Host: Southern California Association of Governments
Openings: 1
Project Focus: 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), Ecosystem / Habitat Conservation / Biodiversity Protection, Energy Efficiency, Public Health, Urban Planning, Water Management, Water Policy
Skills Needed: Project Management, Research, Data Analysis, Data Collection,

Remote or On-Site Placement

Hybrid – Fellows may serve mainly remote, with options for hybrid work. Fellows must still abide by CivicSpark’s 50 mile radius policy.

Service Needs & Plans

Work supporting Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)’s climate action and water action resolutions will contribute to the region’s planning and preparation for a changing climate, as well as potential near- and long-term disruptions. These include earthquakes, extreme weather, drought, wildfire, pandemics, and economic shocks.

Project Description

The Fellow will help conduct outreach and research with water management agencies, experts, and community-based organizations to understand how SCAG can better support water management practices and conservation efforts to facilitate sustainable growth of transportation and housing systems in Southern California. This includes researching how flood hazards impact development of transportation systems, and how preservation of natural lands in urban, suburban, exurban, and rural areas can support groundwater recharge and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction through more sustainable development patterns.

Desired Skills

Fellows should have strong critical thinking and research skills, and should be self-motivated and able to work under limited supervision. Technical skills including GIS and technical writing are appreciated.

Organization & Workplace Highlights

SCAG is the metropolitan planning organization for Southern California, located in Los Angeles. SCAG is committed to diversity and inclusion, and fosters professional development among long-term and limited-term employees alike. In addition to exposure to a wide diversity of regional issues and stakeholders, SCAG employees are also provided with many opportunities for professional development and enrichment activities.

Community Highlights

SCAG serves the six-county Southern California region, which is one of the most diverse geographies in the country. With countless communities, ecosystems, and sets of local strengths and challenges, there is no region more exciting to serve than Southern California.