Search: Environmental Legislation and Policy

The Energy Foundation is growing. We are seeking a Program Officer for the Climate
Program.

Energy Foundation Overview:
Founded in 1991, the Energy Foundation is a grantmaking foundation whose mission is
to assist in a national and global transition to a sustainable energy future by
advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Foundation's work is largely
focused on mitigating global climate change. Its geographic focus is on the United
States and China, the largest and fastest growing energy
markets in the world.

The Energy Foundation believes a sustainable energy future is one in which the
supply and use of energy help promote and maintain high living standards. Key
elements of such a future are: (1) more efficient energy use and a successful
transition from conventional to renewable energy; (2) maintenance of the earth's
ecological systems and the life-supporting services they provide; (3) provision of
energy at reasonable cost; and, (4) equitable distribution of energy services to
different members of the population, both internationally and within nations.

The following overarching strategic premise drives the Energy Foundation to focus
its grantmaking on public policy:

1. New technologies can grow the economy with far less pollution.
2. Policy shapes energy markets, determining which technologies are developed and ultimately thrive.
3. Intelligent philanthropy can influence energy policy, thus leveraging billions
of dollars of investment in the energy sector and stimulating dramatic reductions
in global warming pollution.

The Foundation is headquartered in San Francisco and also has an office located in
Beijing, China. The Foundation has 44 staff members (23 in the San Francisco office)
and a 2007 budget of approximately $60 million. For more information about the
programs of the Energy Foundation please review the website: www.ef.org

Climate Program Overview:
Halting global warming at 2°C above pre-industrial temperatures-the threshold
supported by an increasing number of scientists and analysts-means that U.S. and
global carbon emissions must peak before 2015 and decline steeply after that. A
recent analysis sponsored by six major foundations ("Design to Win," California
Environmental Associates, August 2007) finds that global CO2 savings of 30 gigatons
will be needed by 2030 to meet the 2°C goal.

If we are to succeed in meeting this daunting challenge, the U.S. must establish
national policy in the next few years that sets an immediate firm limit on
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and drives emissions down over time. More
specifically, the Energy Foundation's Climate Program seeks to achieve national
carbon policy that puts a price on carbon, immediately reverses the growth in GHG
emissions and sets the U.S. on a trajectory of 60 to 80 percent reductions by 2050,
prevents additional investment in new high-carbon infrastructure, works in tandem
with sector-specific and state-level policies, and promotes U.S. re-engagement in
international negotiations over a climate treaty. Achieving such a policy in the
next few years is at the outside edge of what is politically conceivable today.

The Climate Program's task is to accelerate work on policy design questions (such as
allocation of carbon permits, cost containment, and linkages to state policies) and
build political support for a strong policy. Our strategies to build political
support include continuing the progress on precedent-setting policies at the state
and regional levels, earning media attention, supporting economic analysis, engaging
non-environmental constituencies, and organizing in states and districts.

The Energy Foundation's Climate Program has a strong history of helping to build
momentum for U.S. climate policy at the state level. The Climate Program has been
the largest funder behind the successful efforts to get governors from both parties
all across the country to step out on global warming, and to establish state and
regional climate policy precedents. Twenty-four states are now working on
cap-and-trade and an additional seven states are preparing comprehensive climate
plans. The Climate Program will continue to support these efforts, while it also
expands to fund more work aimed directly at national policy.

Program Officer:
The Program Officer will be based in San Francisco and report to Marcus Schneider,
Climate Program Director. The Program Officer, Program Director, and Program
Associate Jane Bloch will work as a team to achieve the Climate Program objectives.
The Program Officer will work with the Program Director to develop and refine
program goals, strategies, and priorities. The Program Officer will also:

* manage a grants portfolio and budget (approximately $4 million to start) aimed at winning specific policy objectives;
* solicit, review, and recommend proposals for funding;
* write dockets for board consideration;
* evaluate the impact of individual grants;
* maintain relationships with grantees, other funders, and other experts and leaders in the field;
* initiate strategy calls and meetings as needed;
* engage directly in the field as needed; and,
* help prepare compelling proposals and reports for the Energy Foundation's funding partners.

