North Coast Region

Regional Electric and Fuel Cell Vehicles

Organization: Redwood Coast Energy Authority
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The North Coast Plug-in Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan Implementation Project focuses on preparing the region for increased electric vehicle utilization by engaging with regional municipalities and other industry stakeholders to develop streamlined charging station installation processes. The fellow will contribute to the Fuel Cell Vehicle Readiness Project with tasks including research and analysis to inform an Infrastructure Plan, assessment of the region for potential fueling locations, and engagement with fleets and distributors to promote future fuel cell vehicle use.

Prop 39 Energy Management, Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Generation

Organization: Redwood Coast Energy Authority
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The California Clean Jobs Act (Proposition 39) provides funding for energy efficiency and generation projects in the school sector across California. RCEA is supporting Humboldt County School’s Proposition 39 implementation efforts and the fellow will provide support to project managers to plan, manage and implement funded energy projects. The fellow will perform and support tasks such as collecting and analyzing utility data, the competitive bidding process, rebate/incentive disbursement support, reporting, as well as additional tasks that may be assigned based on the fellows knowledge, skills and abilities.

Redwood Community Energy Program

Organization: Redwood Coast Energy Authority
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: A Community Choice Energy (CCE) program has been identified as a potentially critical mechanism to enable the implementation of the RePower Humboldt Strategic Plan and as a way to benefit the community by maximizing the use of local renewable resources, providing competitive electricity rates, and supporting local economic development. The fellow will assist with program elements including community engagement, marketing and outreach, as well as regulatory compliance, and legislative analysis.

Sierra Nevada Region

Sierra Climate Planning and CAMP

Organization: Sierra Business Council
Openings: 0 of 2
Project Description: The Sierra Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Partnership (CAMP) is a public-private, cross-sector partnership that works to promote climate adaptation and mitigation strategies throughout the Sierra Nevada region. The fellows will engage with Sierra leaders in government, business, academia, and community groups to share best practices, identify critical needs & strategies that benefit a broad range of local and downstream constituencies, and conduct research, education, and outreach around regional-specific local climate change adaptation strategies. The fellows will also broadly support Climate/Energy Action Planning, Water/Energy Nexus projects, drought related research, and climate risk analysis for local governments within the region.

Water Supply and Water Quality Challenges in the Yuba and Bear River Watersheds

Organization: South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL)
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The South Yuba River Citizen League (SYRCL) is a non-profit that engages the community to protect and restore the Yuba River and fosters regional and statewide coalitions to address complex issues related to water quality and watershed health. The fellow will support urgent water supply and water quality initiatives in the Yuba River, primarily by conducting research and cost-benefit analysis related to a major new dam proposal in the region. The fellow will also assist in the review and update of the South Yuba River Comprehensive Management Plan and develop research-based educational materials and conduct public outreach related to other watershed issues.

Sacramento Region

Chico Community Sustainability Challenge

Organization: City of Chico
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: Both the City of Chico’s CAP and General Plan include actions that call for public engagement and education, as well as a community challenge. These actions are focused on a variety of sustainability fronts, including reduced energy use, alternative transportation options, and reduced water consumption. The fellow, along with the city’s community partners, will lead the development of a comprehensive community “challenge” program that integrates the similarly-themed CAP and General Plan Actions. The outreach program would inform and inspire the Chico community about the need to reduce GHG emissions and foster a sense of involvement in and ownership of climate action and adaptation.

SMAQMD Climate Projects

Organization: Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD)
Openings: 0 of 2
Project Description: The mission of SMAQMD is to achieve clean air and protect public health and the environment. Two CivicSpark fellows will be assisting the Air District on various climate projects, one of which will be the Organic Waste to Fuel project, where the fellows will support the goals of this effort, which are to increase renewable energy generation from food waste and biomass in Sacramento. Another project will be the Home Energy Conservation Program, which is run by SMAQMD and Rebuilding Together, and provides no-cost Tier 1 energy efficiency retrofits for low-income homeowners. The fellows will work with Rebuilding Together staff to support on-going efforts to increase program participation, through outreaching to and building relationships with local community organizations, health groups, city governments, and more. The fellows will also assist with climate action planning in Sacramento County, where fellows will provide research, information, and guidance to cities on the benefits of climate action planning for climate mitigation and adaptation. In conjunction with these projects, fellows may also help with developing a regional joint-purchase contract for telematics. The 2015-2016 CivicSpark fellows worked with public fleet managers and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) to put together a request for proposals for developing a region-wide joint-purchase agreement for telematics, a class of on-vehicle tracking software that can help reduce vehicle fuel sue and improve driving behavior. There will be a small amount of work to complete the development and adoption of the joint-purchase agreement, as well as to continue the working group meetings and support continued adoption of telematics software by local fleets.

California High Speed Rail Program

Organization: California High Speed Rail Authority
Openings: 0 of 2
Project Description: The California High-Speed Rail Authority is responsible for the planning, designing, building and operation of the first high-speed rail system in the nation. By 2029, the California high-speed rail will connect the mega-regions of the state, running from San Francisco to the Los Angeles basin in under three hours at speeds capable of over 200 miles per hour. One fellow will be placed in San Jose and the other in Sacramento, and will focus on supporting the station area planning process in each of these with a specific lens of incorporating climate readiness, energy efficiency, and relevant climate issues into the local jurisdiction station area plans. This work could include being engaged and incorporating climate adaptation or other climate planning into wider jurisdiction planning efforts to incorporate climate preparedness into local planning efforts.

San Francisco Bay Area Region

RecycleSmart Initiatives

Organization: Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description:RecycleSmart is dedicated to developing and delivering high quality, cost effective solid waste reduction, recycling, and reuse programs that provide and promote sustainability in cities throughout Contra Costa County. The fellow will implement recycling and diversion programs to reduce waste and work towards reaching the goal of recycling 75% of communities’ waste streams. The fellow will determine recycling needs and develop plans and actions for service enhancements and develop tracking methods by developing new, creative ideas to increase participation and directly engaging with community members and businesses.

