Host: City of Chico
Region: Northern California
Openings: 1
Project Focus: Climate Mitigation, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Waste Management
Skills Needed: Community Engagement, Research, Community Outreach, Technical Writing, Critical Thinking, Self-Motivated

Service Needs & Plans

This years fellow will build capacity in various sustainability initiatives related to climate action planning and implementation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, development reach codes, electric vehicle charging, e-bike planning, and equitable community outreach. Additionally, the fellow will have the opportunity
to engage with leaders in government, business, academia, and community groups to share best practices, identify critical needs, and conduct research, education, and outreach around regional-specific green-waste and waste reduction needs.

Project Description

In 2021, the Chico City Council adopted a Climate Action Plan Update (CAP) that identified actions to be taken by the City and the community to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and set the City on a path to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, consistent with goals set by the State of California. To help achieve this goal, a newly established Climate Action Commission advises the City Council on how to strategically accelerate Chico’s progress towards achieving the goals in the CAP.

This year’s Fellow will have an exciting opportunity to support implementation of several actions outlined in the CAP update, working closely with city staff and the Climate Action Commission. The Fellow’s work will primarily be within the City of Chico Community Development Department (Planning) but will extend across several city departments, working collaboratively with Public Works-Operations and Management as well as Public Works-Engineering as project tasks dictate. The Fellow will build capacity to support various sustainability initiatives related to CAP implementation, including City facility energy efficiency renewable energy, development reach codes related to energy efficiency requirements, electric vehicle charging, feasibility and implementation studies of waste reduction, and equitable community outreach.

Project tasks are likely to include but are not limited to:
•Supporting staff in identifying climate and energy projects, developing implementation resources, supporting research, developing analysis, and tracking progress.
•Conducting research on developing a carbon-free building code and a program to support decarbonization retrofits.
•Conducting research on EV charging networks.
•Assisting with analysis of green waste and landscaping programs helping the City achieve AB 1383 compliance.
•Preparing content for distribution, researching and analyzing of GHG-reducing activities, and facilitating public meetings.
•Creating a robust education and outreach campaign around CAP goals and policies.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Fellow to be at the forefront of climate action planning in the north state and support launching the City of Chico’s progress towards community resilience and equitable sustainability.

Desired Skills

The ideal Fellow will possess strong research abilities, writing skills, community outreach and engagement experience and a working knowledge of climate action practices and processes. The Fellow will have the ability to effectively work with community organizations to plan community meetings and engage with community residents, document the energy and environmental needs of the communities, and have research and data analysis skills. The Fellow should be comfortable in multi-tasking and setting work priorities and working in a collaborative environment, as well as independently with minimal supervision.

Organization & Community Highlights

The City of Chico’s workplace culture mimics the community’s spirit. Located Downtown in the
central gathering place for many community events, employees engage with community residents and visitors to help provide a Beautiful, Clean, and Safe Chico. With a short walk to community events such as Thursday night, Friday night concerts, Taste of Chico, and parades, it’s hard not to pick-up on the city’s vibe – even when at work. Chico’s Downtown is adjacent to the Chico State, and provides a food and drinking hub with College “specials” available to all. Living in Chico there is a diverse range of things
to keep you busy: outdoor activities, arts & culture, education, unique dining options, and athletics all provide for an environment that balances living and working lives. Chico is a dream for those who love the outdoors. Bidwell Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States and is home to hiking and biking trails, Sycamore Pool, Bidwell Golf Course, Bear Hole, and much more. As a university
community, Chico Performances hosts performances in theater, comedy and music, as
well as lectures typically found in big cities.
Sierra Nevada Brewery brings live concerts to Chico in its Big Room venue as well as host
many other community events. Lassen National Volcanic Park, Mount Shasta, and Lake Oroville Recreation Area are just a short drive away where there are unlimited outdoor activities including
camping, hiking, backpacking, snowboarding, and kayaking. Chico is also a perfect place for bicycle enthusiast, the City was ranked in the top 15% of over 500 US cities in the League of American Bicyclists Places for Bikes city ratings. Chico provides an excellent opportunity for professional development experience. The City works closely with organizations such as the Downtown Chico Business Association, Chico Chamber of Commerce, Butte Environmental Council, Chico State, and local newspapers to
create a thriving and healthy community.

Remote or On-Site Placement

Hybrid