Technical Associate - Environmental

K2 Environmental Consulting (K2EC) is looking to hire a Technical Associate to support climate mitigation and sustainability efforts in the Climate Change, Clean Energy, and Sustainability Element of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). This is a cross functional role which involves working directly with nonprofits, government agencies, and the public to promote climate mitigation centric projects, improve environmental and community outcomes, and support the successful implementation of NJDEP’s programs. Applicants should have experience working at the intersection of program management, public relationship oversight, and technical assistance administration.

The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and results-oriented, being able to take on both lead and supportive roles as needed. Assignments are highly dynamic and will span a variety of work types, so candidates should be adept in managing and adjusting task priorities as needed.

The Climate Change, Clean Energy, and Sustainability Element provides technical, planning, and policy support towards greenhouse gas mitigation. K2EC provides environmental consulting and technical expertise for air quality, mobile sources, and sustainability projects at NJDEP. K2EC staff work alongside and support NJDEP staff. The selected candidate will be a member of the K2EC team providing technical support at the NJDEP. We are an equal opportunity employer and provide an excellent working environment and a full benefits package. This position is based out of NJDEP’s headquarters in Trenton, New Jersey. However, the position allows for candidates to be fully remote or a hybrid work schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and contribute to NJDEP’s climate-related policies and programs.
• Take on leadership roles by preparing project plans, setting milestones, and meeting deliverables. Prepare clear and technically sound documentation of findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Deliver quality outputs including technical reports, briefings, and communications materials.
• Directly support the Natural Climate Solutions Grant Program through grant administration, execution of grant agreements, coordination with subject matter experts across a variety of topic areas, and development of public facing outreach materials.
• Work with internal (e.g., between NJDEP program areas) and external (e.g., other State agencies, local governments, industry, and members of the public) partners to build relationships and provide information about NJDEP’s programs and the actions needed to meet climate mitigation targets. Help organize outreach activities such as webinars, social media posts, and listserv emails.
• Establish and manage new and existing grant programs within the Climate Change, Clean Energy, and Sustainability Element. Support and advance program coordination, planning, development, and implementation.
• Willingness to explore new areas of work and subject matters. The Technical Associate will be asked to undertake and complete other climate-related projects as needed by NJDEP.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, environmental science, natural resources, planning, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in climate strategy, planning, grant and/or project management.
• Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated experience working with a diverse array of stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze data, strong knowledge of databases and spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel, etc. GIS and Tableau skills will be a plus.
• Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience with, or understanding of, New Jersey’s climate goals and the dynamic nature of government sector projects.

Expectations

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Ability to clearly synthesize and convey information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Detail and action oriented, with the ability to balance competing work priorities and deadlines.
• Logical, creative, and strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to effectively work independently and provide leadership within a team.