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Temporary Program Assistant
Climate Program
Cambridge, MA
Duration: November through March
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. We are seeking temporary, hourly assistance for our Climate Change Program. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges of our time. Left unchecked, it will have severe impacts on our public health, economy, and environment. Avoiding dangerous climate change requires taking swift action to reduce our emissions. In order to take action, our policy makers must have a firm understanding of the science of the issue and potential impacts for their city, state, and country.
Responsibilities:
This position will provide administrative and research support to the UCS Global Warming Solutions Roadmap Project. This project is a comprehensive analysis of climate solutions and policies that would greatly reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and help get us on a path to avoiding some of the worst impacts of climate change.
Tasks include, but are not necessarily limited to:
• data entry and database management
• web research
• assistance with production of fact sheets and other materials
• sending emails and collating information from replies
• materials gathering, shipping, tracking, and information tracking
• developing PowerPoint slides and other outreach needs
• making staff travel arrangements, handling expense vouchers
Qualifications and Experience:
Candidates should be able to demonstrate strong research skills. As well as excellent organizational skills, solid administrative skills, attention to detail, written communication skills, and proficiency with computers. The ability to work independently and as a part of a group are necessary for this position. Experience or interest in climate change is a plus.
Position Details:
This position will be based in our Harvard Square office in Cambridge, MA. The duration of this temporary position is November through March. The hours will be 20-40 hours per week. Compensation is hourly and there are no benefits. UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff.
To Apply:
Please submit cover letter and resume via email to climatejobs@ucsusa.org with a subject line of “Temporary Program Assistant.”
Network Administrator
Finance & Administration Department
Cambridge, MA Office
The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. We are seeking a qualified Network Administrator to provide a broad range of network administration, user support & training, hardware and software troubleshooting, database and network maintenance, and critical backup support for all IT functions in our Harvard Square office in Cambridge, MA. This is an opportunity for the right individual to contribute skills and talents to a high quality mission driven team.
Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for assisting with administration and maintenance of the local and wide area network including software and hardware updates and upgrades on the servers for our three, soon to be four, locations. The Network Administrator monitors daily virus protection, network operations and supervises GroupWise post offices. This position also provides user support and training, creates system documentation, maintains user directory and sets up new users in Novell NetWare and GroupWise
Qualifications:
Position requires bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a computer-related area. A degree in MIS or CIS is strongly recommended. Coursework leading to A+, Network+ and CNE preferred. Position requires comprehensive knowledge of and good troubleshooting skills in Windows OS, MS Office, and PC hardware. Advanced skills in Access, and/or relational databases and some experience in working with others to design data structures appropriate to organizational workflows are important. Thorough knowledge of network protocols, Novell NetWare 5.1 or higher, Linux OS, Cisco IOS, and other small office network administration skills are highly desired but not required at hire.
Experience:
Two to three years of Windows PC support and network administration in a networked office environment is required. Work experience in a non-profit organization very helpful. Candidates should have demonstrated ability to provide effective computer support to a wide variety of staff, good interpersonal communications skills, and strong organizational and analytical skills. A sense of humor and knowledge of fundraising are a plus.
Position Details:
This position will be based in our Harvard Square office in Cambridge, MA. Salary commensurate with experience and training. Excellent benefits. UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to ITjobs@ucsusa.org by December 1, 2008. Please reference Network Administrator in the subject line.
No phone calls please
Posted: November 5th, 2008
Alaska-based Renewable Energy Organizer
Clean Energy Program
One-year consulting position in Alaska
The Union of Concerned Scientists (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) and Chicago (IL). We are seeking an organizer to work with villages in Alaska to build support for federal renewable energy policies and to disseminate information about the financial and technical resources available to villages interested in installing renewable energy systems. Under the direction of Clean Energy Program’s National Field Director, and working in collaboration with UCS’ AK advocacy consultant, the Renewable Energy Organizer will work with villages to pass resolutions of support for federal renewable energy legislation and recruit villagers to meet with elected representatives. In addition, the Renewable Energy organizer will share information resources with villages seeking to reduce their dependence on diesel and fuel oil by installing renewable energy systems using wind, geothermal, solar, biomass, small-scale, environmentally-responsible hydroelectric systems, or other renewable resources
Responsibilities:
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Lead campaign to organize villages on renewable energy.
