Host: South Bay Cities Council of Governments 
Region: Southern California
Openings: 1
Project Focus: Energy Efficiency
Skills Needed: Project Management, Research, Data Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Communication, Self-Motivated

Service Needs & Plans

The South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) is a joint powers authority located in the southwest region of Los Angeles County with members of 16 cities and the South Bay portions of Los Angeles County. Members share the goal of maximizing the quality of life and productivity of the South Bay sub-region. The sub-region is diverse in geography, population, ethnicity, industry, and climate zones. Residential areas include both disadvantaged (based on CalEnvroscreen3.0) and affluent communities – each with their own challenges. With much ethnic diversity, several languages are spoken. The SBCCOG’ sustainability activities include developed of a Sub-Regional Climate Action Plan and Adaptation Plan; assistance for member cities in developing their own CAP and vulnerability assessments; and updating the greenhouse gas emissions inventory to assess achievements. One of the main focuses of both the CAP and Adaptation work is implementation of energy efficiency at government facilities and other community buildings. These agencies require assistance in assessing, identifying, and implementing energy efficiency projects. Due to limited staff time and resources, as well as continued impacts of COVID-19, these agencies need significant support. To help address this need, the SBCCOG formed a partnership with the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN). Through this partnership, public agencies can access resources to help reduce energy use. The Fellow will support and manage various SoCalREN energy initiatives. As a result, cities will further their climate action and adaptation planning and activities.

Project Description

The Fellow will work with at least 15 South Bay public agencies, including various school districts, water agencies, and the cities of Carson, El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and Torrance. The Fellow will engage with key stakeholders and help agencies access energy efficiency resources provided through the SoCalREN.

Engagement, with guidance from SBCCOG staff, requires facilitating and attending meetings with agencies, helping obtain energy data and agency documents, analyzing data from facility equipment inventories and facility energy use to develop reports, providing energy efficiency direction to agencies C), promoting agency accomplishments, encouraging and assisting with city participation in the South Bay Climate & Energy Awards, and working with volunteers to facilitate program delivery.

Desired project outcomes include heightened engagement that fuels increased energy efficiency action and a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, successful completion of projects will result in increased public agency knowledge base of facility energy profiles, and the documentation of agency energy efficiency needs. Additionally, project outcomes will include greater city acknowledgement for energy action leadership within the South Bay.

Based on resource restraints facing our regional public agencies, the work of the CivicSpark Fellow will increase the South Bay’s advancement toward energy efficiency goals and implementation, as laid out in the Sub-Regional CAP and Adaptation Plan. The Fellow will facilitate the offering of various energy programs and services that regional public agencies would not otherwise receive.

The CivicSpark Fellow will also help agencies with disadvantaged communities to access advanced SoCalREN services that provide support beyond basic energy efficiency such as distributed energy resources including solar, battery storage, and EV to help ensure that these communities are not left behind with the changing energy landscape. Disadvantaged communities are identified through CalEnviroscreen 3.0.

Desired Skills

The ideal Fellow will be curious, can work independently but also within a team, and have strong analytical skills. The Fellow should have strong written, and verbal communication skills; be an efficient multitasker; hold an interest in data and data analysis; and have basic knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and social media platforms. They should have an interest in learning about local and regional government, energy efficiency, energy use, project development and delivery, climate and adaptation strategy, and state policy on energy efficiency. Familiarity with local government structure, governance, graphic design, and GIS and ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager skills would be a plus but not required.

Organization & Community Highlights

The SBCCOG work culture can be described as inclusive, diverse, talented, collaborative and outcome oriented. Staff members reflect a range of characteristics including race, sex, gender, age, work experience and educational background. The SBCCOG prioritizes diversity in order to gain varying perspectives that enhance the workplace environment and project outcomes.

Serving with the SBCCOG will provide opportunities to work with stakeholders across various public agencies, utilities, and non-profits in Southern California. Networking activities are abundant, along with the opportunity to develop new skills. The fellow will leave the service year with personal references and projects under their belt to add to a professional portfolio.

The South Bay region is an interesting place to live and work due to its economic and cultural diversity as well as its varying geography – inland, coastal, and hillside communities. Local neighborhoods and towns have unique styles and a variety of food, museums/historical sites, cultural activities, and recreation areas.

Remote or On-Site Placement

Hybrid