Host: City of Olympia
Region: Washington
Openings: 1
Project Focus: Affordable Housing, Climate Mitigation, Energy Efficiency
Skills Needed: Project Management, Research, Community Outreach, Technical Writing, Critical Thinking, Flexibility / Adaptability

Service Needs & Plans

The City of Olympia’s Climate Program, within the Office of Community Vitality, is responsible for leading and coordinating the implementation of the City’s climate mitigation plan, and integrating considerations of climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience across all City programs, plans, and policies. In 2021, Olympia completed and began implementation of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan (TCMP). The TCMP provides a framework for how Olympia and our regional partners (Lacey, Tumwater, and Thurston County), can work together to reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions 45% below 2015 levels by 2030 and 85% below 2015 levels by 2050. Olympia has also established a more ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. The CivicSpark Fellow will support the Climate Program in implementing key elements of the TCMP to achieve Olympia’s climate action goals, with a specific focus on equitable building decarbonization.

Project Description

Working closely with the City of Olympia’s Climate and Housing programs, the Fellow will support the implementation of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan (TCMP), with a specific focus on the development of building decarbonization strategies for low- and moderate-income households. The Fellow will help build the City’s capacity to decarbonize existing residential buildings by conducting policy research and data analysis and supporting the development of related outreach strategies and campaigns. Policy research and data analysis projects may include researching and evaluating decarbonization programs and policies for low-income and rental housing; conducting income and demographic surveys to inform the development and implementation of future building decarbonization programs; and supporting the development of policy proposals to improve the energy efficiency and resilience of low-income and rental housing in Olympia. Specific policy research and/or data analysis projects will be determined based on agency needs and the skills and interests of the selected Fellow.

In addition to policy research and analysis, the Fellow will also support an expansion of the Energize Olympia program, which was first implemented as a pilot program in 2023. Energize Olympia is a heat pump group purchase campaign which supports community-wide heat pump adoption by offering educational workshops and program-exclusive incentives for Olympia residents. The 2023 pilot program is currently underway, with plans to expand the program in 2024. Program expansions may include additional eligible technology and incentives. The Fellow will help update and implement the program outreach strategy for the 2024 program to expand the overall program reach and improve engagement with low- and moderate-income households, renters, and building owners. This may include working with city communications staff to develop outreach materials, such as factsheets, newsletters, and online resources, and coordinating volunteers and regional partners to design and launch joint outreach initiatives.

Desired Skills

The ideal Fellow will have strong research, data analysis, and communication skills and be comfortable interacting and collaborating with City staff from multiple departments as well as members of the public. Curiosity, flexibility, and persistence are key. The Fellow should be able to take initiative and conduct self-directed research, and be comfortable asking for assistance when needed. A high attention to detail and the ability to clearly explain the results of thorough, well-documented research are important. The Fellow should have a general understanding of climate and energy issues, and a desire to learn more about topics related to energy efficiency, building electrification, and renewable energy.

Organization & Community Highlights

The City of Olympia is located on the southern tip of the Puget Sound, approximately 60 miles south of Seattle. As the capital of Washington State and home to 55,000 residents, Olympia is a growing city with a vibrant downtown core and scenic waterfront setting. Surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers, and the Puget Sound, Olympia also offers many opportunities to hike, bike, kayak, and explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

The City of Olympia is a collaborative, supportive, and welcoming workplace. City staff are deeply committed to serving the community, and working together to create a safe, just, and thriving city. Working in the newly established Climate Program, the Fellow will have the opportunity to create a lasting impact in the community and lay the groundwork for critical programs and policies to decarbonize Olympia’s built environment. The Fellow will join a team of motivated and enthusiastic staff, working across all departments, to implement the city’s climate mitigation plan. The Fellow will gain experience coordinating cross-departmental initiatives, engaging diverse stakeholders, and developing recommendations for city leadership and local elected officials. The Climate Program is also committed to supporting the professional development of our fellows. In addition to providing one-on-one support and mentorship, fellows will be encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities such as conferences, trainings, and networking events.

Remote or On-Site Placement

Hybrid