Ignite: Sustainable Futures Fellowship
Organization: Colton Joint Unified School District
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 1-2 days in Office
Project Description:
- Strategic Energy Planning: Support the District’s Energy Officer in administering a comprehensive energy management and sustainability program.
- Decarbonization & Efficiency: Spearhead initiatives to reduce utility consumption and decrease the District’s carbon footprint across all facilities.
- Green Transportation: Facilitate the transition to sustainable fleets, including EV bus procurement and charging infrastructure.
- Infrastructure Resilience: Integrate energy efficiency, battery storage, and solar power generation into facilities bond projects.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all District operations meet or exceed state mandates for eco-sustainability.
City Sustainability and Environmental Programs
Organization: City of Indio
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: In-Person, Mon-Fri 9/80 schedule
Project Description:
- Enhance public awareness and participation in City sustainability programs through outreach materials, community engagement, and educational initiatives.
- Strengthen the City’s sustainability programs by conducting research, policy analysis, and program evaluations that inform new initiatives, program improvements, and regulatory compliance strategies.
- Provide meaningful staff support to the Sustainability Commission by preparing background materials, conducting policy research, and assisting with implementation of Commission recommendations.
- Provide the fellow with hands-on experience in municipal sustainability policy, environmental regulatory compliance, and local government decision-making processes.
- Improve the City’s ability to track, analyze, and report environmental data related to waste diversion, stormwater management, and other sustainability metrics.
Sustainable Campus Energy and Infrastructure Implementation
Organization: San Bernardino Community College District
Openings: #2
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 3 days in office (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Project Description:
- Support sustainability planning and implementation efforts across San Bernardino Community College District facilities, infrastructure, and energy systems.
- Increase staff capacity to manage and coordinate energy, infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives across multiple campuses.
- Advance implementation of the District Sustainability Plan and Net Zero Energy Plan.
- Improve the district’s ability to track, analyze, and report on utility and energy data to inform decision-making.
- Support organization of project information, coordination of implementation activities, and development of operational reports.
- Promote energy efficiency, climate resilience, and responsible resource use across campus operations.
- Enhance facility performance to support safe, efficient learning environments and student success.
- Build internal capacity for long-term energy management and infrastructure planning.
- Support workforce development by aligning sustainability and infrastructure efforts with career education and regional economic needs.
Building Local Capacity for Sustainable Downtown Revitalization
Organization: City of Corona, Economic Development Department
Openings: #2
Work Schedule: In-Person, Mon-Thurs 4/10 schedule
Project Description:
Corona’s Downtown core is undergoing transformation but lacks a unified governance and financing model to sustain placemaking, small-business support, and infrastructure reinvestment. Identifying feasible district typologies will enable Corona to leverage local and state tools to promote economic resilience, reduced vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and equitable redevelopment.
Capacity-Building Goals:
- Institutionalize Knowledge: Produce frameworks and datasets that City staff can reuse for district formation and grant applications.
- Community Engagement: Pilot inclusive engagement models to build consensus among property owners, businesses, and residents.
- Sustainable Urban Policy: Advance Downtown revitalization that supports climate-conscious land use, active transportation, and local jobs.
CivicSpark Work Activities
- Develop data-driven baseline maps using public GIS sources.
- Conduct peer research and create policy briefs for each district model.
- Facilitate workshops or focus groups to surface community priorities.
- Build internal tools (dashboards, templates, checklists) for City staff use.
- Prepare a final capacity-building report documenting process, lessons learned, and next steps.
Anticipated Outcomes
- Increased staff capacity to evaluate and implement district mechanisms.
- Clear, actionable roadmap toward a chosen district model (e.g., BID feasibility).
- Enhanced collaboration between Economic Development, Planning, and Public Works.
- Deliverables incorporated into future grant or capital planning efforts.
Grow Riverside & Green Business Network
Organization: City of Riverside
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 4 days in office (varies)
Project Description:
Riverside is a full-service city with a population of 317,000 people and 2,300employees. The Office of Sustainability isa 4-member division that develops and implements sustainability policies and projects across 12 City departments. The Office of Sustainability is a subset of the City Manager’s Office. The Office of Sustainability is a high-level policy implementer for a large city and will give the Fellow valuable experience in learning how policy is developed and implemented across large and diverse groups of departments, divisions, and staff members.
