Overview

Are you concerned about how climate change will affect frontline communities? Join the Alameda County Office of Sustainability team to support local community resilience. As a Climate Resilience Associate, you will use your research and communications skills to engage strategic partners from the County’s 20 agencies in preparing our crucial social safety net programs for the impacts of climate change.

Responsibilities

1) You will contribute to implementation of the county’s Climate Action Plan for Government Services and Operations, including convening internal partners to support the resilience and health of the Alameda County community, such as through engagement of community-based organizations or development of protective actions materials for smoke and heat.

2) You will gather information to support the adaptation of County services to a changing climate. Your research will help determine which resilience efforts are best suited to Alameda County and how we can effectively approach this new challenge. You will look at climate change’s health impacts (such as extreme heat) on Alameda County residents, particularly those frontline communities most affected. You will coordinate with internal and external partners to identify potential strategies, share best practices, and support implementation.

3) You will develop communications and outreach materials to promote climate action in the workplace and convey ways to prepare and respond to the effects of climate change. You will create written web content, infographics, case studies, videos, or trainings to engage employees, County decision-makers, members of the public, and other jurisdictions and organizations, on topics ranging from climate resilience to green purchasing. You will be trained in and practice applying proven approaches for environmental behavior change, such as social marketing, to develop effective messages.

4) You will contribute to educating agency staff on opportunities to reduce the environmental footprint or climate vulnerabilities of County business operations or supply chain. This includes supporting the County’s award-winning sustainable purchasing efforts by assisting with research, analysis, or education on green purchasing decisions. Research projects may include supporting social service and healthcare vendors that work with the County to learn about operational decisions that support sustainability, cost savings, health, and climate resilience.

The position will provide significant opportunities to develop professionally, including:

• Managing projects, including setting goals, identifying stakeholders and audiences, developing work products on time, and evaluating achievement of goals;
• Developing compelling written communications for email, web, and print;
• Conducting qualitative research using primary and secondary sources and sharing your findings;
• Synthesizing technical information into a format suitable for a general audience;
• Customizing communications messages and delivery to best engage and influence your audience;
• Building relationships with internal partners in the County’s 20 agencies;
• Gaining access to state and national sustainability and resilience networks;
• Applying behavior change best practices to encourage climate-friendly choices; and
• Working independently towards goals and outcomes that are developed as a team.

All fellows at Alameda County are able to work with other fellows placed at Alameda County and participate in our award-winning series of fellow trainings and workshops.

Desired Qualifications

• Interest in the resilience of infrastructure, government operations, and communities to climate impacts such as wildfire smoke, heat waves, and extreme weather;
• Ability to clearly present complex information in writing and verbally, tailored to the audience;
• Ability to listen for and understand partners and stakeholders’ different interests;
• Experience with primary and secondary research;
• Ability to synthesize data to draw conclusions;
• Experience with marketing and outreach;
• Collaborative and positive approach;
• Organization skills to track deliverables on multiple projects;
• Flexibility to adjust work efforts to take advantage of unexpected opportunities;
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite;
• Self-motivation while working remotely; and
• Comfort collaborating with remote team members.

We are operating as a primarily remote team. If you prefer to work in the office, a desk will be available. When there are in-person meetings/events/visits, you will be notified in advance.

We encourage anyone who is interested in this position and who meets some of the qualifications to apply, even if they do not meet all of them. We recognize that a unique perspective and background can enhance a role when many, if not all, of the listed qualifications are met.

**If you would need to relocate for this position, please note that you need to be in the state you are relocating to no less than 10 business days before the start of the fellowship.**

Benefits

• End-of-program financial award.
• This position offers up to $500 of training and travel reimbursement. (Site supervisor & SEI approval required for reimbursement.)
• Healthcare coverage with 100% of healthcare insurance premiums covered by the employer.
• Access to a national Member Assistance Program, which includes financial and legal assistance, medical advocacy, and counseling services.
• Professional and Personal Development Training
• Career-readiness training in interview preparation, salary negotiation, and developing a professional resume and cover letter.
• Attending panels, workshops, and presentations by climate resilience industry professionals.
• Professional networking opportunities.

About Climate Corps

Climate Corps, a program of SEI, is an award-winning fellowship program that provides professional development opportunities for emerging leaders through the implementation of sustainability and resiliency projects with local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses. To see a full list of climate, energy, and sustainability positions posted by Climate Corps, please visit here: https://jobs.climatecorps.org/listings. We are constantly adding positions, so make sure to frequently check this site to see if there are new opportunities available.

SEI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity. We believe that a wide array of perspectives contributes to creative climate solutions where all communities thrive. We strive to reflect diverse communities, especially those most impacted by climate change and other kinds of environmental, social, and economic injustices. Persons of color, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply. A commitment to work and learn within an anti-oppression framework is required. https://www.seiinc.org/dei.html