Air quality

The 2008 Young Voices Award on Urban Air Pollution and Climate Change

Name of Competition: 
The 2008 Young Voices Award on Urban Air Pollution and Climate Change
Description: 
BAQ 2008 Young Voices Award on Urban Air Pollution and Climate Change Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia) encourages new thinking and approaches to deal with the problems of urban air pollution and climate change in Asia. So far, traditional approaches used in dealing with these problems have not produced enough results nor are seen to create significant impacts in the future. It is therefore important to consult with the next generation of air quality and climate changes policy makers, experts and managers. The 2008 Young Voices Award on Urban Air Pollution and Climate Change (the Young Voices) will be handed out for the first time at the Better Air Quality (BAQ) 2008 workshop, which will be held from 12-14 November 2008 in Bangkok, Thailand (see www.baq2008.org). Eligible for the Young Voices award are full/part - time students currently enrolled at Universities or Colleges in an academic degree (undergraduate or advanced degree) program in a subject that is of relevance to urban air pollution and climate change in Asia. The maximum age at the time of BAQ 2008 (12-14 November, 2008) is 25 years. There is no geographical restriction on participation in this competition and students from all over the world can participate. The award committee will however consider the ideas submitted for their relevance for Asia. If applications are submitted on behalf of a group the application form should clearly indicate who the person is who will present at BAQ 2008 if the awards committee selects the submission as one of the winners.
Deadline: 
August 30, 2008

Policy Director of CALSTART

Name of job: 
Policy Director of CALSTART
Description: 

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.

Contact e-mail: 
Date posted: 
4/28/08

Coal Program Officer for Energy Foundation

Name of job: 
Coal Program Officer for Energy Foundation
Description: 

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

Coal Resistance Program Overview:
The Energy Foundation began funding work to resist construction of new coal-fired
power plants late in 2003. The objective has been to avoid a 60-year lock-in of
carbon emissions from the 120 new coal-fired power plants proposed in the U.S. This
work began in the Intermountain West states, expanded to the Upper Midwest and Texas
in 2005, and to Florida, the Carolinas and the Lower Plains states in 2007. Today
our grantees are resisting about 45 plants that are in active permitting, while
making the case that clean alternatives can meet customer demand at competitive
costs. Since 2003, our grantees have helped block more than 38 proposed coal power
plants, including recent dramatic wins in Kansas, Texas, and Florida.

Program Officer:
The Program Officer will be based in San Francisco and report to David Wooley, Vice
President for Domestic Policy Initiatives and Program Director for the Power
Utilities Program. The Program Officer will take charge of grantmaking to resist
new coal-fired power plants, managing a $7-10 million grant portfolio and budget.
He or she will also:

* help develop and refine program strategies and campaign tactics;
* conduct targeted research;
* solicit and review proposals;
* write dockets for board consideration;
* evaluate the impact of individual grants;
* maintain relationships with grantees, other funders, and other experts in the field;
* initiate strategy calls and meetings;
* engage directly in the field as needed; and
* help prepare compelling proposals and reports for the Energy Foundation's
funding partners.
The Program Officer may also help liaison with related efforts in China and Europe.
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.
* A strong understanding of regulation of air pollution and electric utilities.
* Experience with sophisticated advocacy campaigns.
* Comfort with qualitative and quantitative policy analysis and assessment of
energy and pollution impacts.
* Incisive, independent, analytic mind.
* A track record of applying sound political and strategic judgment in complex
situations.
* Proven ability to initiate and manage projects.
* Experience creating collaboration among a network of organizations or companies.
* Outstanding written and verbal communications skills.
* Ability to work well in a team; enthusiastic personality; sense of humor.
* Willingness to travel.

Desirable attributes, but not required: (1) a background in project finance, (2)
professional experience and relationships in the Midwest or Southeast. 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 Women and people of color are especially encouraged to apply. The Energy Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer.

Contact e-mail: 
Date posted: 
4/15/08

Solar Energy Specialist for Black & Veatch

Name of job: 
Solar Energy Specialist for Black & Veatch
Description: 

Want to make a difference in the world? Then join a company that's doing just that! At Black & Veatch, you will be a part of creating innovative solutions to engineering challenges around the world while helping to bring environmental sustainability, clean air and water, reliable power and information to change communities for the better. At Black & Veatch, you'll be able to think bigger, go further, gain the rewards and reach higher in your career. As a global company, we welcome the contributions that come from cultural diversity brought by our professionals, and we believe this diversity makes a unique and exciting work experience. Ready to make a difference?

Responsibilities:
The Solar Energy Specialist will support the performance of solar and renewable energy projects covering multiple technologies. Areas of emphasis may include: Solar thermal electric and solar photovoltaics, including new and emerging technologies such as concentrating photovoltaics and dish Stirling technologies. The position will involve a wide variety of diverse assignments including: resource assessment, due diligence, siting, feasibility studies, new technology evaluation, project proposal evaluation, conceptual design, design review, performance estimates, and cost estimates. The position will entail interaction with clients including: utilities, energy project developers, financial institutions, energy end-users, investors, government agencies, and other organizations. Candidate will contribute to the authorship of reports, studies, and proposals. Help develop technical and economic analyses of projects and technologies using models built in Microsoft Excel. Assist with coordinating work with others in multidisciplinary teams. Prepare designs for assigned systems. This may include analysis, calculations, research, selection, layout, etc., necessary to develop required design documents. Manage data and prepare periodic analysis updates. Although the primary focus of the job will be solar energy projects, the position would include exposure to all renewable technologies: biomass, wind, geothermal, solar, hydro, etc.

