Sustainability Associate - Climate Education & Engagement

About the Opportunity

Start Date: September 1st, 2026
Length of Fellowship: 10 months
Location Type: Hybrid (2-3 days/week in person)

About Our Partner: San Mateo County Sustainability Department

The San Mateo County Sustainability Department strives to improve the sustainability of the County’s operations and the greater community through work in areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency, resource conservation, active transportation, climate resiliency, affordable housing, and greenhouse gas emission reductions. San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest counties in California.

What You’ll Do

• Support program coordination and implementation of the Youth Climate Ambassadors (YCA) youth leadership program and the Youth Exploring Climate Science (YECS) field trip program.
• Provide mentorship to high school students and guidance on community impact projects and leadership skills.
• Aid in developing program materials and resources for students.
• Facilitate portions of workshops and assist in community-building activities in virtual and in-person meetings with students or community members.
• Cook up YCA staff meeting logistics and communications with YCA student participants.
• Coordinate, schedule, and lead field trips in San Mateo County to County parks and other outdoor locations for 7th through 12th grade students about climate science and related topics such as sea level rise, wildfire science, and biodiversity.
• Accurately record and track data on program activities and outcomes.
• Assist with meeting facilitation, website updates, blog posts, social media, outreach events, and other duties as needed.

What We Provide

• A fixed, monthly stipend of $3570.
• $1000 end-of-program financial award.
• Health care coverage with 100% of health care insurance premiums covered by SEI.
• 10 Personal Days (for a standard 10-month Fellowship), in addition to all holidays off that are observed as closure days by the partner placement site.
• Comprehensive career-readiness training, including interview prep, salary negotiation, and resume building.
• Panels, workshops, and networking with climate resilience industry professionals.
• Professional networking and learning opportunities.
• The University of California Climate Stewards Certification equips you to lead community and ecosystem resilience initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

• Environmental science teaching experience or experience as an environmental educator, demonstrated success in informal or formal education for grades K-12.
• Strong understanding of climate change and sustainability issues.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to easily connect and engage with youth, program partners, and the public, and distill complex concepts to a variety of audiences of varying ages.
• A valid CA Driver's License.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of project management, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience working with communities from varied backgrounds.
• Time management and prioritization skills, able to effectively manage time between multiple projects.
• Bilingual language skills (Spanish or Mandarin preferred).
• The ability to work onsite on a full-time or hybrid basis (2-3 days per week). Only candidates currently residing within commuting distance of the site address will be considered.
• Commitment to a fair workplace that honors the experiences, voices, viewpoints, and values of all individuals.
• Authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship (SEI is unable to sponsor visas).
• May require occasional moving about to accomplish tasks, moving from one worksite to another, or adjusting or moving objects under 25-50 pounds in all directions.
• Must be 18 years or older to apply.

Hiring Values

SEI is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to uplifting the experiences, voices, viewpoints, and values of all individuals. We believe that a wide array of perspectives contributes to creative climate solutions where all communities can thrive. We strive for a workforce that reflects the communities we partner with and serve, especially those most impacted by climate change and environmental, social, and economic injustice. We welcome candidates who share SEI’s commitment to cultivating a people-centered work environment. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.