Climate Project Manager

Job Type
Full-time

DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOU? 

You have demonstrated work history that includes strong to advanced knowledge, skills, and experience in preparing climate action and adaptation plans in California. You possess advanced planning and project management skills that include but are not limited to the use of analytical tools, data interpretation, and presentation; developing actionable plans and implementation strategies; coordination with technical teams and task management; client coordination; and project scheduling and budget management. Assisting communities and/or government organizations in working towards carbon neutrality and becoming more resilient to the effects of climate change (e.g., preparing for increased wildfires, flooding, and extreme heat days) in equitable ways is exhilarating for you. You have an encyclopedic knowledge of the ABCs and 123s of the body of legislation and guidance regulating and directing this type of work in California, along with funding sources and financing mechanisms to support effective implementation. You are curious, caring, collegial, collaborative, career-oriented, and committed to quality and continued learning to keep up to date with changing requirements.  

Ascent is looking for a senior-level Climate Project Manager to join our Climate Action and Adaptation Planning (CAAP) team in any of our office locations: Sacramento, San Diego, Berkeley, Lake Tahoe, or Orange County/Irvine. In a typical week as a Climate Project Manager at Ascent, you might:  

– Review and lead the development of technical mitigation and adaptation measures for local communities.  
– Manage climate-focused planning projects, as well as prepare scopes, schedules, budgets, and invoicing 
– Collaborate closely with Ascent principals, who support you in carrying out projects 
– Discuss proposed climate action and adaptation strategies with clients, regulatory agencies, sub-consultants, and community members to understand and address a broad range of perspectives 
– Create, with your team, high-quality planning documents 
– Provide quality review of documents, with attention to completeness, technical accuracy, and readability 
– Organize and conduct community workshops and public outreach events  
– Tackle a broad range of mitigation and adaptation issues, including leading-edge thinking and how these topics cut across planning for housing, vulnerable communities, and safety with the team 
– Contribute to and lead business development activities, including proposal preparation and relationship building with existing and prospective clients 
– Participate in professional associations, such as speaking at conferences 
– Help with mentoring and skill development of staff 
– Stay up to date on the current state of the science and practice by reviewing resources from expert agencies (e.g., CARB, OPR, ICARP) and organizations (e.g., local climate collaboratives, ARCCA) 

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.  

Requirements
 – A minimum of 5 years of direct experience working in climate action and adaptation planning 
 – 10+ of relevant work experience assisting communities and/or government organizations with preparing climate action and adaptation plans or other related experience. 
– Possesses advanced knowledge of climate action and adaptation planning processes in California.
– Has experience managing projects and tasks related to greenhouse gas mitigation and adaptation planning.
– Understands the relationship between climate action/adaptation planning and CEQA.
– Has practical experience working with vulnerable and under-resourced communities.
– Has experience responding to requests for proposals (RFPs).
– Holds a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in planning, disaster/emergency management and recovery, environmental studies, geography, natural resources, physical sciences, or a related field.
– Has expert-level skills in project management, including the ability to manage time effectively, stay organized, and take/give direction. 
 

Work environment 

– Typical office environment 
– Hybrid, In-Office 

Physical Demands 

– Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
– Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time. 

Travel

– Limited travel may be required. 

Work authorization/security clearance requirements: Not eligible for sponsorship

Additional eligibility requirements: N/A   

At Ascent, we believe in fostering a nurturing environment that prioritizes our people. We are committed to holistic investments in our team, offering not only competitive salaries and comprehensive medical benefits, but also a range of perks designed to enhance emotional, financial, and physical wellness. A comprehensive listing of benefits offered can be found here. Interested in learning more about the Ascentian life? Reach out to our People Resources team at People.Resources@ascent.inc. We look forward to hearing from you!

Diversity Statement

Ascent is committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout all facets of the organization. We value and will strive to ascend by welcoming and uplifting all voices, ideas, achievements, and contributions, including those from marginalized communities and identities. We believe that recognizing and embracing our differences makes us a stronger organization. We commit to proactively nurturing environments of mutual support, respect, and caring for all through our words and actions. Join us on our journey.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement 

Ascent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Ascent is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact PeopleResources@ascent.inc.  

Salary Description
$106,080 – $156,000