Host: City of Sacramento Councilmember Eric Guerra (District 6)
Openings: 1
Project Focus: Affordable Housing, Climate Adaptation (e.g., sea level rise planning, environmental justice, climate migration planning), Climate Mitigation, Disaster Response and Preparedness / Emergency Management (e.g., flood prevention, wildfire prevention, coastal protection), Energy Efficiency, Infrastructure Development – including Broadband, Public Health, Renewable Energy, Transportation / Mobility, Urban Planning, Waste Management
Skills Needed: Project Management, Research, Community Outreach, Technical Writing,

Remote or On-Site Placement

Hybrid – Preference for primarily on-site work but open to discussion of hybrid schedule.

Service Needs & Plans

The Office of Councilmember Eric Guerra is a dynamic office which represents some of the most dynamic neighborhoods in southeast Sacramento. To that end, the CivicSpark Fellow would focus on several projects in the Council District and support special initiatives related to the Councilmember’s role as a Board Member on the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the Sacramento Metro Air District (SMAQMD), the Sacramento Valley Basinwide Control Council (BCC).

Overall, the Fellow would be instrumental in better aligning policy making done at the state, regional, and local levels and identifying opportunities for local implementation. The Fellow will be responsible for supporting multiple projects at various stages of development and implementation. These projects are grounded in Councilmember Guerra’s commitment to protecting public health, improving air quality, encouraging the clean energy transition, and uplifting local communities and economies.

Project Description

The Fellow will serve as the office’s primary support & liaison for matters at multiple levels of impact and implementation pertaining to air quality and climate. The projects that the Fellow may be involved in are at various stages of development and implementation, allowing for a diverse fellowship experience containing a multitude of responsibilities and opportunities for professional development. The projects that the Fellow may be involved in include, but are not limited to:

– Regional outreach and implementation of the E-Bike Incentive Program in collaboration with community-based organizations and the California Air Resources Board
– Research and analysis of matters coming before the California Air Resources Board, most notably the Low Carbon Fuel Standard
– Research and analysis of climate, air quality, or transportation matters coming before the Sacramento City Council
– Incentivization of agricultural bio-waste for the production of biofuels as an alternative to open agriculture burning
– Development of a regional strategy for encouraging hydrogen technology investments
– Green workforce development and transition in partnership with local agencies, community-based organizations, and the UC and CSU system

These efforts will require responsibilities including:
– Conducting research and analysis of proposals being brought forward to the City Council or a Board of Directors
– Participating in outreach and engagement with local community members
– Consolidating local and regional visions and objectives into tangible strategies and actionable plans
– Serving as a representative of the office in meetings, briefings, and interactions with government agencies, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders
– Acting as a primary liaison between constituents, stakeholders, and the Councilmember in matters pertaining to air quality and climate
– Translating climate and air quality topics into accessible information for social media, the district newsletter, and press releases

The primary deliverable would be a discrete work product, be it a framework for implementation, outreach materials, or other final product.

Desired Skills

Fellows should have strong communication skills (verbal and written, including social media skills), outreach and engagement experience, project management skills, and be able to work effectively individually or as part of a team. The ideal Fellow will be flexible and energized by a fast-paced environment; enjoy engaging with constituents, stakeholders, and officials; be disposed to creative, big picture problem-solving; demonstrate strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively; and have an ability to “translate” climate action topics into accessible and actionable information.

Foundational levels of both science and policy knowledge preferred. Bilingual capabilities are desired to support more accessible and inclusive engagement, but not required.

Organization & Workplace Highlights

While the work will pertain to local, regional, and statewide initiatives, the Fellow will be based out of the City of Sacramento Council office. The workplace culture in the Council office is fast-paced, with each day different from the last. Because of the diverse neighborhoods served in the Council district, and the unique perspective of the Councilmember, there is a strong focus on ensuring that historically overlooked and underinvested communities are heard, represented, and actively involved in the actions which most impact them. The office, while small, is highly involved in the success of growing and sustaining local community organizations and ensuring that the community is represented.

Councilmember Guerra is one of the senior-most members of the Sacramento City Council and has a strong commitment to supporting young professionals at City Hall, the State Capital, and in the community.

Community Highlights

Home to over 500,000 residents and known as the City of Trees and the Farm to Fork Capital, the City of Sacramento has a long-standing commitment to foster sustainability in government operations and community activities. And as the capital of California, and one of the most diverse cities in the State, Sacramento has something for everyone. Because of Councilmember Guerra’s leadership roles on local, regional, and statewide boards, the CivicSpark Fellow will have the opportunity to focus on projects at multiple levels of impact and implementation. It is a unique opportunity to work across levels of governance and gain insight into the inter-agency and inter-governmental cooperation required to pursue ambitious climate and air quality goals.