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Work collaboratively with Alaskan organizations, especially with their ongoing work on villages and renewable energy.
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Recruit steering committee to help guide project.
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Help assemble information on state and federal grants and technical resources available to Alaskan Native villages interested in installing renewable energy systems.
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Help produce hand-out materials with financial and technical resources available.
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Help draft a resolution of support for federal renewable energy policies and obtain at least 50 resolutions from Alaska Native tribal, corporate and non-profit entities.
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Identify village leaders who are willing to work on renewable energy policy and projects.
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Distribute UCS analysis on renewable energy policies to villages and leaders.
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Stay in regular contact with village leaders, deepening their involvement.
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Recruit villagers who will meet with members of the Alaska congressional delegation in Alaska and who will fly to DC.
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Recruit at least one authorized entity who will introduce a resolution supporting federal renewable energy policies at the Alaska Federation of Natives 2009 convention.
Qualifications:
Candidates should have strong verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to work independently. The ideal candidate will also have demonstrated ability to complete projects and excellent organizational skills.
Experience:
College degree or equivalent. Familiarity with Alaska and Native Villages as well as demonstrated ability to work with people in a collaborative manner.
Position Details: This position is a consultant position based in Alaska. Pay is hourly and commensurate with experience and training.
To Apply:
Send resume and cover letter referencing where you learned of this position opening to cleanenergy@ucsusa.org and include "Alaska Organizer" in the subject line. Application deadline: November 15. Starting: by December 1st.
No phone calls, please.
Posted: October 24th 2008
Legislative Representative
Clean Energy Program
Washington, DC Office
The Union of Concerned Scientists (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) and Chicago (IL). We are seeking a Legislative Representative for our Clean Energy Program to participate in advocacy and outreach efforts in support of our national energy and climate policy agenda, with a focus on the appropriate role of coal and nuclear in climate legislation. The candidate will work with a multi-disciplinary team in our Clean Energy, Climate and Clean Vehicles Programs to represent UCS before the Congress, the Executive Branch, non-governmental organizations and business groups.
Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Clean Energy Program Washington Representative, coordinating with the Deputy Director for Climate, the Legislative Representative for Clean Energy will:
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Support advocacy efforts relating our national climate and energy policy agenda by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with congressional representatives and their staff, administration and agency officials, and advocates from allied organizations.
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Provide UCS input into legislation and regulations, monitor bill progress and assist in producing desired legislative and regulatory outcomes. Write and edit materials for use of congressional staff and involve UCS analysts to provide technical information on coal and nuclear policy issues as necessary.
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Educate policymakers, stakeholders, and opinion leaders about strengths and weaknesses of various policy options.
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Coordinate with outreach and other staff to help plan and execute lobby days and other education and outreach activities. Write testimony, fact sheets, briefing papers, speeches presentations and other advocacy materials as needed.
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Help respond to press inquiries on selected coal, nuclear power and climate issues.
Qualifications:
Candidates should have an understanding of the legislative process and strategy, understand how to design and implement effective campaigns, and have solid communication skills. A working knowledge of energy and climate policy is strongly preferred. Familiarity with relevant coal and nuclear issues is important. A Bachelors Degree is required, with advanced degree in related field desirable. Strong communications skills are required.
Experience:
Position requires at least 3-5 years of experience in progressively responsible experience to include demonstrated knowledge of the legislative process, advocacy skills and an understanding of political organizing and planning and strategy development at the federal or state level. Legislative campaign experience highly desirable. Up to one year of on-the-job training is needed to become familiar with UCS organization, philosophy, programs and constituencies.
