve when it comes to defending interests.

Fancy applying?
You can apply until 10 August. Do you have any questions about the vacancy, or would you like to pop in for a coffee first? If so, please contact Marjolein Tillema, Environmental Manager, at m.tillema@apeldoorn.nl or 06-289 187 77.

The interviews are scheduled for the morning of Monday 24 August. 

Everyone’s taking part
Apeldoorn City Council is an inclusive organisation. We firmly believe that a diverse organisation enables us to be better prepared for developments in society. As well as your talents and qualities, you also bring your background and preferences with you. You’re welcome here! 

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this vacancy.