Host: Boulder County Partners for a Clean Environment
Region: Colorado
Openings: 1
Project Focus: Climate Mitigation, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Transportation / Mobility
Skills Needed: Project Management, Research, Data Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement,

Remote or On-Site Placement

Hybrid – Two days in the office per week will be expected with the option of being in the office or remote the remaining days.

Service Needs & Plans

This position would serve the Boulder County Office of Sustainability, Climate Action, and Resilience (OSCAR). Within OSCAR, the Fellow will work directly within the Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) program to help support, design, and evaluate new and current programs. PACE helps Boulder County businesses transition away from fossil fuel powered equipment with efficiency and electrification programming. PACE’s programs connect business with rebates and grants to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and improve the health and comfort of their employees.

The PACE program is resourced with staff who provide services and funding to businesses as well as broad program management. However, there is a capacity gap in terms of program evaluation, understanding needed resources, resource creation, and operational support. In this position, the Fellow would directly and indirectly support businesses in making the most sustainable choices while identifying ways to reduce upfront capital expenses and ongoing operating costs. Additionally, the Fellow will help to evaluate our programs to ensure they are serving small, minority owned businesses since equity is one of our key priorities. All of these contributions will help reduce the impacts of climate change from the commercial sector and play a valuable role in addressing climate justice and inequities.

Project Description

Partners for a Clean Environment’s (PACE’s) most important goal is to support Boulder County businesses in their sustainability journey. This starts with education around sustainability and why it is important and continues with guiding businesses towards actions they can take that are economically and environmentally smart. Some of these actions include transitioning from fossil fuel-powered equipment to electric alternatives as well as investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades.

While PACE has many program elements to support business sustainability, there are opportunities for improvement as we learn more about technologies, partners, costs, and barriers. The Fellow will strategize with our team to improve existing sustainability programming. The Fellow will also assist staff and partners with developing and implementing new programming and resources to help businesses on their sustainability journey. The Fellow will also be evaluating existing and new program offerings through an equity lens via community partners and by utilizing Boulder County’s Racial Equity Impact Assessment Tool.

The responsibilities of this role may include:
•Research and analyze data, prepare resources, and present findings
•Support, design, and evaluate new and current programs and partnerships
•Assist with day-to-day program management and operations
•Engage with stakeholders and work directly with the business community

A CivicSpark Fellow will not only have substantial impact to the business community and program goals, but also gain invaluable on the job experience with program design, implementation, and evaluation. This will be a great steppingstone and resume builder for a passionate professional.

Desired Skills

A great student who is passionate about sustainability would make a great candidate. Someone who is very organized and enjoys data analysis and manipulation would thrive in this role.

Organization & Workplace Highlights

Boulder County’s Office of Sustainability, Climate Action, and Resilience hosts ~33 professionals who are committed to developing and implementing equitable sustainability strategies. Equity, diversity, and inclusion is one of four goals our department strives towards with opportunities to learn and grow. The office vibe is electric as we are forward thinkers with the ability and willingness to take risks and be leaders in sustainability.

Community Highlights

Boulder County is a beautiful and welcoming Colorado community consisting of urban, suburban, and mountain cities/towns. This role would specifically develop and support sustainability strategies for Boulder County businesses. There are substantial outdoor activities like hiking, biking, climbing, skiing/snowboarding, and snowshoeing as well as a vibrant night life. The community is full of interesting people from all walks of life.