Water Efficiency Educator
Organization: South Tahoe Public Utility District
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: In-Person, Mon-Fri
Project Description:
- Support local workforce development in the water and wastewater industry.
- Support local environmental education coalition in need of grant funding to provide programs to disadvantage community students K-12.
- Build and maintain relationships with key community stakeholders to promote water efficiency program participation.
- Assist in coordinating outreach and education to South Lake Tahoe community and visitors that promotes water efficiency program and Drink Tahoe Tap.
Improving Water/Wastewater Utility Efficiencies with Technology
Organization: South Tahoe Public Utility District
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: In-Person, Mon-Fri
Project Description:
- Strengthen the South Tahoe Public Utility District’s capacity to collect, process, analyze, and apply data to improve water and wastewater operational efficiency.
- Leverage data and technology to support informed decision-making related to planning, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of aging utility infrastructure.
- Enhance the reliability and safety of water distribution and wastewater collection systems serving the South Lake Tahoe community.
- Support environmental stewardship efforts, particularly in protecting the sensitive ecosystem of Lake Tahoe.
- Provide optional support to the District’s water conservation program through public education, community outreach, and student engagement initiatives.
Sacramento Region Heat Resiliency Fellow
Organization: Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 1 day in office (Monday)
Project Description:
ac Metro Air District’s hyperlocal heat mitigation findings are helping local governments and public agencies adapt to extreme heat. Our recommendations are improving public health, influencing land use design and the built environment, and creating sustainable and climate resilient transportation options.
- Conduct heat monitoring using MaRTy – a mobile weather instrument that measures mean radiant temperature, air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. Help with upkeep and maintenance of the MaRTy device and associated equipment.
- Analyze temperature, heat exposure, and human thermal comfort data collected using MaRTy.
- Conduct heat mapping to identify areas that are experiencing heat disproportionately.
- Identify heat adaptation strategies that are location specific in partnership with community-based organizations and local jurisdictions. Communicate the urgency of implementing heat mitigation solutions.
- Conduct community outreach throughout the Sacramento region to understand community concerns regarding exposure to extreme heat and how to prioritize neighborhood and transportation improvements. Survey community members to determine priorities for creating cooler, more comfortable and walkable neighborhoods.
- Synthesize data, extreme heat research, resources, and cooling strategies into easy-to-understand reports, factsheets, and outreach materials for planning departments, public work departments, the public, residents, and homeowners to help disseminate information on extreme heat.
- Assist with grant writing to bring additional heat adaptation funding to the Sacramento region.
Pathways to Housing
Organization: City of Elk Grove – Housing
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: In-Person, Mon-Fri
Project Description:
The Fellow will support the Housing and Public Services Division in advancing a wide-range of housing initiatives. This will include supporting the City’s homelessness and grant funding efforts with data analysis and reporting; and contributing to the development of emerging affordable housing policies and programs.
- Conduct research on best practices, policies, and data related to homelessness prevention and response. Support the development and implementation of City initiatives aimed at increasing housing stability, expanding supportive services, and improving program effectiveness.
- Support the City’s grant funding and compliance efforts. This include monitoring grant performance by tracking deliverables and supporting reporting requirements to ensure compliance with funding guidelines and City policies.
- Support monitoring and evaluating the City’s affordable housing portfolio. Assist with tracking and reviewing affordable housing units, data management and documentation review.
Community Development, Long-Range Planning
Organization: City of Elk Grove
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Monday, Wednesday)
Project Description:
Supports the Community Development Department – Advanced Planning (AP) Division, a newly established team with limited staff capacity
Contributes to the Division’s mission to:
- Collaborate with residents, businesses, and internal teams.
- Plan for a sustainable and forward-looking future for Elk Grove.
- Ensure transparent, data-driven decision-making.
- Elevate diverse community voices in planning efforts.
Works on key priority projects, including:
- Increasing civic participation in City processes.
- Supporting implementation of climate action initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Advancing efforts to improve air quality.
Provides additional capacity to help the Division advance strategic, community-centered planning efforts.
Building Climate Action Capacity in the Sacramento County
Organization: City of Sacramento Office of Climate Action and Sustainability
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 1 day in office ( Wednesday)
Project Description:
Role of the Fellow in project:
Lead and support community engagement events. The Fellow will coordinate event logistics, prepare outreach materials, and conduct engagement efforts.
Support the Urban Forest Implementation Working Group, including meeting coordination, external engagement with the Working Group, etc.
Further the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan through facilitating community engagement events and promoting Staff Sustainability Trainings.
