Jobs
Current fellowships
Sustainability Associate
7/12/2021 7:00:05 PM The Eames Institute
Job
Fellowship
The Eames Institute
Monthly Stipend $2255
End of Program Award $500
Location
Site Summary
The “Eames Ranch” is named after American mid-century designers Charles & Ray Eames. Their daughter, Lucia Eames, chose the ranch property, located in the San Antonio Valley of Sonoma County, to make her home starting in 1994. The 26-acre property includes a 12,300 square foot residence (where the majority of Eames artifacts are housed) and a 7,800 square foot barn, supporting the long-running agricultural production on the property, focused primarily on sheep grazing and carbon sequestration.
The Eames Ranch is a program of the Eames Institute, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization helping to steward the Eames legacy. Integral to this legacy was the Eameses’ belief that nature is the best designer. They continually drew inspiration from nature in their work—from form and the evolutionary process, to matters of scale and the belief that everything is connected. They were keenly aware of our finite resources and frequently adopted more responsible design and production practices for their time, understanding that designers have an enormous responsibility to society because they impose their designs on the world. Following this commitment to sustainability and society, the Eames Institute believes that protecting our planet is the biggest design challenge of our time, and the Eames Ranch will be a living laboratory to demonstrate that.
Position Overview
This Sustainability Associate position is supported through an innovative partnership between the Eames Institute and Strategic Energy Innovations. Aimed at addressing the myriad of energy and environmental sustainability initiatives across California, this Fellowship model presents a distinct opportunity to shape energy efficiencies and sustainability practices across sectors and institutional roles.
At the core of this program is developing the next generation of thinkers and doers to help address sustainability and climate change issues. Roles as energy, resource conservation, and sustainability managers are needed to meet these issues head on. These generally require a distinct combination of aptitudes including project management, data analytics and community engagement. In addition to the Climate Corps Bay Area training and professional certificate, this position offers professional development opportunities designed to help provide the range of skills necessary to execute sustainable programs or practices. The candidate will work on pressing climate and sustainability problems and be relied upon to work toward replicable solutions. A customized mix of on the job training, field work and class time will help the Fellow hone marketable skills and draw important professional connections while making a marked difference in the community.
Role and Responsibilities
The Climate Corps Fellow will help with the documentation and data management of the Eames Ranch Carbon Farming Plan. Working closely with the facilities team the fellow will design protocols for data collection, methods for gathering and tracking data and analysis of data in relation to the overall carbon sequestration goals.
Specific aspects of the Carbon Farming Plan includes:
• Soil Testing protocols
• Native grass surveys
• Rotational Grazing GIS/mapping system/community grazing
• Compost system analysis
• Mapping hedgerow and silvopasture plantings/maintenance plans/irrigation
• Tracking Biochar projects
• Water filtration (scouring water, etc.)
• Compost application
• Development of graphics and exhibit elements to make carbon farming practices visible and understandable to future visitors.
In addition the fellow will continue with previous efforts to implement the Sustainability Master Plan for the ranch including:
• Ongoing collection and analysis of energy, water, and propane use and weather data on site
• Trash and recycling audit and systems establishment
• Sustainable Purchasing Plan Implementation
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree preferred, Master’s level coursework in engineering, design or energy systems would be ideal.
• Related experience in fields related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, climate action planning, water conservation, and data analysis.
• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation to be available on-site daily.
• Ability to work independently and carry out assignments, make independent judgments and/or decisions, and discern when action at a higher level is required.
• Must be able to effectively manage multiple projects and maintain an organized and well communicated workflow.
Ideal Candidate
• Has a deep passion for sustainability, especially climate resilience, with the practical skills and abilities to affect change in complex systems.
• Has a particular interest in land management issues, specifically soil health, grazing and carbon farming practices.
SEI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to reflect the diverse communities we serve, especially those most impacted by climate change and other kinds of environmental, social, and economic injustices. Persons of color, persons with disabilities, older adults, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply.
Location: Petaluma, CA