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California Department of Transportation - State Agency Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Fellow

Sacramento, CA (Remote; California Residents only)

Launch your Sustainability Career with the Climate Corps Fellowship program!

SEI’s Climate Corps Fellowship program offers the chance to lead impactful climate and community resilience projects while gaining paid, hands-on experience. This full-time, bridge-to-career opportunity pairs fellows with host organizations, from local governments to nonprofits and businesses, to drive real-world change.

About the Opportunity 

Start Date: June 2nd, 2025

Length of Fellowship: 12 months

Are you ready to turn your passion for sustainability into meaningful impact? Join the Climate Corps Fellowship as a CalTrans - State Agency Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Fellow, and play a key role in advancing California’s climate resiliency goals. In partnership with AESC and the California Department of Transportation, you’ll help accelerate energy efficiency projects across the state, from early planning to implementation, while gaining hands-on experience in public-sector climate work. This full-time, remote role is open to California residents only.

We’re looking for candidates who are versatile problem-solvers, strong communicators, and resilient when faced with new challenges. The ideal Fellow will have at least one year of relevant professional or academic experience and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and tasks. 

Fellows in similar roles have independently developed and delivered presentations, conducted data analysis, written new policy content, and supported executive-level initiatives. The CalTrans - State Agency Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to develop your professional skills, grow your network, and contribute directly to climate solutions at the systems level. Occasional in-person attendance for events and meetings may be required.

About Our Partner: Alternative Energy Systems Consulting, Inc. (AESC)

The State of California (SOC) Energy Strategy and Support Program (ESS) is a statewide energy efficiency program administered by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and funded by all four investor-owned utilities (PG&E, Southern California Edison (SCE), Southern California Gas (SCG), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E)). Alternative Energy Systems Consulting, Inc. (AESC) designed and implements the program on behalf of all four IOUs. The program addresses key barriers that California state agencies experience while working to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. SOC ESS provides state agencies direct support to identify and implement energy efficiency projects, in addition to engineering support for projects developed by energy service companies (ESCOs) and trade allies (TAs). SOC ESS offers a flexible program to cost-effectively meet the diverse needs of SOC agencies and assets.

What We’re Looking For

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred, Associate degree in conjunction with relatable experience will be considered.
  • Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication and experience in delivering this communication to key clients and customers.
  • Ability to interact with clients professionally and responsively.
  • Ability to juggle the needs and priorities of multiple stakeholders.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Strong capabilities with software tools such as MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Google Sheets, etc.
  • Strong capabilities with virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom, MS Teams, GoToMeeting, etc.).
  • Understanding of or interest in gas and electric utilities and public sector or State Agencies.
  • Must have reliable transportation; this position potentially requires limited travel to events and office locations.
  • Coursework or related experience in environmental fields (e.g., internships, volunteer work) is preferred. Experience with energy efficiency in commercial buildings is a plus.
  • A commitment to a fair workplace that honors the experiences, voices, viewpoints, and values of all individuals..
  • Authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship (SEI is unable to sponsor visas).
  • May require occasional moving about to accomplish tasks, moving from one worksite to another, or adjusting or moving objects under 25-50 pounds in all directions.

We encourage everyone interested in this position to apply, even if you don’t meet every qualification. We value all perspectives and believe that a unique background can bring significant strengths to this role, even if some qualifications are not fully met.

What We Provide and Why This is a Game-Changer for Your Career

  • A fixed, monthly stipend of $4000.
  • $1000 end-of-program financial award.​
  • Health care coverage with 100% of health care insurance premiums covered by the employer.
  • Access to a national Member Assistance Program offering financial, legal, and medical advocacy and counseling services.
  • Comprehensive career-readiness training, including interview prep, salary negotiation, and resume building.
  • Panels, workshops, and networking with climate resilience industry professionals.
  • Professional networking and learning opportunities.
  • University of California Climate Stewards Certification, equipping you to lead community and ecosystem resilience initiatives.

Join the Climate Corps Movement

Climate Corps, a program of SEI, is an award-winning fellowship designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in sustainability and climate action. Our fellows work on cutting-edge sustainability and resiliency projects with local governments, nonprofits, and businesses, building essential skills and creating real-world impact. Since 2010, Climate Corps has empowered over 800 Fellows to work with 500+ partners on 1,350 transformative projects. With nearly 99% of Fellows continuing careers in sustainability—many hired by their host organizations—you could be the next environmental leader shaping a better future!

Our Hiring Values

SEI is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to uplifting the experiences, voices, viewpoints, and values of all individuals. We believe that a wide array of perspectives contributes to creative climate solutions where all communities can thrive. We strive for a workforce that reflects the communities we partner with and serve, especially those most impacted by climate change and environmental, social, and economic injustice. We welcome candidates who share SEI’s commitment to cultivating a people-centered work environment. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

How to Apply

By applying to the Climate Corps Fellowship, you'll automatically be considered for all relevant positions. Apply only once to the position in your geographic region that best matches your background.

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