- Support the City of Sacramento’s Office of Climate Action and Sustainability (OCAS) in advancing climate resilience initiatives through cross-departmental and regional collaboration.
- Engage Sacramento communities in climate action efforts, with a focus on increasing awareness, participation, and access to sustainability resources.
- Contribute to the implementation of the City’s Urban Forest Plan by supporting strategies that expand, protect, and enhance tree canopy and associated community benefits.
- Support the Urban Forest Implementation Working Group through meeting coordination, facilitation, stakeholder communication, and community engagement efforts.
- Advance implementation of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) by supporting outreach and engagement activities that promote climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
- Plan and lead community-based events (e.g., clean-ups, beautification efforts) including event promotion, volunteer coordination, and collaboration with City departments.
- Promote and support City staff sustainability trainings by increasing internal engagement and encouraging integration of sustainable practices across departments.
- Assist in the development and implementation of a climate equity pilot focused on strengthening community resilience to climate change impacts.
- Strengthen community relationships by facilitating inclusive engagement efforts that elevate community priorities and build long-term capacity for climate action.
Water Conservation and Equity in Water Utilities
Organization: City of Sacramento, Department of Utilities
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Tuesday, Thursday)
Project Description:
The Department of Utilities provides and maintains water, wastewater, and storm drainage services and facilities for its customers, City ratepayers. These services are crucial to safeguard the health and safety of the public, support economic development, protect the environment, and improve the quality of life in our city. DOU works in conjunction with other City Departments as well as regional, state, and federal agencies in the operation, maintenance, development, and rehabilitation of water resources infrastructure to comply with regulatory requirements.
- Develop Equity Training for Department of Utilities staff, to ensure we have developed a shared understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (concepts and terminology), and that all staff understand the importance of, and business case for, our department’s Equity value, and how this relates to their work.
- Support the Department of Utilities’ Water Conservation team by performing research and analysis, and providing recommendations related to residential and commercial water usage.
- Contribute to data collection, reporting, and evaluation for Sustainability, Equity, and Water Conservation programs and regulations, supporting informed-decision making and performance measurement.
- Build and maintain relationships with Department of Utilities staff and City staff from other departments. Collaborate with these teams on a variety of projects to support climate resiliency, water and energy efficiency, and equity in our operations.
City of Sacramento Mobility and Sustainability Fellow
Organization: City of Sacramento: Mobility and Sustainability Division – Transportation Planning
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 1 day in office (Wednesday)
Project Description:
Sacramento, California, is a dynamic and growing city that offers a unique blend of urban and natural beauty, making it an attractive place to live and work. As the state capital, it is at the heart of California’s policy making and sustainability efforts and has been a municipal leader on climate action for decades, giving Fellows access to networking opportunities with sustainability leaders across sectors. Known as both the “City of Trees” and the “Farm-to-Fork Capital”, Sacramento boasts a rich history, diverse culture, thriving art and culinary scene, and proximity to stunning outdoor destinations like the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the North Coast. Sacramento’s affordable cost of living, compared to other California cities, allows young professionals to thrive while maintaining a balanced lifestyle of work and exploration.
- Achieve the city’s mobility, safety, equity, and Climate Action and Adaptation’s (CAAP) goals.
- Reduce transportation emissions by planning comfortable and accessible bikeways and sidewalks to encourage more people to walk, bike, and take public transit.
- Increase bike parking availability in Sacramento’s under resourced communities.
- Help community members build confidence biking and scooting on-street while also gaining fundamental knowledge of how to use bike infrastructure correctly and enjoy their ride.
- Build relationships with community partners to uplift community voices in transportation projects.
Yolo County Energy Coordination and Readiness Project
Organization: County of Yolo
Openings: #2
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 3 days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Project Description:
Yolo County is located in Northern California and is home to approximately 220,000 residents across a diverse mix of rural communities, small cities, and agricultural lands. The County Sustainability Division sits in the County Administrator’s Office and leads implementation of the County’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan while working closely with community organizations, regional partners, and local governments to address climate change through community-centered programs and partnerships. The County has a strong tradition of environmental stewardship and farmland conservation, creating a unique environment where climate innovation and rural community needs intersect.
- Support preparation for countywide expansion of energy programs through Regional Energy Network readiness efforts, including partnership development, outreach planning, and program infrastructure for large-scale implementation.
- Assist with coordination across local agencies, cities, community-based organizations, and regional partners to strengthen collaboration and improve cross-jurisdictional alignment.
- Develop and assist community outreach and education efforts through accessible, community-centered communications that increase awareness, build readiness, and improve participation among residents and businesses.
- Advance equitable access strategies for rural and underserved communities by supporting engagement approaches tailored to households facing high energy burdens, small businesses, and communities with limited access to energy resources.
