Job Opening
Economic Analyst / California Sea Grant Offshore Wind
Extension Specialist

First consideration will be given to applications submitted by Friday,
November 17, 2023 at 4 pm (Pacific). The position will be open until filled.

The Schatz Energy Research Center at Cal Poly Humboldt seeks an experienced
professional to join our offshore wind team as an Economic Analyst / Offshore Wind
Extension Specialist.

The anticipated start date for the position is on or near January 2, 2024. The exact
start date is negotiable. The position is based at the Schatz Energy Research Center, in
Arcata, CA. We work in a hybrid environment that supports flexibility and connection.
Our team members currently have the option to work onsite all the time or alternate
between working remotely and at least 25% onsite at the Schatz Center. During the
initial onboarding period, the selected candidate could telecommute, but ultimately
will need to live within commuting distance of the Schatz Center.

We welcome applications from everyone who is legally eligible to work in the United
States.

Who we are and what we do
Since 1989, the Schatz Center has been a leader in
applied research and project development for clean
and renewable energy. Our current portfolio includes
offshore wind research and analysis, renewable energy
microgrid development, sustainable transportation
design, carbon life cycle analysis, solar product testing,
and planning and policy for clean energy access around
the globe.

We are located on the campus of Cal Poly Humboldt in
Arcata, California. Arcata’s 800-acre community forest
and 11 miles of trails begin one block away — and we
are within biking distance of California’s second largest
inland bay and the Pacific Ocean.

As residents of a rural coastal community, we are keenly
aware of our social and environmental responsibilities.
We are committed to increasing energy access and
resilience for communities worldwide — and do so
through clean and renewable design that reduces
climate change and restores environmental and human
health.

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Our organizational commitments

Our vision

The Schatz Center envisions a healthy planet with thriving, equitable, resilient communities powered by clean energy.

Our purpose

Our team is committed to addressing climate change and improving human and ecosystem health through work that
supports clean energy, climate-resilience, equity, and justice. Our work includes:

• Research and development – we do applied research focused on energy and environmental issues.

• Technology deployment – we design, integrate, build, test, and operate innovative, renewable, and resilient

• Collaboration – we work with public and private partners including Tribal Nations, communities, agencies,

• Education and Training – we support learning

Our values

• Kindness: Treating people and the planet with

• Integrity: Approaching one another and our

• Equity, diversity, and inclusion: Providing a nourishing and rewarding environment for Center staff, students, and

• Justice: Working to advance racial justice, gender equality and women’s empowerment, LGBTQIA rights,

• Teamwork and collaboration: Supporting internal and external community building and engagement to create

• Effectiveness: Using our technical, scientific, and policy expertise to do good work that makes a difference.

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Job summary
The Economist Analyst / Offshore Wind Extension Specialist will engage in analysis of economic development and job
creation opportunities and carry out extension-oriented activities related to offshore wind development in Northern
California. The position is affiliated with California Sea Grant and is based at the Schatz Energy Research Center (Schatz
Center) at Cal Poly Humboldt. The position will report to the Schatz Center Director (Dr. Arne Jacobson) and will engage
regularly with Dr. Laurie Richmond, a Sea Grant Extension Specialist and Associate Professor in the Environmental
Science and Management department at Cal Poly Humboldt.

The Schatz Center has a dynamic, multi-disciplinary portfolio of offshore wind-related activities, with over 30 publications
during the past four years related to the potential for offshore wind development along the U.S. Pacific Coast. The Center
works closely with federal, state, Tribal, and local government agencies, and it also engages actively with a variety of
companies and organizations relevant to offshore wind.

The Schatz Center is based in the Humboldt Bay region of coastal northwestern California, and the area is well-positioned
to become a hub for U.S. Pacific Coast offshore wind development. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
held a lease auction in December 2022 that included the Humboldt Wind Energy Area, a 206 square mile area located
20 miles offshore from Humboldt Bay that could include floating wind farms on the order of 1.6 to 1.8 GW of installed
capacity. Additional wind areas may be identified and leased in northwestern California and southern Oregon over the
coming years, potentially enabling installation of over 10 GW of wind generation capacity in the region over the coming
decades.

This growth has potential to contribute to economic
development and job creation in the region, but the degree of
economic benefit is dependent on the ability of the region to
develop supply chain business activities and to build workforce
capacity for specialized jobs relevant to floating offshore wind
and associated infrastructure development (e.g. ports and
electric transmission). The proposed position would engage in
extension-oriented outreach activities and analysis aimed at
identifying, assessing, and prioritizing economic development
and workforce capacity building opportunities in northwestern
California. A goal of the position is to support creation of a
regional economic development strategy for offshore wind that is
inclusive of historically marginalized populations.

As a member of the California Sea Grant (CASG) Extension
Team, the position will help CASG achieve its mission to provide
the information, tools, training and relationships needed to
help California conserve and sustainably prosper from our
coastal and marine environments. Members of CASG Extension
work independently and together as part of a team located
at universities throughout California. The role of an Extension
team member is to engage and build relationships with coastal
communities, key partners, and community members to address
California-based coastal and marine issues and opportunities
using research, community engagement, and education to
develop, disseminate, and, when appropriate, put into action,
science-based information.

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Core Functions

• Conduct analysis and engage in research related to economic and workforce development related to offshore

• Carry out extension-oriented activities related to offshore wind in northwestern California, with a focus on

• Participate in statewide California Sea Grant activities. (15%)
• Other duties as assigned. (15%)

(Note: The percentages are intended to be indicative, and actual time spent in the listed activity areas may vary over
time as needed.)