Professional Qualifications and Personal Attributes:
The Program Officer should ideally embody the following professional qualifications
and personal attributes:

* A deep commitment to the mission and values of the Energy Foundation.
* At least five to seven years' experience in the fields of energy or climate policy, either in policy development, policy execution, or campaigning.
* Comfort with qualitative and quantitative energy and climate policy analysis.
* An insightful, independent analytic mind.
* A strong track record of applying sound political and strategic judgment in complex situations.
* Experience negotiating with government officials or business leaders.
* Experience creating collaboration among networks of organizations or companies.
* Proven ability to initiate and manage projects.
* Outstanding written and verbal communications skills.
* Ability to work well in a team; enthusiastic personality; sense of humor.
* Willingness to travel.

We are especially interested in candidates with one or more of the following
attributes, though these are not required: (1) a background in economic analysis,
(2) professional experience and relationships in either the Midwest or Southeast,
(3) professional background in and relationships with non-environmental
constituencies important to the climate debate (e.g., labor unions, Latino
organizations), (4) grantmaking experience. Masters or other advanced degree
preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:
The Energy Foundation offers an excellent benefits package and a salary that is
commensurate with experience.

Start Date: Immediate

How to Apply
Interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter explaining how their skills and
background fit this position and a resume to Craig Appel, Director of Partner
Relations, The Energy Foundation, 1012 Torney Ave. #1, San Francisco, CA 94129.
FAX 415-561-6709 EMAIL: craig@ef.org

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking an Energy Modeler to conduct
analysis and modeling of clean energy and global warming policies at the state,
regional and national level. The candidate will work with a multi-disciplinary team
in our Clean Energy Program to advance strong clean energy policies. Candidates must
have a solid background in energy modeling and the energy field in general.

UCS is a leading science-based nonprofit organization working for a healthy planet
and a safer world. UCS was founded in 1969 and currently has a membership and
activist base of more than 100,000, a staff of over 100, and offices in Cambridge
(MA), Washington (DC), and Berkeley (CA).

Responsibilities: Under the direction of the Clean Energy Program Research
Director, the Modeler will:

* Conduct modeling and spreadsheet analyses of proposed renewable energy, energy efficiency, and global warming policies at the state, regional, and national level;
* Quantify energy, economic, environmental, and public health impacts of proposed policies;
* Assist UCS staff in reviewing and developing model assumptions;
* Identify and make model modifications, where appropriate;
* Acquire and maintain energy and electricity sector models;
* Maintain regular contact with modelers and energy analysts from other organizations and government agencies to keep up to date on the latest analyses and model developments;
* Review analyses from other organizations and government agencies;
* Assist UCS staff in writing reports, papers, and fact sheets highlighting the results of various analyses;
* Prepare and give presentations on modeling results and reports at conferences and meetings.

Qualifications: Knowledge of energy and electricity sector models, and their
application for analyzing renewable energy, efficiency, and electricity
technologies, markets, and policies. Applicants should possess an advanced degree
in engineering, mathematics, computer science, economics, or related field, or
equivalent experience. Strong quantitative, analytical, and research skills are
required. Proficiency with computer models, spreadsheets, word processing, and
presentation software is necessary. Familiarity with energy efficiency
technologies, policies, costs, and benefits is helpful.

Experience: Position requires at least 2-3 years of experience using energy and
electricity sector models, with more experience preferred. Familiarity with and
experience using the Energy Information Administration's National Energy Modeling
System and electricity capacity expansion models is highly desirable. Computer
programming experience and skills are also strongly preferred.

Position Details: This position will be based at UCS's Cambridge office. Salary
commensurate with experience and training. Excellent benefits. UCS is an equal
opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff.