Position Details:
This position will be based in our Washington, DC, 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 via email to cleanenergy@ucsusa.org with a subject line of “Legislative Representative – Clean Energy”
No calls, please.
Posted: September 19, 2008
Nuclear Energy and Climate Change Project Manager
Clean Energy Program
Washington, DC Office
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking a Nuclear Energy and Climate Change Project Manager to provide information to the public, policy-makers, and media on nuclear power in the context of climate change. Candidates must have a solid background in energy technologies and policies, and comfort with nuclear economics. UCS is a leading science-based nonprofit organization working for a healthy planet and a safer world, with a membership and activist base of more than 100,000, a staff of over 100, and offices in Cambridge (MA), Washington (DC), Berkeley (CA), and Chicago (IL).
Responsibilities: Under the direction of the Clean Energy Program Director, the Project Manager will:
- Develop and manage an education campaign on nuclear power in the context of climate change. The campaign will highlight issues of comparative energy economics, public subsidies, and safety and security issues with current and advanced reactor designs.
- Develop position papers, fact sheets, presentations, talking points, web copy and other products for use in communication, educational, advocacy and outreach activities.
- Work with in-house analysts and manage consultants on energy economic analyses.
- Serve as UCS staff spokesperson on nuclear power issues, working proactively with media staff to engage broadcast and print media.
- Work with UCS lobbyists to help educate members of Congress and the administration, governors, federal agency and regulatory leaders and their staffs about UCS positions, and help advance UCS’s legislative agenda.
- Work with UCS Global Security Program analysts and advocates to advance goals of nuclear safety and security.
- Participate in stakeholder dialogues and engagements.
Qualifications: Position requires broad knowledge of the energy sector and relevant technologies and policies, and working knowledge of nuclear economics. Ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of at least one key nuclear policy issue—nuclear economics, safety, security, or waste, generally acquired through completion of an advanced degree. Familiarity with climate change and national and international security policy is helpful. Must have demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences (including media, policymakers, scientists, engineers, and other experts) about complex scientific, technical and economic issues. Must have leadership skills and demonstrated ability to build consensus and agreement, and to manage complex collaborative projects.
Experience: Requires 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in energy technology/economics and two or more years of experience in public policy. Additionally, 3-5 years experience in managing complex projects, including planning and successful implementation to achieve measurable results.
Position Details: This position will be based in our Washington, DC, office. UCS offers salary commensurate with experience and training, excellent benefits, and a flexible and friendly work environment.
To Apply: Please submit cover letter referencing where you learned of this job opening, resume, and 1-3 page writing sample via email to cleanenergy@ucsusa.org with a subject line of “Nuclear and Climate Project Manager.”
No calls please.
Posted: August 21, 2008
Agriculture/Climate Scientist
Food and Environment Program
Washington, DC Office
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking an agriculture and climate scientist for the Food and Environment Program’s exciting campaigns advocating fundamental changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices to enable America’s farmers to produce healthy food in a safe and sustainable manner.
An independent nonprofit alliance of more than 100,000 concerned citizens and scientists, UCS, for over 30 years, has creatively and successfully combined rigorous scientific analysis and passionate citizen action to gain a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world.
Responsibilities: The successful candidate for this position will work with the Food and Environment Program staff—scientists/policy analysts, lawyer, lobbyist, and outreach organizer—to transform U.S. agriculture by encouraging and enabling sustainable food systems; exposing and correcting defects in the current industrial food production system, including the impacts on climate; and changing public opinion of industrialized agriculture.
In particular, the new scientist will:
- research and write technical and policy reports that advance the program’s advocacy goals, particularly on agriculture and climate issues;
- provide research and other technical support to advance program goals promoting sustainable food systems;
- research and write technical comments, statements, and testimony on program issues;
- participate in developing campaign goals, strategies, and tactics; and
- represent UCS in scientific, press, and public sectors.