- Support the implementation of the Green Business Program, which helps small and medium businesses adopt greener practices including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and water efficiency.
- Build and maintain relationships with businesses that are participating in the Green Business Program.
- Support the implementation of the Grow Riverside initiative, which aims to foster a strong local and sustainable food system.
- Engage with various Grow Riverside partners in hosting an annual conference for local food systems collaboration and learning.
Development of the Office of Sustainability and its Citywide Climate Action Plan
Organization: City of Riverside
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 4 days in office (varies)
Project Description:
Riverside is a full-service city with a population of 317,000 people and 2,300employees. The Office of Sustainability isa 4-member division that develops and implements sustainability policies and projects across 12 City departments. The Office of Sustainability is a subset of the City Manager’s Office. The Office of Sustainability is a high-level policy implementer for a large city and will give the Fellow valuable experience in learning how policy is developed and implemented across large and diverse groups of departments, divisions, and staff members.
- Assist the City of Riverside’s Office of Sustainability in the development of a comprehensive citywide Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
- Support research, data collection, and analysis related to climate mitigation and resilience strategies.
- Contribute to stakeholder engagement and coordination activities that inform plan development.
- Help identify opportunities, best practices, and actionable steps for reducing emissions and preparing for climate-related impacts.
Municipal Energy Efficiency and Zero Emission Vehicle Initiatives
Organization: City of Riverside
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 4 days in office (varies)
Project Description:
- Collaborate with the City of Riverside to identify citywide opportunities for expanding zero‑emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption.
- Assess potential locations for new ZEV charging infrastructure and related supportive technologies.
- Evaluate City building stock to identify opportunities for incorporating sustainable and energy‑efficient upgrades.
- Review upcoming City construction projects to determine where ZEV‑supportive or sustainability‑focused infrastructure can be integrated.
- Support efforts to advance healthier, more efficient, and more environmentally sustainable municipal facilities.
Zero Emission Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Organization: City of Corona
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Tuesday, Thursday)
Project Description:
The City of Corona is a full-service municipal organization located in Riverside County, California, serving a vibrant and growing community of more than 160,000 residents. Known as the “Circle City,” Corona offers a unique blend of suburban livability, economic opportunity, and access to major Southern California employment and recreation centers. The City is committed to providing high-quality public services while supporting long-term sustainability, infrastructure investment, and responsible fiscal management.
- Advance regional and state sustainability goals by improving efficiency and performance of municipal operations within the City of Corona.
- Demonstrate local government leadership in clean energy adoption and sustainable transportation practices.
- Build workforce capacity by providing technical training to City staff in electric vehicle (EV) technologies and charging infrastructure.
- Strengthen the regional clean energy workforce by developing in-house expertise in EV maintenance and operations.
- Reduce municipal diesel fuel use and improve fleet efficiency to lower greenhouse gas emissions and operational impacts.
- Address localized air quality challenges by targeting emissions in high-burden communities (CalEnviroScreen 86th–93rd percentile; diesel PM 94th–99th percentile).
- Advance environmental justice outcomes by prioritizing pollution reduction and infrastructure improvements in overburdened communities.
City of Corona – Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Efficiency Implementation
Organization: City of Corona
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Monday, Wednesday)
Project Description:
The City of Corona is a full-service municipal organization located in Riverside County, California, serving a vibrant and growing community of more than 160,000 residents. Known as the “Circle City,” Corona offers a unique blend of suburban livability, economic opportunity, and access to major Southern California employment and recreation centers. The City is committed to providing high-quality public services while supporting long-term sustainability, infrastructure investment, and responsible fiscal management.
- Advance energy efficiency and infrastructure improvement initiatives to reduce municipal energy use and operational costs.
- Expand staff capacity to support facility energy assessments, project coordination, and implementation tracking.
- Improve organization and management of project data to support planning, reporting, and decision-making.
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities (e.g., grants, incentives) to advance priority energy and infrastructure projects.
- Support City sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through improved efficiency of municipal facilities and public infrastructure.
- Enhance long-term infrastructure performance and reinvest cost savings into community priorities.
Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN) / Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG)
Organization: Western Riverside Council of Governments / Inland Regional Energy Network
Openings: #2
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Monday, Wednesday)
Project Description:
The purpose of the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) is to unify Western Riverside County so that it can speak with a collective voice on important issues that affect its members. Representatives from 18 cities, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, and the Eastern and Western Municipal Water Districts, have seats on the WRCOG Executive Committee, the group that sets policy for the organization, and the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools is an ex-officio member.
- Develop Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN) Fellow cohort tour schedule and implement tours.
- I-REN serves as a conduit of no cost resources to the 52 cities and their communities within the Riverside and San Bernardino County. This Fellow will act as liaison between other I-REN host site fellows, and their agencies, to I-REN staff and I-REN resources. This will help ensure the Fellows have the Energy resources and expertise they need to effectively implement their projects.
- Take a supportive role on the new energy workforce partnership between I-REN and both Riverside and San Bernardino County Workforce Development Departments.
- I-REN cities and jurisdictions have identified energy capacity as a need, this Fellow will support in providing the outreach to local universities and community college on energy as a pathway to a good, well-paying career.
I-REN & SBCOG Government Programs, Policies, Leadership, and Efficiency Assistance
Organization: San Bernardino Council of Governments/Inland Regional Energy Network
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 1-2 days in office (Wednesday, Thursday)
Project Description:
This project supports regional collaboration and capacity-building efforts across 25 agencies throughout San Bernardino County through the I-REN fellowship program and SBCOG initiatives.
- Expand staff capacity to support grants, regional coordination, technical assistance, and program implementation across multiple agencies.
- Strengthen leadership and collaboration within the I-REN fellowship program through fellow engagement, peer support, and program coordination.
- Support development and coordination of tours, trainings, and other learning opportunities for fellows and partner agencies.
- Increase regional capacity to advance programs related to housing, environmental planning, regional planning, and sustainability.
- Improve support for hard-to-reach, disadvantaged, and underserved communities across San Bernardino County.
- Build understanding of countywide initiatives and strengthen coordination between I-REN, SBCOG, and partner agencies across a range of program areas.
Western Riverside County Clean Cities Coalition
Organization: WRCOG/Western Riverside County Clean Cities Coalition
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Tuesday, Thursday)
Project Description:
The Western Riverside County Clean Cities Coalition serves the Inland Empire—one of Southern California’s fastest-growing regions and a critical hub for energy, transportation, and goods movement. Through regional partnerships, the Coalition advances solutions that improve mobility, expand clean transportation, and reduce emissions.
- Serves 13 local agencies across Western Riverside County.
- Supports adoption of clean-fuel and advanced-technology vehicles and infrastructure.
- Helps fleets navigate implementation challenges, regulations, and mandates at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Provides training support for technicians and first responders.
- Facilitates public-private partnerships to advance deployment.
- Advances regional goals to reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and improve local air quality.
Advancing Active Transportation and Micromobility through Safe Routes to School Programs and Initiatives
Organization: City of Rancho Cucamonga
Openings: #2
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 3 days in office (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
Project Description:
- Increase the use of active transportation to and from schools. The project will implement Safe Routes to School strategies that encourage students and families to walk, bike, or roll to school, helping shift travel behavior away from automobile dependence.
- Strengthen pedestrian and cyclist safety awareness across all age groups. Multigenerational education and outreach efforts will build knowledge and confidence among students and their families to safely use active transportation options.
- Enhance partnerships with schools and community stakeholders. The project will expand collaboration with schools and local partners to create coordinated, sustainable Safe Routes to School programming and long-term engagement.
- Reduce traffic congestion and improve safety near schools. By combining behavior-focused initiatives with infrastructure-based strategies, the project will promote safer circulation patterns and reduce vehicle conflicts in school zones.
- Promote healthier lifestyles and environmental benefits. Increasing physical activity through active mobility will help reduce obesity and chronic disease rates while also improving air quality by lowering vehicle emissions.
Community Planning Needs:
- Address traffic congestion around school neighborhoods. With 35 schools spread across a 47-square-mile city, many neighborhoods experience heavy school-related traffic that creates safety risks and delays.
- Close gaps in community engagement related to active transportation. Although the City has an established Safe Routes to School Program and Active Transportation Plan (Connect RC), additional outreach and promotion are needed to fully engage families and encourage behavior change.