To Apply: Please submit cover letter referencing where you learned of this job
opening, resume, and 1-3 page writing sample by May 9, 2008 via email to
cleanenergy@ucsusa.org with a subject line of "Energy Modeler."

The FSC Group, a consulting firm focused on providing research based strategic
advice, policy analysis, expert testimony, statistical analysis, economic modeling,
and data collection services is currently searching for an Intern Consulting Analyst
to support its energy practice. Our clients span both the public agencies and
private utilities.

We prefer candidates with:

* Expertise in research design
* Robust statistical and econometric analysis knowledge/skills
* Complex spreadsheet modeling and risk analysis capabilities
* Strong written and oral presentation skills
* Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills
* Experience and/or knowledge of Demand Side Management (i.e. - energy
efficiency, demand response, and solar) in the power sector
Candidates should have experience and expertise with statistical packages (STATA,
SAS, SPSS), the ability to quickly understand the big picture, and be prepared to
prepared to conduct analysis on large panel datasets

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

* Assisting with impact evaluations designed to quantify impacts of programs
and pilots/experiments on energy use, emissions, operating cost, and bill
impacts
* Development and/or operation of quantitative cost-benefit or risk models.
* Summarizing results of analyses and research approaches.
* Writing studies and/or preparing client reports
* Assistance to consultants in preparation of proposals and research design

Example projects include:

* Development of impact evaluation standards for Demand Response in California
* Cost-benefit analysis of time-base pricing and Advanced Metering Infrastructure investments
* Analysis of program participation in energy efficiency and demand response
programs, including the development of discrete choice models, and estimates of
expected enrollment and energy reduction impacts
* Analysis of market potential for solar power, the drivers of willingness to
pay for solar, and quantifying the level of support for public funding of
utility solar power programs
* Studies to estimate the value of electricity service (i.e., outage costs).

CALSTART is seeking a thoughtful, articulate, and well-organized person to
serve as its Policy Director. The person in this position will play a critical role in
analyzing and influencing public policy with the goals of improving air quality,
cutting greenhouse gases, reducing dependence on oil, and building the clean
transportation technology industry. CALSTART’s primary focus will be on
legislation and regulations in California, though there will be opportunities to
work with stakeholders in other states and in the nation’s capitol.

A key element of the Policy Director’s job will be to manage the California
Secure Transportation Energy Partnership (CalSTEP). In 2007, CalSTEP
released a 10-point action plan to help California reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and become a model state in terms of energy security. Half of the
recommendations were adopted. The Policy Director will be responsible for
staffing the partnership, helping to develop its strategic direction, and
advocating for its positions at key hearings and meetings in the State Capitol.
CalSTEP (www.calstep.org) is a CALSTART project.

In addition to managing the CalSTEP process, the Policy Director will also help
shape and pursue other policy matters on behalf of CALSTART and its industry
stakeholders. The Policy Director will provide regular briefings and help keep
CALSTART’s participating companies aware of new policy trends and
opportunities.

The Policy Director must have very good communication skills and be able to
work with a wide array of stakeholders and interests. The Policy Director must
be able to quickly analyze and understand complex public policies. The
Director must also have excellent bridge building skills and be able to help
diverse parties find common ground for the betterment of the industry, public
health, and the environment. Knowledge about California clean air,
greenhouse gas, and energy policies is critical. The Policy Director will report
directly to the CEO.

The Policy Director should be a self-starter and comfortable working in a
dynamic fast-changing environment. Passion for CALSTART’s mission and a
strong sense of humor would be highly valued attributes. We want a person
who enjoys analysis as well as speaking in front of groups.

