Building Decarbonization Fellow

Cambridge Office of Early Childhood; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Sustainability in Cambridge seeks a Building Decarbonization Fellow to help implement the Net Zero Action Plan, with a focus on BEUDO and building decarbonization initiatives. You will analyze energy and emissions data and support program execution.

You will collaborate with the Cambridge Climate Committee and City staff to coordinate meetings, prepare agendas, and recruit diverse community participation while contributing to policy research and public communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or pursuing a Master’s in a related field; 1–3 years of relevant work experience.
• Working knowledge of climate policy, clean energy, building energy concepts, or related energy strategy.
• Proficient in data analysis and Excel; able to interpret energy and emissions data.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with community members and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Analyze energy and emissions data for BEUDO and supporting platforms.
• Research policy questions to inform program design and implementation decisions.
• Support implementation of a new City renewable energy program for BEUDO properties.
• Create content and communications materials on building decarbonization and performance standards.
• Coordinate Cambridge Climate Committee meetings and agendas; recruit diverse community members.
• Assist with BEUDO Review Board and Net Zero Action Plan updates.

Skills

Data analysis

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree or pursuing Master’s

Job description

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Office of Sustainability (OoS) prepares Cambridge for the impacts of climate change with programs that help prevent harm from extreme weather, improve energy efficiency, reduce the use of fossil fuels, and aid the transition to renewable energy. OoS is a part of Sustainable Cambridge, an initiative that unites all of the City's work on sustainability, resilience, and climate justice.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Building Decarbonization Fellow joins the Climate team within OoS to help implement Cambridge's Net Zero Action Plan, the City's strategy for reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by 2050 or earlier through electrification, efficiency, and renewable energy access.

A major focus of our action is the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO), which is among the most progressive building performance standards in the country, requiring the city's largest nonresidential buildings to reach net zero by 2035.

The Fellow will help implement BEUDO and other Net Zero Action Plan priorities, working alongside the Climate team and collaborating with Cambridge residents through the Climate Committee to help guide the City's work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Analyze data and support program execution for BEUDO.

• Analyze and interpret energy and emissions data in Excel and BEUDO data platforms.
• Research policy questions to help inform program design, implementation decisions, or policy review.
• Support implementation of a new City renewable energy program for owners of BEUDO Covered Properties.
• May also create content and communications materials on building decarbonization and building performance standards, for building owners, residents, and other stakeholders.

Supporting the work of the Cambridge Climate Committee as they advise and oversee OoS on equitable climate action in Cambridge.

• This work includes helping to coordinate Committee meetings and agendas, communicating with Committee leadership, and working with City staff to recruit new members from diverse Cambridge communities.
• Help to coordinate the evening monthly in-person meeting, usually on the second Thursday of the month between 6:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M., and any set-up time before the meeting.

Other Office of Sustainability support

• Assisting with additional energy and climate related tasks as assigned, such as supporting the BEUDO Review Board and Net Zero Action Plan update.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree or pursuing a masters in a related field of study, and 1 to 3 years relevant work experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Working knowledge of climate policy, clean energy, building energy concepts, and/or related energy strategy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Analytical skills and experience with data analysis, especially strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally and effectively with community members, staff, and other stakeholders; ability to respond to program inquiries and make appropriate referrals.
• Attention to detail and independent task management.
• Ability to remain flexible and thrive in an independent, fast-paced, and dynamic environment.
• The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A passion for climate policy and strategy, especially in the fields of energy and/or buildings.
• Excellent writing skills and comfort with creating content for public communication, including written communication, visualizations, and presentations.
• Experience coordinating groups around a project or initiative.
• Knowledge of the Cambridge community and multilingual skills or bicultural experience valued but not required.

The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.