Antioch CAP Update and Implementation and Pittsburg Community Climate and Energy Support

Organization: City of Antioch and City of Pittsburg
Openings: 0 of 1
The fellow will be shared between the cities of Antioch and Pittsburg.
Project Description: The City of Antioch‘s Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) was originally adopted in 2011. A review and update of the CCAP is needed to provide the City with the framework and prioritization of programs to implement. The fellow’s focus will be on evaluating current programs and projects and determining what further measures will need to be implemented to achieve the GHG reduction goals. In addition to the CCAP update, the fellow will develop and implement a municipal vehicle policy and an environmental purchasing policy.

The City of Pittsburg Pittsburg joined Contra Costa County and its neighboring cities to form the Contra Costa County Climate Leaders program and has been developing its local Climate Action program since 2007. The fellow will work on the Multi-family Energy & Solid Waste Assessment by continuing the work done by the 2015-16 fellow, including assisting in completing contact with energy information to small businesses and multi-family facilities and workshops. They will also reach out to schools, participate in the Sustainability Committee, and assist with implementation of the Idle Free program. The fellow will also work on gathering data to update the GHG inventory, assist with updating the City’s website, and take part in the committees.

El Cerrito CAP and GHG Re-Inventory

Organization: City of El Cerrito
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The East Bay Energy Watch (EBEW) Partnership is a local government partnership between PG&E and Alameda and Contra Coast Counties. The fellow will work with the Partnership to create a Strategic Energy Plan for the City. They will also work closely with the City’s Operations & Environmental Services Manager to help implement several energy efficiency projects, and develop and complete the City’s first CAP Re-Inventory and Implementation Report. As part of this project, the fellow will also collect, analyze, and assemble data to develop a Re-Inventory of the City’s GHG emissions compared to the CAP baseline.

Clean and Zero Net Energy Policy Development

Organization: City of Oakland
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The City of Oakland project is focused on building the City’s capacity for and implementation of clean and zero net energy policies, in support of Oakland’s ambitious climate goals.  The City’s 2020 target includes reducing annual electricity consumption by 32% and building 62 million kWh of new renewable energy. In service of those goals, the fellow’s work will be divided into four components: (1) Building the electric vehicle infrastructure through information, training, strategic program engagement, and policy development; (2) Pursuing zero net energy results for municipal buildings through planning, analysis, procurement, policy development, and staff training; (3) Seeking pathways to zero net energy throughout the community by pursuing innovative public-private partnerships to promote innovative technologies and applications in private buildings; and (4) Promoting building benchmarking and energy efficiency in both public and private buildings through mandatory benchmarking and/or related policies, advancing the reach effectiveness of EBEW services, and development/implementation of strategic plans in coordination with external funders and partners.

City of Walnut Creek and City of Martinez CAP Implementation

Organization: City of Walnut Creek and City of Martinez
Openings: 0 of 1
The fellow will be shared between the cities of Walnut Creek and Martinez.
Project Description: The City of Walnut Creek approved its first Climate Action Plan in 2012, which aims to reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by the year 2020. The fellow will assist in implementing the city’s CAP by compiling data and tracking greenhouse gas reductions using Excel; developing strategic energy efficiency outreach plans for key community sectors, especially for the business sector; participating in East Bay Energy Watch (EBEW) subcommittees and supporting strategic planning; and assisting in outreach and activities to increase the use of renewable energy.

The City of Martinez’s Climate Action Plan was adopted in June 2009. The fellow would assist by working on a number of deliverables which directly correlate to the implementation of the CAP, such as: completing an updated emissions inventory for both the Community and Municipality; working with City staff to evaluate options for selection, procurement, and financing of the new HVAC system at City Hall/Police Department; and provide public outreach services to promote City sustainability programs and East Bay Energy Watch (EBEW) initiatives.

Emeryville Energy, Sustainability, and Climate Action and Albany Energy Ordinance Implementation and Climate Adaptation

Organizations: City of Emeryville and City of Albany
Openings: 0 of 1
The fellow will be shared between the cities of Emeryville and Albany.
Project Description: The City of Emeryville has various projects in development due to their new 2030-2050 CAP measures and Strategic Energy Plan. The fellow may assist the city in tasks that include implementing outreach efforts for soon-to-be updated PACE programs, assisting with resident and business outreach and education on a Community Choice Energy program, work with PG&E on an anticipated EV Charging program, participating in Urban Sustainability Directors’ Network group calls, helping re-start the municipal operations Green Team with a focus on implementing a workable Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program, and tracking and maintaining GHG data on ICLEI’s ClearPath software.

The City of Albany is embarking on several exciting projects, including: the adoption of a Building Energy Assessment & Disclosure Ordinance (BEADO), similar to Berkeley’s BESO; drafting adaptation language for Hazard Mitigation Plans, Climate Action Plans, and General Plans; participating in the school district’s Sustainability Committee, which is a sub-committee of the School Board to review sustainability plans; and GHG emission tracking, among other projects. The fellow would assist in several of these projects by attending meetings, researching information, implementing projects, and tracking the city’s progress.

Climate Action in Piedmont

Organization: City of Piedmont
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The City of Piedmont’s 2015-16 fellow has been completing various milestones as outlined in and in support of the City’s CAP. The 2016-17 fellow will continue with this work and develop a new Climate Action Plan that takes Piedmont beyond the year 2020. Those milestones include, but are not limited to: 1) The implementation of a the Building Energy Savings Ordinance (BESO) developed in 2016; 2) Drafting updated actions, goals, and targets for the City’s CAP v2; 3) Based on the results of the CAP review and update, the development of a list of measures the fellow could implement during their term with the City; 5) Assist with future GHG inventories and requirements of the Compact of Mayors; and 6) Assist with the expansion of recycling and composting programs with the City’s vendors, schools, and other opportunities. The fellow’s role will be to assist City staff in these efforts, taking on increased responsibility as deemed appropriate. The role will include research in the field and at the desk, the use of computer software, collaboration with other City staff and related agencies, and community-based outreach.

Energy and Zero Waste Initiatives

Organization: City of Richmond
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The City of Richmond’s CAP builds on the Health in All Policies (HiAP) framework and the City’s General Plan, and provides a vision for green businesses, healthy homes, sustainable schools, active transportation, and community resilience. The fellow will focus on the implementation of multiple sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency initiatives through partnership with the East Bay Energy Watch (EBEW), and zero waste initiatives identified by the City’s recycling goals within the CAP. The fellow will play a critical role in developing outreach materials, engaging community members and businesses, community meeting facilitation, and program enrollment.