Education, Experience, and Skills Required:
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Must have the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly through formal reports, presentations, memoranda and e-mail. Must be able to function equally well in collaborative, multidiscipline teams, and self-directed independent assignments.
* Must be self-motivated, with an ability to balance multiple projects while working under tight deadlines.
* Should have some experience in solar energy projects. Should have an interest in all renewable energy technologies.
* Microsoft Office suite, especially Word and Excel. Ability to develop Visual Basic macros preferred. Specialty computer skills including GIS, database design, scheduling, Monte Carlo analysis preferred, but not required. Strong writing and presentation skills. Experience with solar energy production modeling a plus.
* Bachelor's Engineering Degree required from an ABET accredited university. Masters degree or MBA would be beneficial. Some course work on energy systems, specifically some knowledge of renewable energy technologies preferred.

To learn more about Black & Veatch and how we are Building a World of Difference(r), please visit our Web site at www.bv.com/collegecareers.
Apply directly to Requisition Number 046907.

Date posted: 
4/9/08

Jobs with Environment America

Name of Job: 
Jobs with Environment America
Description: 
Environment America is a nation-wide network of state-based environmental advocacy organizations, from Environment California to Environment Massachusetts. This year we are hiring graduating college seniors to determine where this country is going: to solve our energy problems; fight global warming; preserve our open spaces; clean up our air and water; and make an impact on numerous other environmental issues. Environment America is currently hiring. If you’re ready to speak up and take action to protect our air, water and open space, we may have a position for you.
Date Posted: 
3/3/08

New Digital Projects Teach English in India, Monitor Air Pollution

Date Posted: 
Feb 25 2008
Title of News: 
New Digital Projects Teach English in India, Monitor Air Pollution
Summary: 
An online mystery game in which student sleuths will monitor air pollution in South Central Los Angeles and in Cairo, Egypt, and a project using cell phones to teach English to children in India have won funding for two University of California, Berkeley, professors.
Source: 
UCB News Center
Picture: 
niemeyer2.jpg

Professor Allen Goldstein's Mechanical Nose Analyzes Compounds in the Atmosphere's Soup

Date Posted: 
Dec 1 2007
Title of News: 
Professor Allen Goldstein's Mechanical Nose Analyzes Compounds in the Atmosphere's Soup
Summary: 
By identifying unique sets of compounds in the air, Allen Goldstein and his team can discover what types of human actitivities are contributing to local air pollution - everything from cooking meat to brewing coffee to driving cars. The technology has the potential to play a vital role in understanding sources of pollution - and how to combat them.
Source: 
Breakthroughs
Picture: 
goldstein.jpg

Berkeley Lab Scientists Find Evidence of Link Between Outdoor Ozone and Building-Related Health Symptoms

Date Posted: 
Jan 23 2008
Title of News: 
Berkeley Lab Scientists Find Evidence of Link Between Outdoor Ozone and Building-Related Health Symptoms
Summary: 
A team of researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has found evidence that the prevalence of building-related symptoms (BRS) increases with increasing outdoor concentrations of the pollutant ozone. They have also discovered that the type of air filter that some buildings use in their ventilation systems may also play a role in the prevalence of BRS.
Source: 
LBNL ResearchNews
Picture: 
airfilter2.jpg

Nicas, Mark

Name of Person: 
Nicas, Mark
Picture: 
nicas.jpg
Department: 
Public Health, Adjunct Professor
Research Interests: 
Dr. Nicas has two primary research interests. First, he develops mathematical models to estimate exposure intensity to airborne chemical toxicants. Such models consider the pollutant emission rate and the dispersion pattern in air. Dr. Nicas uses two approaches - a traditional method based on deterministic differential equations and a probabilistic method involving Markov chain techniques. Second, he develops probability models for infection by airborne pathogens (e.g., M. tuberculosis, Y. pestis, C. immitis), with an immediate application to the risk-based selection of personal respiratory protection.

Collaborative Energy: New partnerships make UC Berkeley a hotspot for renewables research

Date Posted: 
Jun 22 2007
Title of News: 
Collaborative Energy: New partnerships make UC Berkeley a hotspot for renewables research
Summary: 
Leave no trace. This principle, familiar to outdoors enthusiasts, exhorts us to minimize our impact on the natural environment. In the near future, technology may enable us to extend this concept to the process of meeting global energy needs. Rising fuel costs, increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, air quality issues, and even national security concerns over dependence on foreign oil have generated both political will and scientific advances in this area. Thanks to a number of recently formed collaborative groups, UC Berkeley researchers are poised to make unique, high-impact contributions to that challenging but achievable goal.
Source: 
Berkeley Science Review
Picture: 
renewables_03_bpannouncement.jpg
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