CALSTART offers a strong compensation package. In addition to a
competitive salary, CALSTART offers its employees a full HMO health plan
(with no monthly employee contribution) including dental and vision care. The
compensation plan also includes a retirement plan equivalent to 8 percent of
the annual salary. CALSTART also allows for flexible work hours, encourages
tele-commuting, and provides funding for transit. Given the need to be in
Sacramento frequently, the person will work out of CALSTART’s San Francisco
Bay Area office.

To apply for the position the application should send a cover letter, resume,
and salary history to: Margaret Guzman at mguzman@calstart.org.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a global non-profit environmental
organization with more than 1.2 million members and online activists. We have
offices in New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and
Beijing, China. Our staff of over 350 includes lawyers, scientists, economists, and
policy experts who work to protect the environment and public health through
advocacy and education.

Position Summary:
NRDC is seeking a full-time staff policy analyst to work on clean vehicles and fuels
issues in our San Francisco office. We are seeking a policy analyst with a master's
degree and at least one year of relevant experience. Through our Energy Program, we
advocate for promote policies to reduce the energy and environmental impacts of
transportation.

Essential Functions:
The policy analyst position involves a range of advocacy work on the west coast,
including conducting research to promote clean vehicle technologies and alternative
fuels such as cellulosic ethanol and plug-in hybrids. The job entails coalition
building and outreach; preparing comments and other types of administrative
advocacy; researching and writing reports; media work and public speaking; designing
outreach materials; and developing and managing campaigns. It may involve
participation in litigation and lobbying at the state and federal level.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements:
Our preference is for an analyst with graduate training or attorney and experience
in analyzing the energy and environmental impacts of transportation. Experience in
campaign strategy is highly desirable, as is experience with media, public speaking,
lobbying, and fundraising. Willingness to travel, especially to Sacramento and
Washington D.C, is essential. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups is
a must. The candidate should have strong writing, oral advocacy and interpersonal
skills. Experience in Southern California or Spanish fluency is a plus.

We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, a dynamic working environment,
and are committed to workplace diversity. Applicants should apply online at
www.nrdc.org/jobs. Please attach with your resume, a cover letter including salary
requirements, a writing sample, and a list of references by MAY 30, 2008. No phone
calls or faxes. Please reference where you saw this posting. NRDC is an Equal
Opportunity Employer.

For further information about NRDC, please visit www.nrdc.org

The Initiative for Green Science Policy is a newly-formed global coalition of
scientists, physicians and NGOs coming together to stop the use of toxic chemicals
in consumer products; encourage a move to less hazardous chemicals and technologies;
and support chemical policy reform. The Initiative for Green Science Policy is
working with the Friends of the Earth's Safe Kids Campaign. This campaign works to
protect kids as well as the public from toxic chemicals in consumer products.

Intern Position Description:
This intern position will involve both research and administrative work, including
data base updates and maintenance, as well as media and public education outreach
efforts. We work on the state, federal and international levels to limit the use of
potentially toxic fire retardants, while promoting green chemistry and a safer
policy approach to chemical use,

We are specifically focusing on stopping standards, regulations and legislation that
would increase the use of these chemicals until a fire safety rationale has been
proved and the chemicals have been shown safe for health and the environment. We
will also be working for the passage of a California state bill, AB706, to phase out
the use of these chemicals in some consumer products.

As an intern, you will protect public and environmental health by helping to remove
toxic chemicals from a range of consumer products while learning valuable research,
communication, and outreach skills.

Intern Duties:
* Research toxic chemicals, their usage, health, and environmental impacts
* Track and record contact information on NGOs, scientists, and physicians working
on toxics in Europe and internationally in our global data base
* Public education and media outreach
* Produce and coordinate production of materials, including educational printed
materials and public relations materials
* Keep Green Science Policy website up to date by the timely editing of existing
content and posting new content
* Update fact sheets and materials for the campaign
* Engage in general campaign support and organization, to be determined as needs arise

Desired Qualifications and Experience:
Interns are selected based on their education, skills, and experience. We especially
seek interns who have good interpersonal, organizational, computer database,
research, writing, and editing skills. We are also looking for a highly motivated,
quick learner who is willing to take initiative and work independently. A science
and/or database background is a plus.