Qualifications:
- Comprehensive knowledge of the scientific and public policy issues associated with agriculture and climate
- Ph.D. in an agricultural or biological science, including expertise in agriculture, soils, climate gases, modeling, and a strong background in chemistry
- Capacity to conduct full life cycle analyses of agricultural systems in terms of their contributions to greenhouse gases
- Understanding the role of science and advocacy in shaping public opinion and policy debates
- Strong analytic and project management skills
- Excellent writing and public speaking skills
- Ability to communicate and work effectively in groups
Experience:
- Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in scientific and/or public policy work in agriculture and climate
- Familiarity with public policy process regarding agriculture and climate
- Demonstrated ability to produce reports on science policy issues and write about complex policy and scientific matters for a lay audience
- Evidence of strong analytical skills
Position Details: UCS offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits, and a flexible and friendly work environment.
To Apply: Send a cover letter referencing where you learned of this job opening and résumé via email to food@ucsusa.org by October 6, 2008; please include "Agr/Climate Scientist" in the subject line. Electronic submissions only.
No phone calls, please.
Posted : August 15, 2008
Transmission Policy Advocate
Clean Energy Program
Washington, DC Office
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking a Transmission Policy Advocate to conduct policy analysis, educate policymakers and opinion leaders, and participate in stakeholder discussions of electricity transmission policies, especially at the federal level, to promote clean energy development, with an emphasis on facilitating access to and development of transmission for renewable energy resources. The candidate will work with a multi-disciplinary team in our Clean Energy Program to advance strong clean energy transmission policies. Candidates must have a solid background in electricity transmission policy and energy policy in general, and familiarity with transmission issues affecting renewable energy.
UCS is a leading science-based nonprofit organization working for a healthy planet and a safer world. Founded in 1969, UCS 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 Washington Representative, with guidance from a national advisory group of clean energy advocates, the Transmission Policy Advocate will:
- Track state, regional, and federal transmission policy developments affecting clean and renewable energy growth, and lessons learned through implementation experience;
- Prepare and update model federal legislation, building on best practices;
Prepare reports, white papers, testimony, presentations, articles and/or fact sheets as necessary on policy options,
- Educate policymakers, stakeholders, and opinion leaders about strengths and weaknesses of various policy options;
Participate in consensus-building discussions with relevant stakeholders;
- Respond to inquiries on transmission policy from policymakers, stakeholders, press, and public;
- Advise analysts and advocates working in state and regional forums on the strengths and weaknesses of various regional transmission policy proposals;
- Participate in the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative’s transmission working group;
- Attend appropriate conferences and other professional meetings;
- Participate with other staff in UCS Clean Energy Program planning and priority tasks.
- Coordinate activities with Transmission Specialist in the Sustainable FERC Policy Project.
Qualifications: Knowledge of electricity transmission policy and broader energy policy issues. Familiarity with renewable energy technologies and related transmission issues is important. Candidates should possess an advanced degree in energy policy, engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience. Strong communication skills are required.
Experience: Position requires at least 3-5 years of experience in energy policy, with more experience preferred, with significant experience with transmission policy. Advocacy skills and experience preferred.
Position Details: This position will be based at UCS’s Washington, DC, 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 via email to cleanenergy@ucsusa.org with a subject line of “Transmission Policy Advocate.”
No calls please.
Posted: July 2, 2008
California Climate Campaign Director
Berkeley, CA Office
Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), a leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world, is seeking a dynamic leader in Berkeley, CA for the position of California Climate Campaign Director.
The Organization
Established in 1969 by MIT faculty and students who were concerned about the misuse of science and technology in society, UCS works on issues it believes to be the greatest environmental and security threats of our time. UCS combines rigorous scientific analysis with innovative thinking and effective citizen advocacy to achieve practical solutions. UCS strives for a future that is free from the threats of global warming and nuclear war and a planet that supports a rich diversity of life. The organization seeks to ensure that all people have clean air, energy and transportation, as well as food that is produced in a safe and sustainable manner. UCS is a powerful voice to secure changes in government policy, corporate practices and consumer choices that will protect and improve the health of the environment globally, nationally, and in communities throughout the United States.