- Improve equitable planning and implementation of safety improvements. A school-by-school and neighborhood-by-neighborhood approach is needed to identify and prioritize improvements that reflect the unique needs of diverse communities.
- Support implementation of existing transportation and safety plans. The project will advance the goals of the Connect RC Plan and Safe Routes to School Program by translating adopted plans into visible actions, programs, and improvements.
- Improve environmental health outcomes in school areas. Reducing vehicle reliance and congestion near schools will help improve local air quality and create safer, healthier environments for students and surrounding communities.
Conservation as a Way of Life – Phase 2: Implementation – Communications and Community Planning
Organization: Mission Springs Water District
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2-3 days in office (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday)
Project Description:
Mission Springs Water District’s (MSWD) mission is to provide, protect, and preserve our most valuable resource – water. We are proud to serve our award-winning water to our customers in Desert Hot Springs, California, and surrounding areas.
Communications & Engagement Goals:
- Increase Community Awareness of Conservation Actions
Implement a coordinated outreach campaign that increases customer awareness of MSWD conservation goals, rebate programs, turf replacement opportunities, and evaporative cooler efficiency practices. - Drive Measurable Behavior Change
Implement behavior‑based messaging that results in increased participation in conservation programs, including rebates, turf conversion, and water‑efficient practices. - Deliver Brand‑Consistent Outreach Materials
Produce and deploy a suite of MSWD‑branded outreach materials (digital and print) that clearly communicate conservation actions and reinforce the Conservation as a Way of Life message. - Strengthen Stakeholder and Community Partnerships
Expand engagement with community groups, neighborhood leaders, and partner organizations to broaden participation and increase trust in MSWD’s conservation efforts.
Community Planning & Implementation Goals:
- Achieve State‑Mandated Water Use Reductions
Implement targeted conservation strategies that support MSWD’s goal of reducing water usage by up to 35 percent, helping the District remain compliant with State of California requirements and avoid penalties.
Deploy Data‑Driven Conservation Targeting. - Utilize GIS analysis during implementation to identify and prioritize high‑impact conservation opportunities, such as properties with non‑functional turf, for focused outreach and program delivery.
- Build Internal and External Implementation Capacity
Strengthen MSWD’s capacity to administer conservation programs by improving coordination, staffing support, and partner readiness to implement rebate programs and water‑efficient practices. - Secure and Implement External Funding
Advance grant development and implementation activities to obtain and deploy funding from the State Water Resources Control Board and the Coachella Valley Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP) group to support conservation implementation.
AMI and DMA: Advanced metering monitoring and tracking
Organization: Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: On site, Mon-Fri
Project Description:
EVMWD is a fast paced and forward thinking special district that provides water and wastewater services to the City of Lake Elsinore, City of Canyon Lake, City of Wildomar, some of the City of Murietta, and unincorporated areas around these cities. Our culture is professional, inclusive, productive, and fun. We have a focus on staff development and education to ensure professional and personal growth.
- Assist staff review advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) reports
Investigation flagged data or anomalies in the reports. - Determine if meters are failing, intermittently reading, experiencing communication issues, and if a private leak is occurring.
- If the meter is in a district metered area (DMA), determine if the meter is contributing to water accountability errors in the DMA.
- Dispatch staff to investigate field issues.
- Assist in setup of new DMAs to expand water loss accountability and gain better insights into where leaks or metering inaccuracies are most common.
- Benefits: This program identifies and provides data to correct apparent water loss (metering, theft, or accounting issues) and real water loss (actual leaks). Keeping this program operating is beneficial to the environment, to ratepayers, and to our water district. Water loss in the public and private (behind water meter) systems cost ratepayers either directly or indirectly. This program is temporarily staffed by a retired consultant and our fellow.
Decarbonization and Home Upgrades
Organization: City of Palm Springs
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 3 days on site (varies)
Project Description:
The City of Palm Springs is a full-service local government dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and enhancing quality of life for its residents. The Department of Sustainability works across departments and with community partners on initiatives such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and climate planning. The workplace culture is collaborative, supportive, and team-oriented, offering Fellows the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while learning from experienced staff in a hands-on environment.
- Provide research, data tracking, and administrative assistance to the Department of Sustainability to help advance residential decarbonization programs.
