Host: City of Irvine, CA
Region: Southern California
Openings: 2
Project Focus: Climate Adaptation, Climate Mitigation, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Waste Management
Skills Needed: Community Engagement, Research, Community Outreach, Data Collection, Communication, Self-Motivated

Service Needs & Plans

One project will serve the City of Irvine’s Environmental Programs Division in conducting critical outreach around climate action and adaptation measures in line with the City’s CAAP and decarbonization policies. The project will address how to decarbonize the housing stock and reduce pollution and GHG burdens across the community.

The other project will focus on the implementation of SB 1383, the mandatory organic waste recycling law being launched in Irvine. The fellow will help educate the community and increase compliance to divert organic waste from the landfill.

Project Description

1) The overarching goals of both projects will be to increase visibility in the community regarding climate action, adaptation and organic waste recycling.
2) In both roles, the fellows will develop and lead community outreach and engagement plans
3) Desired project outcomes are”
-Climate Action Coordinator: increase visibility and participation in the CAAP, help develop and implement decarbonization programs
– Organic Waste Coordinator: Conduct community outreach and engagement to help assist the community in complying with 1383 and increase recycling rates
4) These resources will be critical in creating successful programs because without community engagement we cannot successfully implement the resilience and adaption that these two programs address.

Desired Skills

Excellent community engagement skills
Initiative to develop and lead original plans
Interest in recycling/climate action/decarbonization
Self-starter
Passionate
Good customer service skills

Organization & Community Highlights

The City of Irvine is one of the top ten fastest growing cities in the nation, with over 300,000 residents and home to a robust clean tech industry housing EV companies such as Rivian, Karma Fisker and more. Centrally located in Orange County, Irvine has positioned itself as a regional sustainability leader, developing the County’s first ever Community Choice Energy program and defaulting the community in 100% renewable energy. The Environmental Programs team is a small but might group of passionate and caring people who love the opportunity to build each other up and support this critical work to create a carbon neutral City by 2030. We value a good work life balance and are committed to fairness and equality.

Remote or On-Site Placement

Hybrid