Initial responsibilities for this position

Economic and workforce development analysis
• Collect information / data and conduct analysis relevant to economic development, supply chain, and

workforce development opportunities relevant to offshore wind energy in Northern California. This will include
identification, assessment, and prioritization of opportunities.

• Engage with relevant regional, state, and national constituents to gather information and hear perspectives

• Share results of analysis with relevant constituents through meetings and through preparation and delivery of

• Collaborate with colleagues at the Schatz Center and others at Cal Poly Humboldt and in the northwestern

• Engage with networks outside the northwestern California region on topics related to offshore wind and

Offshore wind extension activities
• Determine the needs of coastal and marine resource users by consulting with individuals, groups, government

and inform community partners, industry, academics and agency staff from local, regional, state, national and
international stakeholders.

• Develop collaborations and obtain extramural funding to design and implement projects with clear outcomes

• Produce high-quality products, such as educational workshops, multimedia materials, technical publications, and

• Represent California Sea Grant and the Schatz Center at events and meetings.

Statewide California Sea Grant activities
• Connect the California North Coast region with relevant activities and efforts from other regions, and share

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• Participate in National Sea Grant Network events and activities, as appropriate.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications

Education and Experience
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
This qualification can be met by education, training, and/or experience equal to a Master’s degree in a relevant field
(e.g., economics, public policy, or similar) plus at least two years of related professional experience. Note: Experience
equal to a master’s degree in a relevant field and two years of related professional experience could, for example, be
obtained from a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and four years of related work experience. Candidates with a Ph.D.
in a relevant field meet the minimum education/experience requirements.

development opportunities and ability to apply these techniques/tools to analysis related to offshore wind and
associated infrastructure development (e.g., wind farms, ports, electric transmission infrastructure).

• Ability and interest to develop and maintain professional relationships and networks.
• Interest and ability to engage with a variety of community members and constituencies, including regionally-

based businesses, offshore wind companies, Tribal Nations, local government agencies, state and federal
government agencies, community organizations, and others.

• Demonstrated excellence in communication (written and verbal), presentation, and listening skills for various

• Interest and motivation to develop knowledge related to policy and regulatory processes related to offshore

• Demonstrated ability and interest to work collaboratively with others to carry out research, analysis, and

• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, manage, and implement a project and/or outreach program, including

• Commitment to promoting and supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace and with

Desirable education, training, or experience
The following are welcome, but are not required to be eligible for this position.

• Ph.D. or another similar terminal degree in a relevant field.
• In-depth knowledge of policy and regulatory processes related to offshore wind energy and associated

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Important note:

This vacancy announcement includes both (a) minimum qualifications as well as (b) desirable experience or training.
Research shows that many women and people of color, in particular, feel that they have to have 100% of both required
and desired skills and experience before applying for a new job. We want to reiterate that any listed desirable experience
or training is not required to apply for a position on our team. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have the
passion for the work, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation and term

This is a full time exempt position with a minimum term of three years. Employee continuation is anticipated, contingent
on funding, workload, and performance. The monthly salary range is between $6,201 and $7,179, depending on skills
and experience. Cost of living adjustments are made annually in July.

Advancement

Advancement in step may occur no less frequently than every two years and is based on employee performance. Step
raises outside this interval may also be granted for employee achievements such as professional licensure or completing
a graduate degree. Advancement in category is based on criteria including experience, a strong performance record, and
an increase in responsibility.

Insurance

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance are available for employees and dependents.

Paid time off

Paid leave is also provided for voting and jury duty, and programs are available for pregnancy, disability, and family
medical leave.

Retirement

Beginning at one year of service, employer contributions of 10% of employee gross wages are made to a 403(b)
employer-paid retirement investment plan.

Additional benefit information

For additional information on leave accruals, insurance, and other benefits, view the Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored
Programs Personnel Manual at: https://research.humboldt.edu/responsibilities-compliance/research-and-institutional-
policies.

Please note that this is not a California State University position.

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How to apply

Deadline

First consideration will be given to applications submitted by 4 pm Pacific Time (US) on
November 17, 2023. The position will be open until filled.

Materials

Applicants must submit the following via email to schatzenergy@humboldt.edu:

• A formal letter of application (2 page maximum preferred). In your letter, please explain why you are interested

• A resume (3 pages is preferred, but we encourage you to include all relevant and transferable experience and

• A Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored Programs Foundation Employee Information Form for Applicants: https://forms.

Please include in your email how you learned about this vacancy.

Additional materials may be required from candidates invited to interview.

Affirmative action & equal opportunity

The Schatz Center is a part of the Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored Programs Foundation (SPF), an Affirmative Action/Equal
Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national
origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical
condition, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

More information about SPF’s Equal Employment
Opportunity hiring can be found at: https://research.
humboldt.edu/employment/hiring.

Questions and inquiries

For assistance with the application process, please
submit an Accommodation Request Form or call the
Compliance Support Coordinator at (707) 826-5169.
https://forms.humboldt.edu/spf-accomodation-request-
form

Learn more about our employment opportunities at
schatzcenter.org/jobs.

For additional information, please email schatzenergy@
humboldt.edu or call (707) 826-4345.

SCHATZ ENERGY RESEARCH CENTER at Cal Poly Humboldt
1 Harpst Street, Arcata, CA 95521 | 707-826-4345 | schatzenergy@humboldt.edu

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