BESO Outreach and Assistance

Organization: City of Berkeley
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The City of Berkeley’s Building Energy Saving Ordinance (BESO), which became effective in December of 2015, requires Berkeley building owners to complete energy efficiency opportunity assessments with the goal of helping building owners save energy and motivate them to participate in whole-building energy efficiency programs. BESO requires a Home Energy Score prior to the sale of a house or whole building. The fellow will provide the City’s Office of Energy and Sustainable Development with BESO outreach and implementation assistance. They will manage the help desk – phones and emails – and give presentations to members of the public and strategic partners such as realtors and energy assessment providers. They will also assist with the transition to an on-line system using a new software and develop training materials to teach customers and service providers how to use the new on-line system via in-person presentations and webinars.

San Leandro CAP Implementation

Organization: City of San Leandro
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The City of San Leandro adopted a Climate Action Plan in December 2009. Since then, they have implemented and monitored the CAP plan only sporadically. The City will assign for the first time a dedicated staff position for energy and sustainability work, and the fellow will assist them in tasks that include the update of the CAP, monitoring of a municipal energy and water efficiency program, management of a $1.5M grant from the California Energy Commission on the installation of a microgrid on public and private properties with partners in the private sector and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Hayward CAP Implementation 

Organization: City of Hayward
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The City of Hayward’s current 2015-16 fellow has been assisting in the implementation of their Climate Action Plan. This year’s fellow will assist in GHG tracking by formalizing outreach efforts and creating an internal department-wide marketing plan that fully engages the capacity of the city’s website and platforms. The fellow will fully utilize ClearPath’s forecasting and reporting functions and integrate current CAP implementation programs to estimate GHG savings for each program. This will also help the City evaluate potential programs to reach 2050 GHG reduction targets.

Climate Change and Health Equity Capacity Building for Local Health Departments 

Organization: California Department of Public Health – Office of Health Equity
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The CalBRACE (Building Resilience Against Climate Effects) project has many goals, including to prepare California for adaptation to climate change and reduce the risk of adverse health consequences of climate change, to identify adaptation strategies that have health co-benefits, among others. CalBRACE is implementing an adaption planning process that utilizes the BRACE Framework developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The fellow will play a key role in communicating and providing technical assistance to local county and city health departments, and developing and disseminating materials to increase capacity of local health departments in California to support objectives of the CalBRACE Project and the Climate Change and Health Equity Program. This will fit into the CalBRACE adaptation planning and resilience project.

Fremont Climate and Energy Initiatives and Union City Climate Adaptation Strategy 

Organizations: City of Fremont and City of Union City
Openings: 0 of 1
The fellow will be shared between the cities of Fremont and Union City.
Project Description: The City of Fremont launched an online residential climate action engagement platform called the Fremont Green Challenge on Earth Day 2016. The fellow will be responsible for conducting marketing, education, and outreach to encourage residents to sign up and engage with the platform. The fellow will also help to produce resource and action content, highlight case studies, monitor discussion forums, and promote/host community events related to the Fremont Green Challenge initiative. The fellow will also assist in the gathering and reporting of data for the City’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory Update for the year 2015. The update will be completed through use of the ICLEI ClearPath Tool and will be reported for compliance with the Compact of Mayors. In late 2016 into early 2017, City of Fremont will complete a comprehensive energy and water upgrade of its facilities. The fellow will utilize EPA Portfolio Manager and/or another building management platform to track pre and post upgrade energy and water consumption of City facilities and ensure projected savings are being achieved.

The City of Union City is currently updating its General Plan and will begin an update of its Climate Action Plan in early 2017.  The fellow will assist in preparing goals, policies, and implementation programs for an “Adaptation Strategy” that would be included in the final version of the General Plan and also within the CAP.  The City has research that can be used to identify potential impacts for Union City from sea level rise. The fellow will research and assess feasible solutions with a clear implementation framework.  As part of the CAP update, the fellow will prepare a 2015 GHG inventory.

Energy Efficiency and Solid Waste/Recycling Programs 

Organization: County of Contra Costa, Department of Conservation and Development
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: On December 15, 2015, the County’s Climate Action Plan was approved by the Board of Supervisors. The Climate Action Plan identifies specific measures on how the County can achieve a GHG reduction target of 15% below baseline levels by the year 2020. The CivicSpark fellow will assist with community outreach and education about energy efficiency and waste reduction/recycling programs within the County to support the implementation of the County’s Community-wide Climate Action Plan.

Green Business Program

Organization: SF Environment
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The San Francisco Green Business Program assists, recognizes, and promotes local companies that volunteer to operate in a more environmentally responsible way. Certification is offered after a business meets program requirements for energy, water, waste, and pollution prevention. The fellow’s primary tasks will include performing environmental assessments, corresponding with interested businesses, conducting research, writing newsletter articles, and speaking to industry groups. The fellow will have the opportunity for innovation, from improving and expanding program checklists to proposing independent or collaborative initiatives.

County of Sonoma, General Services Department, Energy and Sustainability Division

Organization: County of Sonoma, General Services Department, Energy and Sustainability Division
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The Energy and Sustainability Division of the County of Sonoma promotes and delivers solutions necessary to mitigate environmental impacts and prepare for climate change. The fellow will work on three projects: 1) Sonoma Green Business Program, 2) Sonoma County Energy Independence Office, and 3) One Day Clean Commute Campaign. The Sonoma Green Business Program assists, recognizes, and promotes local small to medium-sized companies that volunteer to operate in a more environmentally responsible way. The fellow’s tasks will include performing environmental assessments, corresponding with interested businesses, conducting research, writing newsletter articles, and speaking to industry groups. This position offers the opportunity for innovation, from improving and expanding program checklists to proposing independent or collaborative initiatives.

The Sonoma County Energy Independence Office serves county residents and businesses as a central clearinghouse of information about energy efficiency, water conservation, and renewable energy generation. Key tasks may include but are not limited to working with the County’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program and PACE marketplace through organizing and participating in community outreach events and tracking and reporting of the data collected by all participating PACE providers. The One Day Clean Commute campaign was created to motivate and inspire County employees to choose clean commute options rather than driving to work solo, with the goal of having all County employees use a clean commute method to get to work at least one day per week. The fellow will work on facilitating the annual employee Commute Survey, organizing a Bike To Work Day Energizer Station in May 2016 and a Clean Commuter appreciation event in Fall 2016, soliciting nominations for the County’s annual Bicycle Champion Award, among other tasks.