- Assist with workshops, outreach events, and educational materials to help residents adopt energy-efficient practices and home upgrades.
- Help monitor program metrics, organize events, and support day-to-day tasks to ensure initiatives run smoothly and equitably across the community.
STEM Programming Liaison
Organization: Science & Technology Education Partnership
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 1-3 days in office (varies)
Project Description:
STEP provides educational and workforce development opportunities throughout the year with the mission to inspire students to go into STEM careers. We serve the Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino counties).
- Expand staff capacity to support grants, regional coordination, and program implementation across the two counties.
- Support development and coordination of new and existing programming and partnerships.
- Increase regional capacity to promote programming -Improve support for underserved communities across the Inland Empire.
I-REN/CVAG Energy Efficiency Program Support – Community Education and Outreach
Organization: Coachella Valley Association of Governments
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: In person, Mon-Fri (possibility of hybrid, 1-2 days)
Project Description:
The Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) serves the Coachella Valley and Palo Verde Valley, a region in Southern California’s Colorado Desert. This area encompasses ten cities: Blythe, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage, as well as unincorporated areas of Riverside County and four Tribes (Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians, Torres Martinez Band of Cahuilla Indians, and Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians).
- Increase regional capacity to advance programs related to housing, environmental planning, regional planning, and sustainability.
- Expand staff capacity to support grants, regional coordination, technical assistance, and program implementation across multiple agencies.
- Build understanding of countywide initiatives and strengthen coordination between I-REN, CVAG, and partner agencies across a range of program areas.
- Improve support for hard-to-reach, disadvantaged, and underserved communities across the region.
- Support I-REN Workforce Development & Education outreach that strengthens local talent pipelines and career pathways in the Coachella Valley.
- Engage the Cities’ Planning and Building Departments and building professionals to increase awareness and participation of Codes & Standards programs and trainings.
- Collaborate with internal I-REN partners to align workforce and community engagement efforts with program goals.
- Contribute to data collection, reporting, and evaluation to support I-REN Agency Public Sector projects.
- Build and maintain relationships with employers, community organizations, and educational institutions.
- Engage the community, students, and partners to increase awareness of Workforce Development & Education programs and opportunities.
- Assist CVAG in coordinating outreach efforts, events, and engagement activities that promote participation.
- Strengthen leadership and collaboration within the I-REN fellowship program through fellow engagement, peer support, and program coordination.
Support development and coordination of tours, trainings, and other learning opportunities for fellows and partner agencies.
Energy Program Analyst Fellow
Organization: Eastern Municipal Water District
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Onsite, Mon-Fri
Project Description:
Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) is California’s sixth-largest retail water agency. EMWD maintains 275 commercial retail electric accounts to power its various facilities including 120 booster stations, 50 wells, 70 lift stations, 10 treatment plants, and several administration buildings, with annual electricity usage of approximately 120 million kWh. Electricity costs represent the third-largest operating expense behind payroll and purchased water.
- Assist, monitor and advise energy program manager on energy program data acquisition.
- Formulate and analyze energy related models for energy optimization.
- Evaluate and audit current and historical energy programs.
- Review and advise on renewable energy asset management.
- Understanding of energy principles, demand management, Time-Of-Use periods and utility tariffs.
I-REN & SBCTA Planning Department Public Sector Project Assistance
Organization: I-REN/SBCTA
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 1-2 days in office (Wednesday, Thursday)
Project Description:
This project supports regional efforts across San Bernardino County by expanding capacity for local agencies to advance sustainability, resiliency, and transportation initiatives through coordinated technical assistance, program implementation, and grant support.
Project Goals and Needs:
- Expand capacity for 25 local agencies by providing technical assistance, coordination, and project support.
- Support identification, development, and management of grant funding opportunities for regional and local initiatives.
- Coordinate engagement and collaboration among local public agencies to advance shared sustainability and resiliency goals.
- Assist with solar, energy, and climate resiliency project planning and implementation across multiple jurisdictions.
- Support participation and implementation of I-REN programs for partner agencies.
- Provide administrative and coordination support to the Planning Department, including facilitation of the monthly Planning Department Technical Forum.
- Assist with coordination of the Transportation Technical Advisory Committee and related regional planning efforts.
