Climate Modeling Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Analyst will be responsible for research and quantitative analysis using our in-house model in addition to other tools. They will work with the team and our partners to design and analyze policy scenarios, interpret the results, and share findings with important stakeholders, with a focus on supporting the grantmaking strategy of philanthropic organizations. The Analyst will produce succinct and engaging written and visual communications materials, such as technical summaries, data visualizations, memos, and presentations.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Modeling

• Modify and run energy and climate models, with a focus on our in-house climate and energy policy model, the Energy Policy Simulator (EPS) including designing, implement, and running policy scenarios; finding, transforming, and inputting data; calibrating and testing policy scenarios; and adjusting model inputs to reflect project-specific assumptions.
• Assist in maintaining and contributing to the EPS, including identifying bugs and proposing fixes, learning Vensim, and potentially implementing new features
• Support the development of other models (e.g. spreadsheet, Vensim, GCAM, etc.) to support energy and climate scenario analysis

Data Analysis

• Use AI agents to conduct research and develop quantitative models in support of research projects
• Perform advanced data analysis on large datasets to identify trends and inform policy scenarios, and develop structured workflows that improve analytical processes
• Synthesize and interpret model findings succinctly and clearly, and produce partner-facing reports, presentations, or graphics sharing modeling findings
• Identify and work with publicly available databases and research reports containing relevant economic, energy, and environmental data, including identifying and filling data gaps through original research

Original Research

• Answer questions about the energy and industrial system, about energy and economic policy, and about societal impacts clearly and succinctly, using appropriate models or data sets with clear citations
• Conduct in-depth research on legislation, regulation, and the emissions impact of the top global climate and energy policy opportunities (sourced from staff and partners), independently analyzing data from a range of sources, and translating language into settings for use in models
• Respond to short-term research requests from external partners
• Communicate and present findings in the form of presentations, reports, and memos to external partner and internal teams and incorporate feedback, including supporting clear and concise messaging of results for internal and external audiences
• Maintain thorough documentation of analysis methods and results using established best practices
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the political implications of the topics researched and how research is presented

Technical Knowledge

• Apply an advanced understanding of energy models and systems, policy design, and quantitative methods to strengthen the rigor of analyses
• Understand established and emerging clean energy technologies and their relevance for stakeholder analysis
• Troubleshoot technical issues in modeling tools and apply advanced statistical or computational techniques to support analysis

People/Project Management

• Support data and policy research projects by contributing to project plans and executing key tasks, assisting with project coordination and helping maintain alignment with team priorities
• Work with the team and external partners to help answer key policy research questions and support clear and concise messaging of results for internal and external audiences
• Support and in some cases lead stakeholder relationships with key partners
• Proactively collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure research results are presented in a clear and consistent frame across the team's work
• Conduct timely technical reviews of communication materials such as board dockets and presentations

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 4-6 years of educational and/or professional experience in climate, energy, or environmental analysis including an understanding of energy models and experience interpreting legislation and/or regulations
• Strong understanding of the fundamentals of scientific and technical subject matter relating to environmental systems, energy technologies, policy design, and implementation
• Experience with mathematical calculations for physical systems, including energy conversions and mass balances, and the ability to apply statistical, economic, and computational concepts—including advanced statistical or computational techniques—to quantitative analysis
• Expert proficiency with the use of AI agents to support quantitative research and modeling, as well as directly with Microsoft Excel (data sets, data analysis). Aptitude to construct clear visual presentations of complex data; experience with data visualization tools like Data Wrapper, Power BI, or Tableau a plus
• Knowledge of politics related to climate
• Interest in and familiarity with international politics and policy
• Skilled at obtaining information from diverse sources, such as reports, databases, computer models, academic journal articles, and by attending presentations and conducting interviews
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail, with strong QA/QC habits and back of the envelope instincts
• Self-motivated and eager to take on a wide variety of tasks
• Deep interest, passion, and commitment to reducing climate change
• Ability to prioritize and be flexible in a fast-paced, constantly evolving, and collaborative environment
• Willingness to travel domestically at least twice a year

Preferred experience

• Experience using AI to develop complex energy models and construct datasets
• Experience with Vensim or other software programs, e.g. Python or R.
• Experience building and running energy or industrial sector models

SALARY

We provide a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The target national salary range is $80,000 to $100,000 with adjustments made for people in higher-expense markets, i.e. the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, and Washington D.C. Equity is incredibly important to the organization, and a pay audit for equity is completed annually. 

BENEFITS

Energy Innovation provides a comprehensive benefits package. The benefits include:  

• Up to 100% of premium paid for medical, dental, and vision
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Carrot fertility and family planning benefits
• Student loan repayment assistance
• 401k retirement plan with a company match contribution
• Public transportation benefit options
• Cell phone and health/wellness reimbursement
• Parental Leave
• 14 paid holidays and four weeks of paid time off (PTO)
• Regular staff lunches and team building activities
• SF and DC office stocked with healthy snacks and beverages
• An innovative, collaborative, welcoming work culture

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This role is done primarily in an office environment.

An employee must be able to satisfy the following physical requirements with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Remain in a stationary position (at a desk) for at least 75% of the day
• Use hand and fingers to type
• Frequently communicate via phone or video and email and must be able to communicate using those methods

This description reflects essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.