NorCal Staff Researcher

The NorCal Staff Researcher at Communities For A Better Environment will support campaigns in Richmond, CA, focusing on environmental justice and a Just Transition to a sustainable economy. Responsibilities include providing technical and policy support, analyzing data, engaging in community planning and policy advocacy, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The position requires strong research skills and knowledge of environmental issues, with a primary base in Richmond.
NORCAL STAFF RESEARCHER

CBE is a state-wide environmental justice organization that combines grassroots organizing, legal advocacy, and science-based research to build power in California’s low-income communities of color. CBE fights for environmental health and justice to empower communities, reduce pollution and build healthy and sustainable communities. For more information, please visit: www.cbecal.org.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The NorCal Staff Researcher will primarily support CBE's campaigns in Richmond, California. These campaigns focus on achieving a Just Transition away from the current extractive, fossil-fuel based economy, which steals our health and wealth, towards a regenerative local economy that supports the well-being of Richmond residents and workers, heals the environment, and creates safe and healthy neighborhoods.

CBE’s Just Transition work seeks to envision and build lasting, transformative solutions – community power, democratic governance, environmental health, clean air, local ownership, and energy democracy – with frontline communities to confront the decades of harm and disinvestment perpetuated by the extractive fossil-fuel economy. Being primarily based in Richmond, this position requires engagement with technical refinery questions.

This position will support deep community planning for a Just Transition and engage in local policy development. This work involves defensive strategies to address pollution threats as well as visionary strategies to build a better future in Richmond. The Staff Researcher will act as a technical liaison for the team and community while working in teams with other CBE researchers, organizers, attorneys, and community members to realize CBE's strategic goals. This position reports to the Director of Research and Policy and will be primarily based out of Richmond. Tasks for this position include but are not limited to:
• Provide technical and policy support to staff and members on our campaigns, particularly around renewable energy, stationary, and mobile pollutants
• Analyze technical, policy, and urban planning information; research and analyze various forms of data (i.e. air quality, zoning, renewable energy, economic, and others); and relay findings to community members
• Engage in policy advocacy, attend stakeholder meetings and testify at various hearings
• Engage in community science and participatory action research projects
• Give presentations to a wide range of audiences, including CBE members, decision-makers, students, media, donors and the general public
• Develop engaging and accessible political education materials for various audiences
• Contribute to internal and external research reports
• Collaborate with allies in various coalitions, including community organizations, elected officials, labor unions, and government agencies
• Work with academic partners and other experts in various fields
• Draft policy and lead campaigns
• Assist with other research tasks as needed

SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS
• In-depth knowledge of environmental justice and climate justice issues
• Strong research and analytical skills (both quantitative and qualitative)
• Ability to use various software for mapping, modeling, statistical analysis such as: ArcGIS, SPSS, and Excel
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, work independently and contribute to a positive, diverse, team-oriented environment
• Spanish language proficiency desirable but not required

In addition to the above, racial equity and language justice are key areas supported by the Staff Researcher. CBE has made a commitment to addressing anti-Blackness and white supremacy culture within our organization, and the Staff Researcher will participate in CBE’s internal work to meet equity goals and serve as a bridge to our members’ participation.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Undergraduate or graduate degree in Environmental Studies, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Public Health or other related fields in social and/or physical sciences
• Requires previous work-related or university-level research experience
• Strong understanding of and commitment to social and environmental justice
• Ability to engage a broad spectrum of people representing various social, cultural and professional backgrounds

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, overtime-exempt position, with an annual salary of $80,232. The Staff Researcher will receive CBE’s comprehensive benefits package, including a generous vacation and leave policy; fully-paid premiums for medical, vision, and dental insurance; an additional mental health benefit; a 401(k) retirement plan; and a flexible spending plan. CBE pays full premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee, spouse or domestic partner, and any dependents.