- Support grant management activities, including tracking, reporting, and compliance.
- Lead coordination and implementation support for the Vehicle Miles -Traveled (VMT) Mitigation Program as it transitions out of beta testing.
- Strengthen regional collaboration, data sharing, and program effectiveness across San Bernardino County.
Climate Action Plan Update with EV and Sustainability Elements
Organization: City of Cathedral City
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, days vary
Project Description:
This project supports the City of Cathedral City in strengthening its climate planning and implementation capacity by updating its Climate Action Plan and expanding sustainability programming. The work focuses on aligning local and regional efforts while advancing community priorities related to environmental sustainability and education.
- Update the City’s Climate Action Plan and align it with the regional Coachella Valley Climate Action Plan.
- Strengthen staff capacity by developing clear implementation strategies for climate and sustainability initiatives.
- Support development of an Electric Vehicle (EV) element and related transportation strategies.
- Expand sustainability programming, including partnerships with the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery.
- Increase community engagement through environmental education and outreach initiatives.
- Implement sustainability-focused programs for youth, including field days on climate, water, recycling, biodiversity, and energy.
- Support neighborhood-based initiatives such as “S.C.R.A.P. Exchange Boxes” to promote reuse and community participation.
- Identify priority projects and funding opportunities to position the City for future grant funding.
- Advance community priorities related to reducing energy use, improving air quality, conserving water, and addressing climate impacts such as extreme heat.
- Enhance overall quality of life through expanded access to sustainability programs and resources.
Riverside County Energy Efficiency Program
Organization: Riverside County Facilities Management
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: In-Person, Mon-Fri (9/80 schedule)
Project Description:
This project looks to identify current County-owned/maintained properties analyze the utility usage and building conditions related to energy efficiency and identify opportunities to prioritize and implement energy efficiency improvements.
- Become familiar with County-owned/maintained properties that Facilities Management has in its portfolio and the user departments which it serves.
- Analyze the utility usage and building conditions in order to identify area for energy efficiency improvements.
- Work with vendors to identify opportunities to fund and prioritize energy efficiency improvements that will result in highest values.
- Collaborate with different user departments to reduce utility usage and cost to maintain critical public services to County residents.
- Assist in researching funding opportunities and new regulatory measures related to energy efficiency.
Participation in the Riverside County Facilities Management Energy Efficiency Program will involve:
- Analyzing utility usage through energy utility software for all of the buildings that Facilities Management maintains.
- Assessing of County facilities related to condition of equipment, their energy efficiency, and a prioritization of energy improvements based on need and value.
- Collaborate internally with Facilities Management departments (Energy, Project Management, Real Estate, Plan Review, Environmental, Parking, and Fiscal to plan for implementation of the improvements.
- Assisting project managers in project development from establishing budgets, to project design, construction, and occupancy.
- Implementing energy efficiency improvements will serve consumer needs while balancing constrained available resources.
- Collaborating with a high volume of County user departments, vendors and contractors, and other public agencies to achieve project goals.
Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN) Workforce Program
Organization: Riverside County Housing and Workforce Solutions
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: In-Person, Mon-Fri (9/80 schedule)
Project Description:
This project supports Riverside County’s Workforce Development Division by building capacity to advance workforce initiatives, with a focus on clean energy careers. The work emphasizes research, planning, and partnership development to strengthen job pathways and expand access to workforce opportunities.
- Support Workforce Development staff on special projects, initiatives, and grant applications.
- Identify areas for program improvement and support implementation of enhancements.
- Assist in planning, coordination, and execution of special events and initiatives.
- Conduct research and data analysis to identify workforce gaps and projected job needs in the clean energy sector.
- Support development of strategic partnerships with regional partners, including the Inland Regional Energy Network and surrounding counties.
- Contribute to regional workforce planning efforts aligned with state clean energy and economic goals.
- Assist in identifying job placement opportunities and building pathways into energy-related careers.
- Support development of workforce education and training strategies, particularly for underserved communities.
- Strengthen alignment between local and regional workforce plans to support a resilient and opportunity-rich economy.
