Education & Engagement Fellow

If you’re passionate about environmental education, climate science, community engagement, and inspiring youth to take environmental action, then this may be an opportunity for you! 

About San Mateo County Sustainability Department 

The San Mateo County Sustainability Department strives to improve the sustainability of the County’s operations and the greater community through work in areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency, resource conservation, active transportation, climate resiliency, affordable housing, and greenhouse gas emission reductions. San Mateo County, CA is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities. 

Here, at the Sustainability Department, we: 

• Are passionate about protecting and saving the environment, while serving our community. 
• Are compassionate and empathetic to the needs of our colleagues, community members, and stakeholders. 
• Are committed to increasing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion through our work. 
• Actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase equity in our programs. 
• Value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. 
• Take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting and hiring. 

Position Overview & Description 

This fellowship will support the Sustainability Department education and outreach programs in order to advance environmental education efforts and increase engagement across San Mateo County. The Sustainability Department manages two youth climate programs, Youth Climate Ambassadors and Youth Exploring Climate Science.  

Youth Climate Ambassadors (YCA) is an award-winning high school leadership program that teaches students the knowledge and skills needed to pursue climate action in their communities. A Fellow would assist in program coordination and student mentorship regarding climate knowledge, action, and leadership skills, including during occasional evening virtual workshops and weekend in-person retreats. YCA workshops occur one to two times per month from September to April. There are three in-person Saturday retreats throughout the program that will require travel off-site to a location in San Mateo County. 

The Youth Exploring Climate Science (YECS) program hosts field trips for 7th through 12th grade students about climate science and related topics such as sea level rise, wildfire science, and biodiversity. A Fellow would assist in the implementation of this program to coordinate, schedule, and lead field trips in San Mateo County to County parks and other outdoor locations in collaboration with community partners and using pre-made curriculum. A Fellow would support YECS field trips on average one to four times per month from September to November and February to May. 

Additionally, the Fellow will assist in coordinating outreach initiatives between the Sustainability Department and other groups, such as community organizations or other departments. 

Some responsibilities will include travel to off-site locations within San Mateo County for field trips and program events. The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills, excellent communication skills, experience working with youth, and a background in climate change or sustainability or environmental science. 

This is a hybrid position with 3 days per week Remote and 2 days per week On Site in Redwood City or on off-site field trips within San Mateo County. 

Responsibilities 

• Support program coordination and implementation of Youth Climate Ambassadors (YCA) youth leadership program and Youth Exploring Climate Science (YECS) field trip program 
• Provide mentorship to high school students and guidance on community impact projects and leadership skills 
• Assist in developing program materials and resources for students 
• Facilitate portions of evening YCA workshops and assist in community building activities during virtual and in-person meetings 
• Coordinate YCA staff meeting logistics and communications with YCA student participants 
• Coordinate, schedule, and lead field trips in San Mateo County to County parks and other outdoor locations for 7th through 12th grade students about climate science and related topics such as sea level rise, wildfire science, and biodiversity. 
• Develop and update website content for the YECS and YCA sites. 
• Accurately record and track program activities, including data on diversity and equity. 
• Support diversity and equity initiatives in regards to outreach for programs and resources available to students. 
• Coordinate tabling and outreach for the Sustainability Department at community events such as Earth Day events, neighborhood fairs, etc. 
• Assist with meeting facilitation, website updates, social media, outreach events, and other duties as needed. 

Desired Qualifications 

• Strong understanding of climate change and environmental justice. 
• Environmental science teaching experience or experience as an environmental educator – demonstrated success in informal or formal education for grades K-12. 
• Knowledge of principles and practices of project management, implementation, and evaluation 
• Experience working with communities that represent diversity in race, ethnicity, income, language, and disability status. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills – able to easily connect and engage with youth, stakeholders, and the public and distill complex concepts to a variety of audiences of varying ages. 
• Time management and prioritization skills – able to effectively manage time between multiple projects. 
• Bilingual language skills – Spanish or Mandarin preferred. 
• A valid CA Drivers License 

We encourage anyone who is interested in this position and who meets some of the qualifications to apply, even if they do not meet all of them. We recognize that a unique perspective and background can enhance a role when many, if not all, of the listed qualifications are met.

**If you would need to relocate for this position, please note that you need to be in the state you are relocating to no less than 10 business days before the start of the fellowship.**

Benefits

• End-of-program financial award.
• Healthcare coverage with 100% of healthcare insurance premiums covered by the employer.
• Access to a national Member Assistance Program, which includes financial and legal assistance, medical advocacy, and counseling services. 
• Professional and Personal Development Training
• ​Career-readiness training in interview preparation, salary negotiation, and developing a professional resume and cover letter.
• Attending panels, workshops, and presentations by climate resilience industry professionals. 
• Professional networking opportunities. 

About Climate Corps

Climate Corps, a program of SEI, is an award-winning fellowship program that provides professional development opportunities for emerging leaders through the implementation of sustainability and resiliency projects with local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses. To see a full list of climate, energy, and sustainability positions posted by Climate Corps, please visit here: https://jobs.climatecorps.org/listings. We are constantly adding positions, so make sure to frequently check this site to see if there are new opportunities available.

SEI is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity. We believe that a wide array of perspectives contributes to creative climate solutions where all communities thrive. We strive to reflect diverse communities, especially those most impacted by climate change and other kinds of environmental, social, and economic injustices. Persons of color, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply. A commitment to work and learn within an anti-oppression framework is required. https://www.seiinc.org/dei.html