Natural Resources Defense Council Job Announcement Science Fellowship in Transportation and Air Quality Santa Monica, CA Office
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a non-profit national environmental advocacy organization with more than 1.2 million members and online activists. We have offices in New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles and Beijing. Our staff of nearly 300 includes attorneys, scientists, policy analysts and educators working to protect the environment and public health through advocacy and education. Position Summary: We have an opening for a two-year science fellowship in our Santa Monica, California office. The Fellow will work with NRDC's Southern California Air Quality Project, the Environmental Justice Project, the Health Program and the Smart Growth Program as part of a team focusing on the impacts of the transportation system on health and the environment in Southern California. He/she will also collaborate with other science fellows through NRDC's Science Center. This position is modeled after the AAAS Environmental Fellowship program and is designed as an opportunity to make practical contributions to the more effective use of scientific and technical information in environmental policy decision-making. Essential Functions: Specific tasks will include: - analysis related to transportation models and inputs used to demonstrate conformance of regional transportation plans with Clean Air Act mandates for ozone and particulate matter in the Los Angeles basin; - analysis of how specific projects will impact localized air pollution levels; and - assessment of the regional targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the South Coast air basin based on SB 375 mandates. The fellow will also be charged with working with NRDC staff, outside partners, and the academic community to research, assemble, and synthesize data and information that articulate the benefits of altering transportation projects and implementing congestion reduction strategies to achieve benefits in air pollution levels, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and reductions in fuel consumption. Skills and Knowledge Requirements: Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent doctoral-level degree in Environmental Health Sciences, Engineering or Public Health (no more than five years experience since acquiring degree) and possess strong skills in working with and understanding quantitative models used to analyze air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The successful applicant will enjoy working on an interdisciplinary team with people from different professional backgrounds. He/she should thrive under a fast-paced environment, with well-honed abilities to manage and prioritize a heavy workload. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required, especially communicating technical and analytical information in a clear and persuasive manner; Fellowship salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience. We offer excellent benefits and a pleasant working environment. The deadline for applications is February 22, 2010. Email Applications to [email protected]. Interested applicants should submit a resume, writing sample, and a list of references, along with a letter of interest, which addresses the following: a.) why the fellowship is desired; b.) how the candidate is qualified; c.) what issues interest the candidate; and d.) how the candidate hopes the fellowship will affect his/her career goals. NRDC is an equal opportunity employer. For further information about NRDC, please visit www.nrdc.org.