Community Garden Improvement and Water Education Program

Organization: Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD)
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The Marin Municipal Water District provides high-quality drinking water to central and southern Marin County. Seventy-five percent of MMWD’s water comes from protected watersheds on Mt. Tamalpais and the other twenty-five percent is imported from the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA). MMWD is committed to the statewide priority of increasing regional self-reliance and making conservation a California way of life. One fellow will support local gardeners and school children to improve water-use efficiency and watershed education across the region.

Numerous studies have shown that urban agriculture can contribute to social, health, economic, and ecological benefits. Through education, incentives and technical support the Community Garden Improvement Program will assist Marin’s food-producing community and school gardens to become as water efficient as possible. The fellow will assist in the onsite evaluation of gardens, track water use and work with local garden coordinators to see water-saving solutions implemented. Additionally, the fellow will support MMWD’s School Education Program to foster water conservation and environmental stewardship among local students. The fellow will lead classroom presentations and half-day field trips on Mt. Tamalpais, assist in developing new material and help in marketing the education program.

Fellow with a background knowledge of community organizing, gardening practices, and/or horticulture or soils would be beneficial. Experience working with or teaching elementary school aged children is desirable.

Proactive Leak Detection and Water Waste Reduction Program

Organization: Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD)
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The Marin Municipal Water District provides high-quality drinking water to central and southern Marin County. Seventy-five percent of MMWD’s water comes from protected watersheds on Mt. Tamalpais and the other twenty-five percent is imported from the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA). MMWD is committed to the statewide priority of increasing water use efficiency through implementation of the Proactive Leak Detection Program and the Water Waste Reduction Program. The fellow will serve as integral support staff in expanding these programs to achieve greater reach in the community.

Every year millions of gallons of water are lost to leaks in Marin County. During a pilot program, Conservation staff analyzed the water use patterns of local customers and as a result, could reliably predict which properties had severe leaks. The fellow will assist in expanding this program through water use analysis, leak verification site visits and customer notification. Additionally, the fellow will support MMWD’s Water Waste Reduction Program to improve response to customers reporting water waste and support interdepartmental communication. The fellow will investigate water waste reports through GIS analysis, water use records, and site visits and identify the responsible parties, notify them of the potential water waste issues and assist in their resolution.

Fellow with a background in the sciences, data analysis and statistics would be beneficial. Experience with GIS would also be helpful.

Bay Area Integrated Regional Water Management Plan: Disadvantaged Community Involvement Program

Organization: Environmental Justice Coalition for Water
Openings: 0 of 2
Project Description: The Environmental Justice Coalition for Water (EJCW) is a statewide coalition of grassroots groups and intermediary organizations building a collective, community-based movement for democratic water allocation, management, and policy in California. EJCW collaborates with other Bay Area stakeholders on the Bay Area Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP), a nine-county effort to coordinate and improve water supply and water quality, manage flood protection, maintain public health standards, protect watershed resources, and enhance the overall health of the Bay. EJCW and the San Fransisco Bay IRWMP are committed to the statewide priority of engaging Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) in sustainable watershed management, and increasing regional self-reliance and integrated water management across all levels. Fellows will support inter-agency collaboration and disadvantaged community engagement to build new partnerships and empower the most under-served communities to advocate for clean, safe, and affordable water.

Fellows will work with the Bay Area Program Coordinator and IRWMP Coordinating Committee to assess water-related needs in DACs and to engage in community outreach. This will include: writing letters to Agencies, NGOs, Tribes, and other appropriate community partners; inviting potential partners to participate in outreach efforts; regularly following up with partners via phone calls and emails. Fellows will also develop outreach materials and coordinate public meetings to engage communities in developing solutions to their water-related needs.

Fellows with background knowledge in water-related impacts of climate change, environmental justice organizing, and advocacy, sustainability practices, and/or traditional indigenous knowledges are strongly preferred (but not required). Spanish language preferred (but not required). Fellows ideally would have access to a vehicle but this is not a requirement. Experience with database development, and mapping is a plus.

Sustainable Groundwater Management

Organization: Clean Water Fund
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: Based in Washington, DC, the Clean Water Fund (CWF) operates locally staffed environmental and health protection programs serving communities in more than 15 states. In California, CWF has been in the forefront of promoting groundwater sustainability for more than a decade through its work in helping small communities access safe drinking water and through its efforts to ensure that the state’s agricultural sector implements practices that are protective of groundwater quality. CWF is committed to the statewide priority of expanding water storage capacity and improving groundwater management. The fellow will be improve regional collaboration and local understanding of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) by providing information and technical support to local residents, agencies and communities, and by communicating local issues to state agencies charged with oversight and regulation of SGMA.

Since its passage in 2014, Clean Water Fund has taken leadership in groundwater through its participation in the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). CWF moderates the NGO Groundwater Collaborative, a coalition of about 60 nonprofits, tribes and community groups that are engaged in local and or state-level implementation of SGMA. The fellow will help facilitate meetings among collaborative members and with state agencies, coordinate feedback on timely issues such as the development of regulations to implement SGMA, and provide technical assistance to local communities. The fellow will also work side-by-side with CWF’s groundwater program manager to track the progress of SGMA implementation in the state’s groundwater basins, identify and develop outreach opportunities, and develop materials and tools to improve local understanding of the importance of sustainable groundwater management.

ReThink Disposable Project

Organization: Clean Water Fund
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: Based in Washington, DC, the Clean Water Fund (CWF) operates locally staffed environmental and health protection programs serving communities in more than 15 states. CWF has a track record of educating the public about trash in California’s waterways, eliminating plastic pollution in inland and coastal waterways, and reducing single-use packaging and disposable products that impact water quality. CWF is committed to the statewide priority of making conservation a California way of life. The fellow will be supporting CWF’s ReThink Disposable program, a pollution prevention approach to a stormwater, marine debris, and solid waste problem.