* Excellent computer and organizational skills
* Verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate
mission and programs to a wide range of audiences and through various mediums
* Experience in marketing, office management and campaigns preferred
* Ability to work an effective manner in a small, busy office
* Enthusiastic, organized, and self-motivated with a sense of humor
* Passion for the environmental and/or health work
* Resourceful problem-solver
* Experience with MS Office Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and Access preferred

Compensation:
Intern will initially make $10/hour.

Application instructions:
Email with "Internship Application" in the subject line. Please send a resume and
cover letter explaining experience and interest in the position to
arlene@arleneblum.com. Include the date when you can start the position.

The Berkeley Chinese Alumni International Association (BCAIA), Asia Society: Northern California, Berkeley China Initiative (BCI), Bay Area Economic Forum, and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, in association with other organizations, will plan and host an international, multi-day conference on clean energy in the U.S. and China, to be held in Beijing in November 2008. A smaller, half-day conference will be held in San Francisco in April 2008. We are looking to fill immediately the newly created position of Conference Coordinator. This is a full-time contract position, with possibility for renewal. The successful candidate will be based in San Francisco and may on occasion travel within the U.S. and internationally.

The Conference Coordinator will report to the conference organizing committee and will also work with the conference finance and program committees. He or she will foster coordinated event planning efforts, assist with fundraising and community outreach, and develop and maintain professional relationships with businesspeople, academics, policymakers, and other specialists in the clean energy field.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Conference Coordinator will:

* In consultation with the organizing committee, oversee conference and workshop event planning with members of the clean energy community in the San Francisco Bay Area and in China. The Conference Coordinator will work closely with the organizing committee (and program and finance committees) as well as counterparts in China to plan and execute a two-day conference focused on technology, investment, and policy issues within the clean-energy field in the U.S. and China.
* Plan, schedule, and monitor logistical activities for the conference and any related special events, including arrangements for registration, meeting facilities, meals, lodging, audiovisual equipment, transportation, visas, and other arrangements needed to support the conference and related activities.
* Develop and monitor a budget for the conference.
* Prepare program announcements, advertisements, agendas, and marketing sales proposals; coordinate brochure design, printing, and mailing designed to support the conference.
* Develop and conduct presentations for the conference committees, and other associated sponsoring organizations, as required.
* Assist in developing and implementing media outreach and marketing activities for the conference.
* Assist in fundraising activities on behalf of the conference.
* Serves as primary liaison with internal and external constituencies on all matters relating to conference activities.
* Manage volunteers and interns.
* Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

* Bachelor's degree; 3 years' experience in conference management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

* Basic knowledge and understanding of the clean energy community; including issues, individuals, and organizations.
* Ability to work independently and under multiple deadlines.
* Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a range of individuals, organizations, and media sources.
* Ability to plan, organize, and oversee special events.
* Ability to train and supervise assigned volunteers and interns, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
* Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to establish effective business relationships with external contractors.
* Ability to prepare and analyze financial reports, budgets, and projections.
* Strong writing skills.
* Ability to prepare, evaluate, and edit correspondence, proposals, and grant applications.
* Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications, including MS Office and Excel.
* Ability to negotiate and manage contractual arrangements.
* Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects with skills in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
* Knowledge and understanding of meeting and event planning principles, requirements, procedures, and available resources.
* Ability to develop and deliver presentations.
* Chinese-language ability helpful but not required.
* Knowledge of China/Asia, including business culture, through living, study, or travel, helpful but not required.

Please submit your letter of application, with resume, references, and writing sample, to:

Robert Bullock
Assistant Director for Programs
Asia Society Northern California
500 Washington St., Suite 350
San Francisco, CA 94111
tel. 415.421.8706
fax 415.421.2465
rbullock@asiasoc.org