Environmental Youth Leadership Fellow
If you’re passionate about inspiring youth by helping to advance an environmental youth leadership initiative at secondary schools (middle and high) to promote sustainability and advance a school district’s climate goals then this may be an opportunity for you!
About Santa Clara Unified School District
Santa Clara Unified School District serves over 14,500 TK-12 students and an additional 6,000 students in preschool through adult school. Neighborhoods in the Cities of Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, San Jose, and Cupertino comprise the District's 56 square-mile area. Santa Clara Unified prides itself on having teachers, classified employees, and administrators who are dedicated, experienced professionals who care about each student's well-being and academic preparation.
Position Overview & Description
The SCUSD Environmental Youth Leadership Initiative focuses on fostering climate resiliency by empowering students to lead sustainability efforts in their schools. Through a comprehensive approach, this initiative guides students to develop campus-based sustainability projects aligned with the district's Climate Action Plan. Key efforts include launching and sustaining youth leadership convenings, creating environmental clubs, and hosting events like the Youth Climate Action Summit. The initiative also emphasizes zero waste practices by preparing schools to comply with California's waste laws and implementing systems like tri-bin waste sorting.
Roles and responsibilities involve mentoring student groups, facilitating collaborations across schools, and training staff mentors to support youth leadership. Daily tasks range from coaching students in project development to creating outreach materials and documenting student achievements. Learning opportunities are abundant, with students gaining hands-on experience in sustainability practices, leadership skills, and community engagement. Staff and mentors also benefit from capacity-building training, equipping them to foster a culture of environmental stewardship within the school community. This position requires some flexibility to accommodate meetings with secondary student groups at various school sites across the district due to various bell schedules. The average work day will begin at 8:30 am and end at 4:30 pm. Some weekend work and late afternoon work will take place when necessary to meet with youth.
Responsibilities
Launch and sustain the SCUSD Environmental Youth Leadership Initiative Convenings.
Guide existing environmental student groups to initiate campus-based sustainability projects aligned with the district’s Climate Action Plan.
Create environmental clubs at secondary schools that do not have such clubs.
Meet with student groups regularly to coach them on project development and leadership.
Facilitate collaboration and sharing of best environmental leadership practices between schools and leaders.
Identify and train site staff who will help lead and mentor student leadership teams at each school site and provide ongoing support and capacity-building training or resources for these staff mentors.
Develop and implement outreach strategies to recruit diverse student leaders.
Create promotional materials, including fliers, announcements, and videos, with student input.
Document student change-making efforts and initiatives.
Develop articles and videos showcasing youth leadership and project successes.
Host the in-person Youth Climate Action Summit with student leaders from each site.
Host Virtual Community of Practice Workshops for students.
Host the Youth Action Showcase.
Support Zero Waste Initiative efforts at school sites.
Prepare the district to comply with California zero waste laws and implement a tri-bin waste system that includes landfill, recycling, and organic composting at every school site.
Improve waste diversion methodologies and systems at school sites including improvements to waste infrastructure.
Implement a training program that includes facilitating bi-annual training of students, faculty, and staff (particularly the custodians) on the separation of recyclables and compostables from general waste, especially classroom and office materials.
Build momentum and interest in increasing waste diversion in all aspects of school communities, including campus, curriculum, community engagement, and institutional culture.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
College training or experience in sustainability and working with TK-12 students. Experience should cover a wide range of duties with increasing responsibilities.
Experience in youth leadership, environmental education, or sustainability initiatives.
Strong event planning, communication, and mentoring skills.
Ability to create outreach materials and engage diverse audiences.
Knowledge of project planning, execution, and evaluation, especially in a collaborative setting with multiple stakeholders.
Understanding of how schools operate, including student clubs, teacher leadership roles, and district-level educational initiatives.
Strong communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse groups of students.
Knowledge of youth engagement strategies and experience in coaching or mentoring young leaders.
Knowledge of key environmental issues such as climate change, zero waste, sustainability practices, and renewable energy.
Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.
Evidence of TB clearance.
If you operate a motor vehicle during the course of the job, possess a Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License, have an acceptable driving record, and qualify for insurability by the District’s insurance carrier.
If you do not possess a valid California Driver’s License, you must be able to provide your own transportation to other school sites as needed.
We encourage anyone who is interested in this position and who meets some of the qualifications to apply, even if they do not meet all of them. We recognize that a unique perspective and background can enhance a role when many, if not all, of the listed qualifications are met.
If you would need to relocate for this position, please note that you need to be in the state you are relocating to no less than 10 business days before the start of the fellowship.
Benefits
End-of-program financial award.
Healthcare coverage with 100% of healthcare insurance premiums covered by the employer.
Access to a national Member Assistance Program, which includes financial and legal assistance, medical advocacy, and counseling services.
Professional and Personal Development Training
Career-readiness training in interview preparation, salary negotiation, and developing a professional resume and cover letter.
Attending panels, workshops, and presentations by climate resilience industry professionals.
Industry-specific certification courses.
Professional networking opportunities.
About Climate Corps
Climate Corps, a program of SEI, is an award-winning fellowship program that provides professional development opportunities for emerging leaders through the implementation of sustainability and resiliency projects with local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses. To see a full list of climate, energy, and sustainability positions posted by Climate Corps, please visit here: https://jobs.climatecorps.org/listings. We are constantly adding positions, so make sure to frequently check this site to see if there are new opportunities available.
SEI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity. We believe that a wide array of perspectives contributes to creative climate solutions where all communities thrive. We strive to reflect diverse communities, especially those most impacted by climate change and other kinds of environmental, social, and economic injustices. Persons of color, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply. A commitment to work and learn within an anti-oppression framework is required. https://www.seiinc.org/dei.html