Based on research CWF conducted with five local jurisdiction partners in 2011, ReThink Disposable learned that food and beverage packaging is the primary component of trash entering the Bay and polluting local creeks. The program focuses on reducing plastics and trash entering the Bay with a significant emphasis on food and beverage packaging. The Fellow will support the development and implementation of a new initiative in the ReThink Disposable program, titled “Creating an Unpackaged Community in the Bay Area.” ReThink Disposable will work within one local jurisdiction partner to create a model community where 10-25 percent of all food businesses are ReThink Disposable certified, where a significant number of corporate campuses have changed their model, and a handful of schools have transitioned to re-usable food-ware and inspired surrounding businesses to reduce their packaging. The Fellow will work closely with the Rethink Disposable team to achieve the goal of creating the first “model unpackaged community”.

Stormwater Resource Planning

Organization: Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA)
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) provides high-quality filtered Russian River drinking water, flood protection services, distribution of recycled water, recreational opportunities and wastewater treatment to nine cities and special districts in Marin and Sonoma counties. SCWA is committed to the statewide priority of increasing regional self‐reliance and integrated water management. Fellows will serve as integral support staff in developing plans for watershed based stormwater resource proposals. New state policy requires development of compliant Stormwater Resource Plans prior to implementation of stormwater or dry weather runoff capture projects. Plans will address water supply, water quality, pollutant loading, and groundwater recharge potential.

The Sonoma County Water Agency is developing Stormwater Resource Plans for three important watersheds: Petaluma River, Sonoma Creek, and Laguna-Mark West. Fellows will compile plans and information, assist in filling data gaps, develop and refine plan processes, support documentation and writing, bolster stakeholder and partner collaboration by scheduling and participating in meetings, and coordinate with administrative and technical team members. Fellows will support SCWA and its collaborators with wide exposure to quantitative methods, analysis, project prioritization, and community engagement.

Evaluating Effective Water-Use Efficiency Partnerships

Organization: Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA)
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) provides high-quality filtered Russian River drinking water, flood protection services, distribution of recycled water, recreational opportunities and wastewater treatment to nine cities and special districts in Marin and Sonoma counties. SCWA is committed to the statewide priority of increasing water use efficiency through implementation of the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership. Fellows will serve as integral support staff in quantifying the Partnership’s water savings.

The Partnership has been implementing a Water Smart Home Program for many years to promote the rebates available and to educate customers on how to find and fix leaks. The project will include reviewing pre- and post-water use data for a statistically significant number of participants to determine water savings. In addition, the project will look at participation in the turf rebate programs to determine if a clustering effect occurs within neighborhoods when a landscape is transformed to water efficient landscaping.

Central Valley Region

Community-Based Transportation and Land Use Solutions for DACs

Organization: Local Government Commission
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The Local Government Commission (LGC), who oversees the CivicSpark program, works to build livable and sustainable communities throughout the nation. This project aims to develop community-based equitable transportation and land use planning solutions to improve mobility, support economic development, and reduce GHGs in 3 disadvantaged communities (DACs) in the San Joaquin Valley: City of Fresno (focusing on transformation of a large strip commercial corridor), City of Sanger (revitalization of a small town in Fresno County), and Merced County (focusing on establishing a healthy, active town center in Winton, a rural unincorporated community). The fellow will assist in charrette-driven processes to produce plans for sustainable transportation, infill, and compact development. The fellow will also help organize and participate in intensive public participatory planning projects led by the LGC on behalf of the three jurisdictions, and assist with development of the resulting plans, which will include community-based visions and projects that are ready for pursuit of local, regional, state and federal funding sources for implementation.

Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) Program

Organization: Local Government Commission
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: As part of the California Energy Commission‘s EPIC Challenge: Accelerating the Deployment of Advanced Energy Communities program, the Local Government Commission is developing an Integrated Community Resource Market (ICRM) that includes a funding platform, a pipeline of projects, a resource verification toolkit, and a Fresno Master Community Design. The ICRM will be applied to Fresno’s Blackstone Corridor and downtown-specific plan areas to identify projects, funding, and a pathway towards becoming an Advanced Energy Community (AEC) by producing more projects with higher value and the capability to verify and report these accomplishments to various state agencies. The CivicSpark fellow will provide research, analysis, coordination, outreach and engagement support for all project tasks, including the development of the project pipeline, funding platform, verification toolkit, and Fresno Master Community Design, and all associated memos and reports. The fellow will work closely with all project partners, including the LGC, Tierra Resource Consultants, City of Fresno, Fresno Metro Ministries, and CALSTART. The fellow will gain exceptional experience working with a wide array of different types of organizations and stakeholders and developing critical project management and execution skills.

Accelerating EV Use in the Central Valley

Organization: CALSTART
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: CALSTART is dedicated to the growth of a clean transportation technologies industry that will clean the air, secure the nation’s transportation energy future, create high-quality economic opportunities, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The fellow will assist businesses in Fresno County with deployment of EV charging equipment through collaboration with the City of Fresno Business Energy Tune-up program and the San Joaquin Valley Air District.  The fellow will also assist Fresno County Rural Transit Agency with deployment of six electric transit buses and associated charging equipment, work with Visalia and Modesto Transit with the deployment of electric transit buses using lessons learned from experience with Fresno County Rural Transit, help collect data from thirteen EV ARC off-grid solar powered EWV chargers deployed in rural Fresno County cities, and provide research assistance for new advanced transportation technology projects to be deployed in the San Joaquin Valley.

Water-Energy Community Action Network, San Joaquin Valley (WE CAN – SJV)

Organization: Local Government Commission
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description:  The Local Government Commission aims to maintain adequate water supplies and water quality, and protect the beneficial uses of water, by working with local governments. For this project, a fellow will be working on two integrated LGC projects, both of which are designed to help local governments respond to California’s historic drought. The Employment Training Panel (ETP) Drought Response Training program will provide critical training and information for municipal employees to: a) reduce immediate water waste within agency operations, b) identify medium-term water use efficiency opportunities within each jurisdiction, and c) promote long-term technology adoption and management practices to increase water-use efficiency, stabilize water demand, and improve water supply reliability. The WE CAN – San Joaquin Valley project will help local jurisdictions meet their water use, energy use, and greenhouse gas reductions targets through incentives and financing options for residential water and energy efficiency upgrades. WE CAN will also provide training for local practitioners and general outreach to the community.

