Launch your Sustainability Career with the Climate Corps Fellowship program!
SEI’s Climate Corps Fellowship program offers the chance to lead impactful climate and community resilience projects while gaining paid, hands‑on experience. This full‑time, bridge‑to‑career opportunity pairs fellows with host organizations, from local governments to nonprofits and businesses, to drive real‑world change.
About the Opportunity
Start Date: March 2nd, 2026
Length of Fellowship: 10 months
Location Type: Remote (must reside in California)
As a Project and Sustainability Associate in the Climate Corps Fellowship program, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful climate resiliency & energy efficiency initiatives across California’s community college system. This role focuses on establishing sustainability baselines, tracking progress on climate action, and developing strategic plans and recommendations for community colleges to meet the Chancellor’s Office Climate Action and Sustainability Goals.
About Our Partner: Facilities Planning & Program Services, Inc.
Facilities Planning & Program Services, Inc. (FPPS) serves community colleges across California in facilities planning, project administration, energy benchmarking, and consulting services. FPPS works with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, the California Energy Commission, and major utilities to empower district and campus leaders to achieve sustainability and climate action goals through strategic planning, energy management, and critical funding and resources. FPPS maintains the California Colleges Energy Resource & Sustainability Partnership website (ccersp.com) to support energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability initiatives statewide.
What You’ll Do
- Coordinate sustainability data collection and benchmarking for State Center Community College District, Los Angeles Community College District, and additional contracted districts, inputting information into AASHE STARS.
- Develop baseline sustainability metrics and tracking systems aligned with individual district needs and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Climate Action and Sustainability Goals.
- Create comprehensive sustainability reports that identify progress, gaps, and actionable recommendations for community college districts.
- Organize and maintain sustainability data across multiple college partners using systematic file management and documentation practices.
- Research and present implementation strategies for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and other climate resilience projects.
- Analyze baseline data to identify trends, strengths, gaps, and potential areas for improvement across participating colleges.
- Produce clear, accessible summary reports that communicate baseline findings to college stakeholders.
- Support follow‑up activities for colleges that complete baselines, including developing sustainability action plans, policy recommendations, strategic roadmaps, and stakeholder presentations.
- Conduct annual state‑mandated benchmarking for various districts through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
- Develop and deliver educational content, including website resources and newsletter publications focused on energy conservation and sustainability best practices.
- Design and implement targeted outreach campaigns to increase awareness and utilization of energy efficiency programs, funding opportunities, and technical resources available to community colleges.
What We’re Looking For
- Knowledge of sustainability concepts, metrics, and frameworks (energy, water, waste, transportation, procurement, GHG accounting, climate adaptation).
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical information for diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to collect, organize, analyze, and present data in meaningful and accessible formats.
- Self‑directed work style with the ability to work independently while maintaining regular communication with remote team members and partners.
- Problem‑solving skills and the ability to develop creative solutions both independently and as part of a team.
- Collaborative mindset and experience working effectively with diverse stakeholder groups.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data collection, entry, and documentation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive) and comfort learning new digital platforms.
- Passion for advancing sustainability and climate resilience in community‑oriented, mission‑driven institutions.
- Commitment to a fair workplace that honors the experiences, voices, viewpoints, and values of all individuals.
- Authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship (SEI is unable to sponsor visas).
Nice‑to‑haves
- Familiarity with the AASHE STARS sustainability tracking and reporting system.
- Experience with ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager or similar energy benchmarking platforms.
- Background in data collection, research coordination, or project management.
- Understanding of higher education operations and/or facilities management.
- Knowledge of California energy policies, utility programs, or the community college system.
- Experience with Wix website builder or similar content management systems.
- Experience with Mailchimp or other email marketing platforms.
- Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, etc.) or design platforms (PowerPoint, Canva).
- Background in environmental science, sustainability studies, public policy, urban planning, corporate sustainability, architecture, engineering, or a related field.
- Experience developing educational materials, workshops, or webinars.
- Understanding of energy efficiency technologies and renewable energy systems.
- Knowledge of equity and environmental justice principles as they relate to climate action.
What We Provide
- A fixed, monthly stipend of $4,000.
- Health care coverage with 100% of health care insurance premiums covered by SEI.
- Climate Corps Fellows receive 20 personal days for a standard 10‑month fellowship (approximately 2 days per month).
- Comprehensive career‑readiness training, including interview prep, salary negotiation, and resume building.
- Panels, workshops, and networking with climate resilience industry professionals.
- Professional networking and learning opportunities.
- The University of California Climate Stewards Certification equips you to lead community and ecosystem resilience initiatives.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
As set forth in Climate Corps’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected class under any applicable law.
<>How to Apply
Apply through the Climate Corps Fellowship portal to be considered for this and other relevant positions. Only one application per candidate is accepted for your geographic region.