Swathmore Climate Action Associate

Swarthmore has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2035. Swarthmore’s major sources of emissions include electricity procurement, burning natural gas, transportation, construction, and embedded carbon in procured items. To chart the College’s pathway to neutralizing all emissions from electricity and natural gas, Sustainability, Facilities, Finance, and Information Technology collaborate on the Roadmap to Zero: Energy Infrastructure Plan. This position will work closely with the Roadmap to Zero Steering Committee on work to create a resilient energy system that provides reliable, safe, sustainable, and cost-effective electricity, heating, and cooling to support Swarthmore’s educational mission.

The position will collaborate with other departments and offices on ad hoc projects to manage campus carbon emissions. Such projects may include improving campus metering, measuring and reducing air travel, exploring low-carbon commuting options, and supporting sustainable construction projects. This position will annually mentor and collaborate with 1-2 students in the President’s Sustainability Research Fellow Program on climate protection related projects. This position will also support student interns in the Office of Sustainability.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Committee Support – this position supports both the Roadmap to Zero Steering Committee and the Carbon Charge committee, providing staff support to the committee including meeting coordination, documentation, agenda planning, etc.

• Research and Analysis – this position will research, analyze, and report on a variety of topics relevant to implementation of the Carbon Charge and climate protection. This may include carbon pricing, carbon offsets and Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), renewable energy, developing and tracking metrics, or other topics as necessary. This position will conduct research and present findings to inform the College’s decisions related to climate protection. This position is responsible for ensuring annual greenhouse gas inventory reporting to Second Nature is completed. This position will regularly support evaluation of candidates, consultants, and products that the College considers working with.

• Communications, Documentation, and Publicity – The College aims for the Carbon Charge program to serve as a role model for other institutions. This position assists with publicizing the Carbon Charge, developing materials that can support other institutions’ efforts, and communicating internally with the Swarthmore community.

• Community Engagement – An important goal of the Carbon Charge is to encourage behavioral change and informed decision making to help the College reduce its carbon emissions. To accomplish this, it is important that the entire campus community is informed and able to participate in this effort. This position assists with efforts to engage the campus and local community. Duties for this area may include organizing events to share information and gather input on the implementation of the Carbon Charge, attending meetings and conducting outreach activities, and collaborating with other organizations and departments.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

This position will supervise up to approximately five student interns.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated interest in environmental and social sustainability and climate protection through previous work, volunteer experience, and/or academic experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication, data compilation and analysis, and organizational skills
• Either experience with the Swarthmore College campus community or two years of related professional experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four or more years of related professional experience
• Advanced degree in a relevant field
• Knowledge and experience with climate protection related topic areas including planning, buildings, greenhouse gas inventories, carbon offsets, renewable energy credits, carbon pricing, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and/or transportation 
• Familiarity with Swarthmore’s administrative structures and policies

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.