For the water related work, the fellows’ role will be to assist the project manager in developing training materials, recruiting trainees, coordinating training sessions, developing outreach materials and participating in community engagement opportunities, and verifying water and energy upgrade implementation. The fellow will work with the Regional Coordinator to identify key local contacts and opportunities for engagement. The fellow must have his/her own mode of transportation, and will be required to travel between the cities of Reedley, Clovis, and Fresno.

Central Coast Region

SLO Energy Watch Partnership: Energy Efficiency and Climate Program Support

Organization: County of San Luis Obispo
Openings: 0 of 2
Project Description: The San Luis Obispo County Energy Watch is a partnership between the County of San Luis Obispo, PG&E, Southern California Gas Company, and participating cities and Community Service Districts. Energy Watch is responsible for overseeing the monitoring and implementation of the County’s EnergyWise Plan, which was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in November 2011 and aims to reduce GHG emissions in accordance with state mandates. A team of two fellows will support SLO Energy Watch Staff in engaging local government agencies in determining energy efficiency needs and goals, collecting and analyzing data, developing reports, coordinating and supporting on-site assessments, and assisting in the selection, financing, and implementation of projects. This engagement will directly relate to the energy efficiency measures identified in each agency’s climate action plan.

Net Zero Homes GHG Protocol

Organization: San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (SLOAPCD)
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (APCD or District) is the local agency working to protect the health of over 269,000 county residents by preserving good air quality. The fellow will assist in accelerating progress towards net zero energy buildings by developing an understanding of how home energy retrofit programs could more formally quantify energy savings, which can then qualify as emissions credits under AB32, and can ultimately be a model for statewide protocol. If successful, this model could drive savings for homeowners and communities as well as help the state meet their ambitious 2030 climate goals.

Central Coast Drinking Water Protection and Sustainable Groundwater Management

Organization: Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board
Openings: 0 of 2
Project Description: The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s mission is to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses for the benefit of present and future generations. The Central Coast Regional Water Board is committed to the statewide priority of providing safe drinking water for all communities and improving groundwater management. Fellows will support a number of projects related to clean drinking water protection and the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).

The Central Coast Regional Board develops and enforces water quality objectives and implements plans to best protect the area’s various water uses. Fellows will work on one or both of the following programs:

The Central Coast Drinking Water Protection program ensures safe drinking water for all communities, while also working towards pollutant source reduction. Fellows will support water quality investigation and analysis, local collaboration on domestic well drinking water protection, and conduct needs assessments and outreach for disadvantaged communities with contaminated drinking water. Fellows with a background knowledge in community outreach, environmental justice, and working with disadvantaged communities are preferred. Bilingual (Spanish/English) abilities are highly desirable but not required.

The Central Coast Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Water Resources Assessment and Management Coordination program focuses on improving coordination related to Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs). Fellows will coordinate with Water Board staff and state and local agencies involved in the development and implementation of Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) in the region. Fellows will identify opportunities to build on existing or develop new regional groundwater quality monitoring programs and develop standardized groundwater supply and quality data collection, assessment and management methodologies and tools. Fellows with interest in water policy and education or experience in water quality and groundwater hydrology are preferred. Experience with data analysis, data management and GIS mapping is highly desirable.

Green Infrastructure Planning and Stormwater Management

Organization: Central Coast Low Impact Development Initiative (LIDI)
Openings: 0 of 2
Project Description: The Central Coast Low Impact Development Initiative (LIDI) focuses on the planning, design, and implementation of Low Impact Development (LID) projects and programs in San Luis Obispo County. Municipalities in the County are seeking to integrate sustainable stormwater management approaches, such as LID and green infrastructure, to better support watershed health and community benefits. Central Coast LIDI is committed to the statewide priority of increasing regional self‐reliance and integrated water management. Fellows will support inter-agency collaboration, stormwater program development, and municipality compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

San Luis Obispo County municipalities are embarking on new stormwater resource related work to better understand the resources and conditions that currently exist in the region. Two Fellows will be assigned projects serving the City of San Luis Obispo and one Fellow will serve the greater San Luis Obispo County. The three projects are outlined below:

One fellow will develop Green Infrastructure Planning for selected capital improvement projects. The Fellow will coordinate with municipal staff to identify likely projects for green infrastructure integration; conduct field verification of drainage areas; and develop concept designs for LID Best Management Practices. Fellows with experience in GIS, engineering, and design tools such as InDesign and CAD preferred.

One Fellow will engage in field work to identify and categorize existing Best Management Practices (BMPs) for select municipalities within the County. The NPDES Permit requires municipalities to inventory their existing BMPs; BMP inventory will include assessment of centralized BMPs (larger facilities). Training for BMP inventory protocols will be provided. Fellows with a basic knowledge of stormwater management principles preferred.

One Fellow will support stormwater outfall monitoring for San Luis Obispo Creek. The Fellow will engage in field work to monitor stormwater quality for the Creek and help to verify outfall locations in the City’s GIS mapping system. The City of San Luis Obispo will provide training for stormwater monitoring, but familiarity with stormwater quality principles, riparian/creek ecology, urban runoff issues and/or monitoring is desired. Ability and willingness to work in the field is required for this project.

One Water Salinas

Organization: City of Salinas
Openings: 0 of 2
Project Description: The City of Salinas is located on the Central California Coast, just 12 miles inland from Monterey Bay. Agriculture forms the economic base for Salinas Valley, which is known as the “Salad Bowl of the World” for the production of lettuce and broccoli among numerous other crops. The City is committed to the statewide priority of increasing regional self‐reliance and integrated water management. Fellows will conduct research, planning, implementation and facilitation projects to support the inter-connectedness of the city’s multi-faceted “One Water” concept.

One Water Salinas integrates stormwater management, groundwater sustainability, and water recycling for a comprehensive approach to a more resilient water system. The Storm Water Management project focuses on implementing the City’s new MS4 Storm Water Permit — a “source control” regulation to better manage stormwater on site. Pure Water Monterey recycles Salinas stormwater runoff into purified drinking water to diversify local water supply. The City of Salinas is participating in the county-wide stakeholder process to implement the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), including regional planning, habit restoration, and recreation. Fellows will participate in and support all facets of the Salinas One Water program, including managing stakeholder meetings and striving to overcome local government challenges. Fellows will participate in project-related studies and practice collaboration in complex statewide water issues.

