Outreach Fellow - CA (Remote)

*Please note this position is fully remote within the state of California. If you would need to relocate for this position, you need to be in California no less than 10 business days before the start of the fellowship*

About Optony

Optony is a global research and consulting firm focused on enabling government, utilities, schools, and commercial organizations to bridge the gap between clean energy goals and real-world results. Optony serves as the Western Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) for the Department of Energy’s Industrial Efficiency & Decarbonization Office (IEDO) Onsite Energy Program. Leveraging our independence, domain expertise and unique market position, our TAP clients are empowered to make informed clean onsite energy decisions that reduce risk, optimize operations, and deliver the greatest long-term return on their investments.

Position Overview & Description

SEI’s fellows will support Optony Inc. with tasks in their role as the Western regional Onsite Energy TAP. Optony’s region is one of ten TAP regions covering the US, and represents California, Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii. Optony serves as the primary technical, market, and policy point of contact for Western region end-users and other state and local stakeholders that engage with the Onsite Energy TAP Program.

The Outreach Fellows’ primary roles will involve supporting the Optony team with program outreach and marketing, and will include state-specific clean energy policy/incentive research from a corporate standpoint (i.e. understanding what policies and incentives will encourage an organization to take advantage of the DOE program, and eligibility requirements, etc.). This will be a unique opportunity for a Fellow to learn and gain well-rounded experience in the sustainability industry, and the roles we place them in may be flexible depending on the program’s needs and the Fellows’ individual interests. Depending on potential work-travel needs, some travel/work on weekends may be necessary, but will be minimized as much as possible.

Responsibilities

• Research state and utility-level energy generation and interconnection policies
• Build familiarity with state and federal clean energy incentive programs
• Build familiarity with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA), energy equity, and workforce implication, and how these concepts can help achieve equitable access to clean energy
• Describe DOE/TAP program offerings and eligibility requirements to current and prospective stakeholders
• Perform inbound/outbound program communications to current and prospective stakeholders (E.g., email, phone calls)
• Complete and submit technical and site-review reports for internal review
• Perform high-level site analysis for onsite energy generation
• Represent Optony and DOE at out-of-town expos/conventions

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (ideally in one of the following categories):
• Communications/Marketing
• Environmental Science
• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Political Science
• Interest in clean energy and sustainability developments
• Experience (work/academic) with policy/law
• Ability to communicate in a corporate/government environment
• Ability to work remotely
• Proficiency with Microsoft Tools (i.e. Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Teams)
• Preferred (optional):
• Web/digital resource development

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.

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.
• University of California Climate Stewards Certification- Prestigious certification through the University of California School of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This acclaimed UC California Naturalist Program prepares UC Climate Stewards to engage in and lead local solutions to advance community and ecosystem resilience.

About Climate Corps

Climate Corps, a program of SEI, is an award-winning fellowship program that provides professional development opportunities for emerging leaders through 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 requires employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

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