The Position:
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direction of the Climate Program Director, and in close coordination with relevant Program, California and Federal Climate Campaign staff, develop, lead, and manage UCS efforts to advance climate policy in California and the western region. This includes: effective communication and collaboration with UCS program directors and staff working on climate issues; development of an integrated strategy and annual work plan for the CA Climate Campaign; drafting and management of CA Campaign funding proposals; management and supervision of California Campaign staff; and membership on the UCS Climate Campaign Committee.
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below.
- Serve as lead UCS spokesperson on climate related issues in California and the Western states. Represent UCS in public forums, at conferences, with the media, before professional associations and in other settings. Look for opportunities to increase UCS visibility on climate policy in California. Support and strengthen visibility and leadership opportunities for other relevant UCS staff on California and Western states climate science and policy.
- With CA climate staff, develop a climate campaign strategy and plan that integrates all aspects of UCS climate science and solutions work across sectors, and generally further UCS climate policy objectives.
- Identify and, as appropriate, develop opportunities to leverage California climate science, impacts work, and policy learning to help strengthen sound science-based climate policies in other Western states, as well as nationally and internationally.
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with relevant experts and influential stakeholders at other institutions to exchange information, share resources, and generally strengthen UCSs leadership role on climate policy, science, and impacts in California and the Western states. Routinely exchange information, share resources and engage in any collaborative activities needed to further program or organizational goals. Identify and, as appropriate, engage new allies, constituencies, and coalitions. As appropriate, lead and/or coordinate coalitions to advance common climate policy objectives.
- Guide and ensure high quality and effective implementation of the scientific, communications, outreach, and advocacy components of this campaign, and its integration into the UCS cross-program climate campaign to build strong California and western region climate policies and strong federal policies.
- In coordination with other members of the California Climate Campaign team, work to support, refine, and implement activities aimed at leveraging UCS analytic and scientific resources to support priority climate policy objectives. Consistent with priority policy and outreach objectives, cultivate and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to business leaders, public health community, and other opinion-leaders.
- Work with Federal Climate Campaign staff to ensure effective coordination and integration of California and federal climate policy initiatives.
- Maintain appropriate knowledge of scientific developments, trends, and policy developments on key issues relevant to UCS work on climate change impacts and other key aspects of global change. Maintain current and thorough knowledge of climate science, policy initiatives, and processes across the region.
- Manage California climate policy budget. Coordinate or lead in the hiring and supervision of staff, consultants, and interns.
- In coordination with UCS Development staff, lead California climate-related funding activities. Craft grant proposals and reports.
- Provide effective supervision of Campaign staff including providing guidance, feedback, support and annual progress reviews for each staff member.
- Participate as a member of the UCS cross-organizational Climate Campaign Committee.
BASIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Position requires high-level knowledge of climate change policy, politics, science and economics; strong ability to understand the role of technical analyses and advocacy in shaping public opinion and policy debates; excellent public and media relations capabilities; a demonstrated ability to work and interact effectively in teams and to liaise with board members, government officials, and others in the NGO community; exceptional oral and written communication skills; and the leadership ability needed to effectively manage an action-oriented campaign and multidisciplinary team.
EXPERIENCE
Work requires a strong background in climate change policy and/or research, at least five years of progressively responsible related experience, including communicating climate policy and/or science to non-specialists and leveraging scientific and technical expertise to support economy-wide and sectoral climate policies. Supervisory and/or team leadership experience along with budget and project management experience is essential.
For more information, please visit www.ucsusa.org.
To Apply: Please forward cover letter referencing where you learned of this position opening, resume, and salary history to cajobs@ucsusa.org and include “CA Climate Campaign Director” in the subject line. E-mail application by Word documents only, please. Please do not submit applications by multiple media. |