Southern California Region (including LA)

Climate Action & Adaptation Plan Adoption & Implementation

Organization: City of Santa Monica
Openings: 0 of 2
Project Description: The City of Santa Monica initiated a process to develop its next Climate Action & Adaptation Plan in March 2016. With the support of its first CivicSpark fellow (’15-’16), the City was able to complete a Final Report for the preceding 15×15 Climate Action Plan, select a consultant for the new climate action plan, and conduct a municipal and community GHG inventory. The new fellow will support the continued development of the plan (to be adopted Q2 2017), rollout of the plan, identify local partners for funding and implementation, conduct a 2016 GHG Inventory, and provide project support to several programs and projects.

Better Buildings Challenge

Organization: Housing Authority of City of San Buenaventura
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The Housing Authority (HACSB) has been building and managing affordable housing for more than 60 years and incorporates green materials and practices during its construction process, for which it has been awarded green point ratings on several affordable housing projects. The fellow will support the HACSB’s goal of reducing their energy usage by 20% by 2020 as part of their participation in the Better Buildings Challenge. The fellow will also assist with the LEED ND goals for Westview Village, the City’s first LEED ND certified neighborhood, as well as assist with energy and greywater goals for the Rancho Verde Apartments, which aims to be a net zero project.

LA Regional Campaign for Climate Resilience and Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities 

Organizations: Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability and Climate Resolve
Openings: 0 of 1
The fellow will be shared between LARC and Climate Resolve.
Project Description: The Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability (LARC) is a membership organization whose mission is to ensure a sustainable Los Angeles prepared for the impacts of climate change. LARC will launch its Campaign for Climate Resilience in October 2017. This project will build capacity for climate action planning among local governments by identifying and facilitating opportunities for collaborative action, leveraging shared funding, and developing synergistic policies. The CivicSpark fellow will be responsible for identifying key stakeholders, coordinating stakeholder groups, evaluating existing best practices, writing compelling communication documents, and assisting LARC’s managing director in all other areas of the project.

Climate Resolve is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to creating real, practical solutions to assist LA in meeting the climate challenge while building a better city for Angelenos. The Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program’s purpose is to support infill and compact, transit-oriented development in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project will be an outreach campaign to councils of governments (COGs) and other local government officials to increase their awareness of the program and understanding of criteria, timeline, and strategies to be competitive in securing funding for their communities. The fellow will assist with outreach to these entities, including establishing points of contact, workshop logistics and material development.

Regional CAP and GHG Inventory

Organization: Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) prepared an inventory of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions (2010 through 2012) for the region and for each of its local government member organizations. The purpose of the project was to assist the Cities and the County with planning in order to mitigate and address changes that result from climate change. The fellow will help with the development of GHG inventories for the region, as well as with the development of a regional Climate Action Plan template for use by the various jurisdictions in VCREA. The fellow will also develop content for the “Climate on the Move” website, and support jurisdictions in benchmarking municipal buildings.

Gateway Cities Climate Action Support

Organization: City of Norwalk
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The City of Norwalk is part of the Gateway Cities Region, in southeastern LA County. The goals of this project will focus on supporting the multiple cities within the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (GCCOG) on completing their climate action plans, implementing projects to help cities be able to benchmark, and the cities’ completion of GHG analysis through ClearPath. The fellow will help cities develop and implement their Energy Action Plans; encourage cities within the COG to participate in the Beacon program; train and provide support to local agencies for GHG emissions and energy analysis through the ClearPath software and help to transfer that knowledge to other local government staff; and assist in educating local officials and staff more broadly about climate action planning and GHG analysis.

SCAG Sustainability and Transportation

Organization: Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)
Openings: 0 of 3
Project Description: The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization, representing six counties, 191 cities, and more than 18 million residents. Three fellows will be working with SCAG, dividing their time between the Green Region Initiative (GRI) sustainability indicators project and providing technical assistance for the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) grant program. Fellows will spend 75% of their time on the GRI project, where they will be continuing the collection of performance data on cities in the SCAG region, and the other 25% of time will be spent working closely with SCAG and Strategic Growth Council (SGC) staff to provide outreach, mapping, and other technical assistance to cities participating, or interested, in the AHSC/Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) programs.

Urban Heat Island and Climate Initiatives

Organization:  Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Openings: 0 of 2
Project Description: The LA County Department of Public Health has two projects for the 2016-17 service year: the Urban Heat Island Reduction (UHIR) project and the Climate and Health Initiative project. Both projects will continue the work of the two 2015-16 CivicSpark fellows working on these projects. One fellow will work on the UHIR project, working with the Climate Committee to (a) conduct background research to inform decision-making; (b) plan and facilitate outreach to internal and external stakeholders regarding elements of the urban heat island reduction plan; (c) plan meetings of the Climate Committee; (d) oversee revisions of and finalize the urban heat island reduction plan; and (e) begin steps towards the plan’s implementation. The fellow working on the Climate and Health Initiative project will work to maintain the momentum and organization of the internal Climate & Health Initiative, which is a comprehensive effort to leverage all branches of the Department of Public Health to work on climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. The CivicSpark member will (a) conduct background research to inform decision-making; (b) plan meetings and coordinate the running of the intradepartmental workgroup; (c) facilitate interaction within and between different divisions and programs; and (d) help write action plans to meet climate goals. Through both of these projects, fellows will have the opportunity to interact with high-level staff throughout this and other County Departments, as well as gain in-depth knowledge of the various functions of a local health department through interaction with staff in a wide variety of programs.

Los Angeles County EVSE Tariff Development

Organization:  Los Angeles County, Internal Services Department (ISD)
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The LA County ISD develops and supports environmental and sustainability programs within the region. The fellow will work with and review documents approved by the LA County Board of Supervisors to develop an implementation plan for LA County electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Through this position, the fellow will become familiar with local government tariff development strategies, review reports generated on LA County’s Climate Action Plan, and assist in other climate duties as assigned, including the development of an electric vehicle supply equipment/charging station (EVSE) tariff.

