Host: South Tahoe Public Utility District
Region: Northern California
Openings: 1
Project Focus: Climate Adaptation, Climate Mitigation, Renewable Energy, Water Management
Skills Needed: Community Engagement, Public Speaking, Marketing, Stakeholder Engagement, Communication, Flexibility/Adaptability

Service Needs & Plans

The South Tahoe Public Utility District supplies drinking water and provides sewage collection, treatment, and export to protect Tahoe’s delicate ecosystem. Managing this complex operation requires an uncommon environmental sensitivity. As such, the District offers a multi-faceted water conservation program, extensive environmental education, and continues to explore alternative energy. STPUD’s Water Conservation Program has the following goals for 2023/2024: Provide exemplary customer service, promote water conservation to ensure reliable and safe water distribution in South Lake Tahoe, foster a culture of efficient water use in our community, and promote public awareness of all District activities and the value of District services.

Project Description

•Coordinate the South Tahoe Environmental Education Coalition (STEEC). STEEC is a collaborative network of more than 25 agencies and organizations that are dedicated to bringing high quality environmental education programs and projects to Lake Tahoe K-12 grade students. This position will coordinate monthly meetings with partnering agencies, refine, and teach environmental curriculum for STEEC programs including, but not limited to Wonders of Water, Children’s Forest, EpicPromise Winter Adventure Program, Science Expo, Wastewater Treatment Plant Tours, and Woods, Water, and Wildlife.
•Coordinate South Tahoe Public Utility District’s Water the Right Day and the Right Way program to promote water conservation. This involves developing and distributing outreach material on the program, checking on water complaints, and issuing violations as needed.
•Coordinate South Tahoe Public Utility District’s water leak program, including contacting customers with water leaks, conducting water wise house calls, and issuing leak repair rebates and adjustments.
•Support South Tahoe Public Utility District’s water conservation program, including water wise rebates and services, creating customized conservation plans for high water users, and providing support as needed.
•Participate on the planning committee for South Lake Tahoe Earth Day and South Lake Tahoe Fire Fest.
•Utilize and integrate social media platforms to promote STPUD and conservation education.
•Develop educational materials, present at community events, and booth at community events including Farmers Markets, Earth Day, Fire Fest, etc.
•Identify opportunities to develop, maintain, expand, and develop outreach and educational material for South Tahoe Public Utility District’s water wise demonstration garden and off-site properties.
•Evaluate, contribute and work on initiatives identified through South Tahoe Public Utility District’s System Efficiency and Sustainability Committee to address climate adaptation and mitigation, renewable energy, and efficiency opportunities.

Desired Skills

Fellows with an educational background in Environmental Science, Outreach, or Communications are preferred. The fellow will teach environmental education and work closely with community partners. The Fellow should enjoy working with others and the community, have an interest in water conservation, and be proficient with MS Office and social media platforms.

Organization & Community Highlights

The South Tahoe PUD provides water and sewer services to approximately 17,000 customers in and around the City of South Lake Tahoe, on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. This dynamic organization of 115 employees works diligently to provide high quality service to its community. South Tahoe PUD strives to maintain a highly collaborative and supportive work environment. Our employees recognize the special environment in which we live and work and how that creates a higher purpose than just “doing the job.” As a public utility, we must serve all community members equally and our staff recognizes the importance of maintaining equity for our entire community.
Serving with South Tahoe PUD is a great opportunity for professional development experience. As a relatively small utility, our employees are involved with all aspects of the water and sewer systems s. Because of our size, we can also be relatively nimble and move projects along rather quickly. As opposed to larger agencies, South Tahoe PUD can offer a greater breadth of experience. In addition, because of the highly regulated environment in the Tahoe Basin, serving with South Tahoe PUD will also potentially expose the Fellow to many of our partner agencies that are also working to protect the Tahoe Basin.
Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada of the United States. Lying at 6,225 ft, it straddles the state line between California and Nevada. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, and with a depth of 1,645 ft, it is the second deepest in the United States after Crater Lake in Oregon. It is known for the clarity of its water and the panorama of surrounding mountains on all sides. Lake Tahoe is a major tourist attraction in both Nevada and California. It is home to winter sports, summer outdoor recreation, and scenery enjoyed throughout the year. Snow and ski resorts are a significant part of the area’s economy and reputation. Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more are literally just out the back door.

Remote or On-Site Placement

On-site