- Support planning and partner engagement connected to the Yolo Resilience Collaborative to strengthen local collaboration around community resilience, emergency preparedness, and equitable access to support.
- Support implementation of the Yolo Energy Partnership through tasks such as reviewing applications, packing and distributing weatherization kits, and connecting residents to resources.
- Contribute to local climate, electrification, resilience, and affordability goals through work aligned with Yolo County’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
From Plan to Action: Advancing Sustainability and Climate Resilience in City of Elk Grove
Organization: City of Elk Grove
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 4 days in office (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) (Hybrid after 90 days)
Project Description:
Working for the City of Elk Grove provides a chance to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking organization that values sustainability, innovation, and creative problem solving. Staff, including Fellows and interns, are encouraged to bring new ideas forward and work across departments to implement meaningful solutions.
- Support implementation of the City of Elk Grove’s Climate Action Plan, known as the Climate Compass for the Civic Innovation and Sustainability team in the City Manager’s Office.
- Support community engagement and resident participation in climate initiatives through the Climate Ambassadors program.
- Advance and track progress on key Climate Compass initiatives, including zero waste efforts, building electrification, and other sustainable operations in City facilities.
- Support inter-departmental coordination to support implementation of the Climate Action Plan strategies, including Community Development, Public Works, Waste Management, and other City departments.
- Support development of an annual sustainability report summarizing Climate Compass progress and key accomplishments.
- Support policy development for internal city operations and procurement practices.
- Assist with research, policy development, grant research and writing, project implementation, and data management for the Civic Innovation and Sustainability team.
- Identify potential funding and partnership opportunities to support Climate Compass initiatives.
Community Economic Development
Organization: City of South Lake Tahoe
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: In-Person, Mon-Fri
Project Description:
The City of South Lake Tahoe is a local government agency providing a variety of services to the community. The organization functions with many cross-departmental teams, providing the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of professions and experiences. The Fellow will interact with many local businesses, allowing them to quickly develop a vast local professional network. The role demands a high degree of trust and professionalism to represent the City Manager’s Office when interfacing with the business community, which is a tremendous professional development opportunity that the right candidate will flourish in.
Goal: Grow Economic Development Opportunities in South Lake Tahoe
Need Description: Work in the City Manager’s Office to build upon our recently initiated economic development program. We will be surveying the community and developing programs to fit the needs of our business community. It includes implementing a new Community Economic Development Strategy and investigating various methods of funding new programs.
Goal: Nurture relationships between businesses, community organizations, educational institutions, and local government.
Need Description: The City has not had an Economic Development department in years. We rebuilding this strength, and are working to help businesses see the City as a partner. We will gather data and tailor solutions for our business community so we can all experience a thriving city.
Goal: Build an Economic Resilience Resource Guide
Need Description: The community faces myriad challenges in our remote mountain-top recreation-based tourist economy. We aim to create a thorough guide to getting ahead of, and managing through, resilience challenges.
Accelerating Affordable Factory-Built Housing Across California
Organization: CA Strategic Growth Council
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 3 days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Project Description:
The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) helps communities across the state build healthier, more resilient, and more affordable places to live. SGC supports projects that improve housing options, reduce pollution, strengthen local economies, and advance community-driven climate solutions. The organization partners with local governments, community-based organizations, and State agencies to bring resources and support to communities of all sizes.
Agency Support and Workforce Capacity Needs:
- Support the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) in helping communities access funding for climate smart, affordable housing.
- Address limited staff time, technical expertise, and administrative capacity among local governments, community based organizations, and regional agencies, including needs related to fundraising and grant management.
- Provide targeted assistance to partners participating in SGC’s Factory-Built Housing Program to help them navigate and implement innovative housing solutions.
Community Identified Priorities and Planning Challenges:
- Respond to community identified needs for more affordable housing, faster construction timelines, and lower cost, lower impact housing options.
- Help communities overcome outdated processes, limited planning capacity, and barriers to cross jurisdictional coordination.
- Expand access to tools, knowledge, and support that communities need to evaluate and adopt factory built housing.
- Support regions that lack the capacity and resources to explore or implement new housing strategies.
- Strengthen regional collaboration and improve alignment across jurisdictions working toward shared housing goals.
- Provide accessible guidance, resources, and technical assistance that help communities incorporate innovative, factory built housing strategies into their planning processes and project pipelines.