GHG Reduction Strategies for LA County

Organization:  City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Sustainability
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: In April of 2015, Mayor Garcetti released Los Angeles’ first Sustainable City pLAn. Over the last year, the city has taken on a number of initiatives to reach the various goals in the pLAn. The CivicSpark fellow will help the City perform a gap analysis to analyze and asses what additional policies are needed to reach their climate and greenhouse gas reduction goals. The fellow will assist the Mayor’s Office in having a clearer idea of additional areas of study or policy development required for the Sustainable City pLAn to ensure LA stays on track to meet its GHG emission reduction commitments as laid out in the pLAn. Additional deliverables include launching public engagement strategies for energy conservation, Adopt the pLAn commitments, and other sustainability related public campaigns (energy, water, climate).

CalState LA Climate Action and Adaptation

Organization:  California State University, Los Angeles
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: Cal State LA is embarking on several sustainability initiatives that support the broader goals of LA Mayor Garcetti’s Sustainable City pLAn, including the creation of the Cal State LA Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. With the recent signing of Second Nature’s Climate Commitment, Cal State LA has pledged to develop a comprehensive climate action and adaptation plan, which is to include an annual standardized GHG inventory and comprehensive resilience assessment. This effort directly supports the pLAn’s goal of integrating sustainability and climate resiliency efforts. The CivicSpark fellow would lead the effort of creating a joint campus-community task force to ensure Cal State LA’s resilience assessment and climate action plan aligns with broader community goals of the City of LA and to facilitate joint action. In addition, the fellow would be expected to help implement other University initiatives to support the CSU Sustainability Policy. In particular, the fellow would lead an awareness campaign for Cal State LA’s ambitious zero waste program, which includes the establishment of composting stations throughout campus. This effort further supports the Sustainable City pLAn and its goals to expand local organic waste-collection programs, increase commercial recycling rates, and reach an 80% diversion rate by 2020.

Integrated Water Resources Plan – Phase 2

Organization: Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA)
Openings: 0 of 2
Project Description: The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) is a regional water distributor and wastewater treatment agency serving western San Bernardino County. The Agency is committed to the statewide priority of increasing regional self‐reliance and integrated water management. Fellows will conduct research and planning projects to help reduce the region’s dependence on imported water supplies and strengthen the service area’s resilience against future drought.

In 2015 regional cities and water agencies collaborated to develop the Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) — a framework to holistically update water resource planning and mitigate climate-related supply vulnerabilities. Fellows will be building off of Phase 1 IRP efforts, which analyzed future water demand projections and water supply strategies. Fellows will be conducting Phase 2 research and planning support, with an emphasis on stormwater capture and low impact development.

Disadvantaged Communities Involvement Program

Organization: Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA)
Openings: 0 of 2
Project Description: The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) is one of California’s leading regional water agencies, located in the heart of the Santa Ana River watershed in Riverside, CA. SAWPA undertakes water resource related collaborative planning and implementation activities with multiple agencies and organizations throughout the watershed to support cost efficiency, water resource integration, beneficial use assurance, and watershed improvement. SAWPA is committed to the statewide priorities of increasing regional self‐reliance and integrated water management and making conservation a way of life for all Californians. Fellows will be working directly on integrated regional water management efforts with water agencies, municipalities, counties, and other government institutions, as well as with representatives and community members from throughout the watershed.

SAWPA, a joint-powers-authority, serves as the home of the Santa Ana region Integrated Regional Water Management effort (IRWM), called One Water One Watershed (OWOW). In this role, SAWPA will manage the upcoming three-year Disadvantaged Community Involvement (DACI) grant from the Department of Water Resources (DWR). The Water Fellows will support canvassing, both on their own but also by contractors and partners, to identify community leaders, interested stakeholders, and agency programs. In the first year, this Strengths and Needs Assessment will link together community need and agency capacity to identify a suite of integrated projects that bring benefits to members of disadvantaged communities. Fellows will be responsible, under supervision, with identifying, contacting and nurturing new OWOW partnerships. Additionally, other program funds will produce California State University student interns elsewhere in the watershed who are supporting this program, and Fellows will serve as a hub of this broader student workforce.

Water Academy

Organization: Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) 
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) serves western Riverside County and offers reliable, economical, and environmentally sustainable water and wastewater services for the region. EMWD is committed to making conservation a California way of life. The fellow will assist in developing a Water Leadership Academy that provides a systematic approach to expanding and sustaining a diverse network of influential individuals, primarily from EMWD’s service area, who are knowledgeable about key water issues and regional programs and strategies, and who are willing to help expand that knowledge by serving as outreach ambassadors and by referring/nominating others to future academy classes. The program will be geared toward future and emerging leaders, interested in learning about critical water issues in the region.

EMWD develops local resources such as groundwater and desalination projects, and conserves resources by expanding recycled water use and educating stakeholders on water resource management solutions. The fellow will develop applications, and surveys along with structured classroom training, facilities tours, and other program materials. The fellow will establish a contact database and identify processes, candidate selection criteria, program tracking, measures of success, logistics, and target marketing approaches. Using the approved Water Leadership Academy model, the fellow will also develop a similar but customized, cost-effective approach for Youth Ecology Corps participants, student workers, and interns. The fellow will also assist with other Interagency Relations’ Program expansion efforts

Fellow with a background and education in public relations, communications or similar area of study preferred but not required. Knowledge of and experience in graphic design a plus (primarily for developing reader-friendly documents and forms) but not required.

Water Efficient Landscape

Organization: Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) 
Openings: 0 of 1
Project Description: The Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) serves western Riverside County and offers reliable, economical, and environmentally sustainable water and wastewater services for the region. EMWD is committed to making conservation a California way of life. The fellow will assist in developing a comprehensive guidebook for residential customers to use in improving landscape water use efficiency.

EMWD develops local resources such as groundwater and desalination projects, and conserves resources by expanding recycled water use and educating stakeholders on water resource management solutions. The fellow will assist with educational outreach on water efficient plants, practices, maintenance and design, and efficient irrigation systems. The fellow will measure landscape areas for customers and provide design assistance and information about water efficient landscape options for customers replacing turf and retrofitting irrigation systems. Additionally, the fellow will review landscape plans and water budgets for compliance with EMWD’s Administrative Code.

Fellow with a background knowledge of water efficient landscape design preferred but not required. Experience with AutoCAD preferred but not required.

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