All things Energy Management for Temecula Valley USD
Organization: Temecula Valley Unified School District
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 1-2 days in office (varies)
Project Description:
We are hoping to have the fellow step in to help manage energy across 30 sites. That includes, but is not limited to, working with outside agencies such as So Cal Edison, SoCal Gas, Rancho Cal Water District, Eastern Municipal Water District. The fellow will be working closely with and learning from existing Energy Manager. A large portion of duties will be entering and analyzing energy data and helping with scheduling to ensure most efficient use of energy. Additionally, the fellow will be helping to create a working desktop manual, and keeping up with a website and social media. Additionally thee is an opportunity to utilize Canva to communications to the District personnel. Physically, 4 times a year, the fellow will be helping with 4 “shutdowns”, which entails going to all sites to audit and make sure everything is off and unplugged. This will be with the existing energy manager. Some essential duties include:
- From day one, collect and categorize all things Energy Management with the end goal being a portfolio that houses daily, weekly, periodic, etc duties and how to perform them, including website links, logins, etc in an effort to create a desktop manual for the next person sitting in the Energy Management seat.
- Help write a District climate action plan/sustainability plan.
- Enter and analyze energy data (assist the other Energy Manager).
- Learn several BAS systems.
- Helping to grow energy management program, partially by researching and finding ways to include more sustainability measures.
- Communication (mostly via email) with various district employees from both the Educational Support Services (ESS, teachers, admin, etc) and Business Support Services (BSS, custodial maintenance, fiscal etc).
- Research any opportunities to implement efficiency programs that are free or heavily funded and schedule virtual meetings for vetting.
- Work with I-Ren and SoCalRen to identify and manage identified projects IE: Kits for Kids).
City of Hemet Energy Efficiency, Climate Action, and Housing Programs
Organization: City of Hemet
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: On-Site, Mon-Thurs (4/10 Schedule)
Project Description:
This project supports the City of Hemet Community Development Department by building capacity across multiple divisions to advance energy efficiency, housing quality, and sustainability initiatives. The work focuses on strengthening program implementation, improving data-driven decision-making, and supporting community-focused outcomes. The city operates a Temporary Part-Time (TPT) workforce development program that provides structured, on-the-job training for entry-level staff transitioning into municipal careers. The program supports skill development across infrastructure, facilities, and engineering functions, with a clear pathway for participants to advance into full-time positions.
Over the past nearly three years, the program has supported approximately 9–12 participants at a time, with a significant number successfully transitioning into full-time employment within the City or other public agencies. Project goals include:
- Provide cross-divisional support to Building and Safety, Code Compliance, Housing, and Planning teams.
- Assist with processing solar photovoltaic permits and reviewing energy calculations for new construction.
- Support implementation of energy efficiency and sustainability programs, including county partnerships.
- Contribute to housing rehabilitation efforts, with a focus on seniors and low-income residents.
- Support data collection, tracking, and analysis to inform program effectiveness and decision-making.
- Assist with development and updates of ordinances related to sustainability and housing.
- Support public outreach and education efforts to increase community awareness and participation.
- Assist with grant documentation, reporting, and program compliance requirements.
- Advance community priorities related to reducing energy consumption, improving housing quality, and strengthening climate resiliency.
City of Hemet Energy Audit, EV Feasibility, and Streetlight Efficiency
Organization: City of Hemet
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: On-Site, Mon-Thurs (4/10 Schedule)
Project Description:
This project supports the City of Hemet Public Works and Engineering Departments by building capacity to plan, implement, and track energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives. The work focuses on improving municipal operations, advancing electrification efforts, and supporting workforce development through hands-on project implementation. Project goals include:
- Build staff and workforce capacity to support energy efficiency and sustainability projects.
- Conduct energy audits of City facilities to identify cost savings and efficiency opportunities.
- Analyze feasibility and support planning for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
- Update and manage data related to the City’s streetlight program to improve performance and efficiency.
- Support implementation of energy projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and modernize infrastructure.
- Assist with management and reporting for Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funding.
- Collect and analyze data to inform evidence-based decision-making for facility and infrastructure upgrades.
- Support and engage with the City’s Temporary Part-Time (TPT) workforce development program to build pathways into municipal careers.
- Advance community priorities related to energy reduction, infrastructure modernization, and electrification.
- Strengthen the City’s ability to deliver efficient, sustainable public services and serve as a model for energy-conscious municipal operations.