Advancing Climate & Energy Programming in the Sierra Nevada Region
Organization: Sierra Business Council
Openings: #2
Work Schedule: Hybrid, mostly remote (days vary)
Project Description:
Sierra Business Council (SBC) catalyzes and demonstrates innovative approaches and solutions to increase community vitality, economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social fairness in our
region. We are seeking enthusiastic and passionate individuals to support the newly developed Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN), alongside additional climate & energy programs focused on helping Sierra Nevada communities become more resilient and implement clean energy measures. Through SBC’s climate action programs, the Fellow will have the opportunity to engage in the following
activities:
region. We are seeking enthusiastic and passionate individuals to support the newly developed Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN), alongside additional climate & energy programs focused on helping Sierra Nevada communities become more resilient and implement clean energy measures. Through SBC’s climate action programs, the Fellow will have the opportunity to engage in the following
activities:
- Engage residents, community members, and community-based organizations to ensure rural customers in the region are aware of the benefits of Northern Rural Energy Network programs and other SBC climate & energy services.
- Provide project management and technical support to local public agencies to develop and implement energy efficiency and emissions reduction practices.
- Connect with residents to promote and implement energy saving services.
HCD Fair Housing Project
Organization: California Department of Housing and Community Development
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday)
Project Description:
Over the last 5+ years, HCD has started collecting new data from local governments regarding:
1) their progress in building housing (Annual Progress Reports), and
2) their planned locations for new housing (Housing Element Site Inventories).
HCD seeks the assistance of a fellow to analyze patterns and trends in this data to glean insights on a wide variety of housing policy questions, including Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH). In addition, the fellow will assist with other Fair housing-related data needs, including data automation and formatting to create geographic-level summaries. Other project essential duties include:
- Analyze patterns and trends in 6th cycle housing (planned vs. permitted) and their relationship to fair housing and climate objectives.
- Gather, organize, and manage housing and fair housing data under guidance of HCD staff.
- Develop data tools, dashboards, and maps to summarize and visualize key datasets across geographies.
- Create automated processes and summary tools to support ongoing data analysis and reporting.
- Compare APR and Housing Element site inventory data to identify key insights and trends.
- Conduct analyses and synthesize findings into clear, actionable insights.
- Communicate findings through reports, dashboards, and presentations for internal and public use.
- Support development, maintenance, and enhancement of fair housing data tools.
- Assist HCD in evaluating effectiveness of housing strategies and supporting technical assistance to local governments.
HCD Farmworker Housing Preservation Project
Organization: California Department of Housing and Community Development
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday)
Project Description:
This project supports statewide efforts to preserve affordable farmworker and rural housing by identifying units at risk of affordability expiration and researching strategies to maintain long-term affordability through innovative housing models.
- Identify and track USDA-funded affordable housing units (Sections 514, 515, and 516) at risk of affordability expiration across California.
- Analyze risks associated with expiring affordability terms and potential impacts on rural and farmworker communities.
- Conduct research on shared-equity housing models, including community land trusts, housing cooperatives, and resident-owned communities.
- Evaluate the feasibility and applicability of shared-equity models for preserving affordability in rural contexts.
- Assess opportunities to preserve public subsidies and expand pathways to community wealth-building through housing strategies.
- Develop recommendations for state-supported policies and programs to advance affordable housing preservation.
- Compile findings into a comprehensive report outlining strategies, best practices, and implementation pathways.
- Support data collection, organization, and analysis to inform decision-making and long-term tracking efforts.
- Strengthen statewide capacity to proactively address the loss of affordable multifamily housing in rural and farmworker communities.
HCD- Planning Grants and Incentives
Organization: California Department of Housing and Community Development
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 1 day in office (Tuesday)
Project Description:
This project supports HCD’s efforts to strengthen local jurisdiction capacity and compliance with Housing Element Law, particularly as regions transition from the 6th to the 7th Cycle. The work focuses on expanding technical assistance, improving understanding of compliance requirements, and supporting access to critical state and federal funding opportunities.
- Support HCD’s regional technical assistance efforts for jurisdictions entering the 7th Cycle Housing Element.
- Improve local understanding of Housing Element Law requirements and compliance processes.
- Assist jurisdictions in maintaining compliant Housing Elements to enhance eligibility and competitiveness for state and federal funding.
- Develop and share resources that connect housing compliance with access to transportation, infrastructure, and housing funding programs.
- Support coordination between HCD, Councils of Governments, and local jurisdictions throughout the Housing Element process.
- Analyze outcomes from the 6th Cycle to identify best practices and areas for improvement.
- Assist in documenting lessons learned to inform future Housing Element cycles.
- Strengthen communication and guidance provided to jurisdictions navigating Housing Element development and certification.
Sustainable Mobility Implementation
Organization: City of Elk Grove
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 4 days in office (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday)
Project Description:
The Civic Innovation and Sustainability team is small but highly collaborative, working across the entire organization on initiatives related to sustainability, resilience, transportation, data, and innovation. A Fellow will gain exposure to multiple areas of local government and have opportunities to collaborate with teams in the Community Development Department, Public Works Department, and the City Manager’s Office.
Because the team is small, Fellows are able to take on meaningful responsibility and see the direct impact of their work. This position offers hands-on experience in project management, community engagement, policy research, and sustainability implementation.
- Support updates to and implementation of the City’s Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trails Master Plan (BPTMP) for the Civic Innovation and Sustainability team in the City Manager’s Office.
- Support community engagement related to sustainable mobility.
- Support the e-bike lending library operation and research transition opportunities.
- Track progress on key initiatives, including bike parking, bike/pedestrian counters, and other related metrics.
- Assist with research, policy development, grant research and writing, project implementation, and data management for the Civic Innovation and Sustainability team.
- Conduct research, data analysis, and policy support related to sustainable mobility.
- Develop outreach materials and presentations and conduct outreach related to mobility programs.
- Manage May is Bike Month activities for the City.
- Support E-Bike Lending Library operations.
- Assist with initiatives related to the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trails Master Plan.
Equity
Organization: California Department of Water Resources
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday)
Project Description:
This project supports DWR’s Racial Equity Action Plan, which strives to advance the department’s Racial Equity Vision that all people of California are healthy, financially stable, and safe.
- Improve the Racial Equity Office efforts to solidify and deepen its commitment to developing water policies and strategies that address the needs of all Californians.
- Support departmental Environmental Justice and Human Right to Water initiatives by building meaningful engagement internally and externally, including underserved communities regarding combating drought and flood emergencies and preserving ecosystems.
- Assist the Racial Equity Office with data collection and analysis in support of DWR Strategic goal 1: Be an Employer of Choice, which includes objectives intended to attract, develop, and support employees and along with fostering a culture of excellence.
- Assist the Racial Equity Office with execution of Racial Equity Action Plan and department Strategic Plan initiatives.
- Research and respond to new legislation affecting diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
- Develop and adopt best management practices for community engagement and expand targeted outreach to underserved communities.
- Assist in developing and independently maintaining communications tracking mechanisms to support the work and evaluation of the Racial Equity Action Plan, which includes webpage management and electronic records management.
- Contribute historical program research and provide thoughtful analysis and context related to department programs for DWR’s annual submissions into the California Natural Resources Agency’s Equity Year in Review and the DWR Racial Equity Plan Annual Update publications.
- Support with identification, tracking and cataloging professional memberships and associations that support employee leadership pathways.
Building Capacity & Water Resiliency for Underrepresented Communities & CA Tribes in CA
Organization: California Department of Water Resources
Openings: #1
Work Schedule: Hybrid, 2 days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday)
Project Description:
DWR’s Division of Regional Assistance, Financial Assistance Branch, Sustainable Groundwater Management (SGM) Grant Program provides financial and technical assistance to Underrepresented Communities (URCs), CA Tribes and Small Farmers; Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) and IRWM regions in California– working closely with the Office of Tribal Affairs (OTA), Sustainable Groundwater Management Office (SGMO) and other DWR groups (e.g., Statewide Planning, Climate Change, Water Justice/Racial Equity Office). DWR is working to build capacity with Tribes and URCs to ensure more meaningful involvement in the SGM and IRWM Programs, including access to technical and financial assistance.
- The FAB Branch Fellow will work on Capacity and Water-related Resiliency to Underrepresented Communities, CA Tribes and Small Farmers, including database proficiency activities.
- The Executive Division Fellow will also assist DWR’s Racial Equity Office in an effort to solidify and deepen its commitment to develop water policies and strategies that address the needs of all Californians, guided by DWR’s Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP) and through DWR’s Center of Excellence for Racial Equity, Tribal Affairs, and Water Justice.
In this unique opportunity to work in the State Capital with DWR, Tribes and URCs, the Fellows will learn about statewide water management challenges through the Underrepresented Communities, California Tribes, Small Farmers Groundwater Technical Assistance (URCTA) Program, Racial Equity Action Plan, climate change adaptation, drought and flood preparedness and response, water conservation and supply, and fiscal challenges.
- Work with Financial Assistance Branch to review and evaluate grant and project management procedures.
- Assist with the development of a database to support grant and project management and improve operational efficiency.
- Report out project data and accomplishments using data visualization tools.
- Assist with expanding post-performance online database to include items other than groundwater.
- Develop training materials to standardize processes across branch sections.