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Climate Policy Initiative Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist, Oceans Science

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$107K - $147K/yr

EDF's PCS Research Initiative aims to drive forward a strategic research agenda that was developed ... and climate science capacity.Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Ocean Science, the ...

Recreation Leader (Part Time)

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped ... Must be able to take direction as well as have the ability to take initiative * Establish and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Climate Policy Initiative information

See California salary details

$68.6K

$123.2K

$169.3K

How much do climate policy initiative jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for climate policy initiative in California is $123,197.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,700.00 and $149,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Climate Policy Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Climate Policy Analyst, you need expertise in environmental science, economics, and public policy, often backed by a relevant degree such as environmental policy or international relations. Familiarity with data analysis tools (like Excel, R, or GIS), climate modeling software, and policy research methodologies is typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills help you excel in translating complex climate data into actionable policy recommendations. These capabilities are critical for shaping effective climate strategies and influencing decision-makers in a rapidly evolving policy landscape.

What are the typical collaborations and stakeholders involved in a Climate Policy Initiative role?

Professionals working in a Climate Policy Initiative role frequently collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners. These collaborations are essential for designing, implementing, and monitoring effective climate policies. Team members often participate in cross-disciplinary projects, contribute to policy analysis, and facilitate stakeholder engagement workshops. This collaborative environment requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance different interests to achieve impactful climate outcomes.

What is the difference between Climate Policy Initiative vs Climate Analyst?

AspectClimate Policy InitiativeClimate Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in environmental science, policy, or related fieldsUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in environmental studies, economics, or similar
Work EnvironmentResearch organizations, think tanks, NGOs, government agenciesResearch institutions, consulting firms, NGOs, government departments
Industry UsagePolicy research, analysis, and advocacy on climate finance and policyData analysis, reporting, and supporting climate projects and policies

Climate Policy Initiative focuses on high-level policy research and strategic analysis, while Climate Analysts typically handle data collection, analysis, and reporting to support climate initiatives. Both roles are essential in advancing climate solutions but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is the Climate Policy Initiative and what does it do?

The Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) is an international organization that works to improve energy and land use policies around the world with the goal of addressing climate change. CPI conducts in-depth analysis and provides policy advice to help governments, businesses, and financial institutions make informed decisions that support low-carbon, climate-resilient development. Their work covers a range of topics, including climate finance, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. By combining rigorous research with practical policy recommendations, CPI aims to drive effective climate action on a global scale.
What are popular job titles related to Climate Policy Initiative jobs in California? For Climate Policy Initiative jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Climate Policy Initiative jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Climate Policy Initiative jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Climate Policy Initiative jobs? Cities in California with the most Climate Policy Initiative job openings:
Infographic showing various Climate Policy Initiative job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,197 per year, or $59.2 per hour.
Assistant Specialist (Director, Industrial & Energy Policy Research) - 2035 Initiative, Institute fo

Assistant Specialist (Director, Industrial & Energy Policy Research) - 2035 Initiative, Institute fo

University of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago


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7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

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Job description

Position description
Through the UCSB Institute for Energy Efficiency, the 2035 Initiative is seeking an Assistant Specialist (Director, Industrial Energy Policy Research) who will work closely with Principal Investigators, researchers, and the 2035 Initiative's Director on domestic and international projects. The 2035 Initiative brings together engineers and social scientists to clean up our energy systems and address the climate crisis. We use cutting-edge empirical research, policy development, and media engagement to support transformational policy change in the United States and across the planet. We are looking for a mission-driven Director, Industrial Energy Policy Research with deep expertise in energy and climate policy research, strong project management capabilities, and the ability to work effectively across engineering and social science teams. The Director, Industrial Energy Policy Research will serve as a key intellectual contributor and operational anchor for the Initiative's research portfolio-leading and managing projects from inception through publication, coordinating across internal and external collaborators, and helping translate empirical findings into actionable policy recommendations.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Manage a portfolio of technical and policy research projects end-to-end, including scoping, milestone planning, coordination across research teams, and delivery of final products on time and to a high standard
  • Lead and co-author policy research reports, working papers, and memos on topics including industrial decarbonization, clean energy policy, and regulatory strategy, translating complex empirical findings for policy and public audiences
  • Coordinate multi-disciplinary project teams composed of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students, providing direction, feedback, and day-to-day oversight
  • Contribute substantively to technical and policy analyses, including collecting and processing energy, political, and regulatory data at the global, national, and state levels
  • Design and conduct quantitative and qualitative research, including survey research, to assess the policy landscape and public or stakeholder attitudes on climate and energy issues
  • Provide statistical analysis and coding support for Initiative research projects, primarily in R and/or Python
  • Collaborate with engineering and social science research teams to ensure technical analysis is policy-relevant and that findings are communicated clearly to non-technical audiences
  • Present research findings to government clients, policy audiences, and partner organizations
  • Engage with external stakeholders, policy advocates, and partner organizations as relevant to ongoing research projects
  • Broadly lend support to the Initiative team where needed and tackle special projects where appropriate

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, economics, environmental science, environmental studies, data science, statistics, or a related field.
Preferred qualifications
Advanced degree (PhD or Master's) in political science, public policy,
environmental policy, or a related social science or environmental
field
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-component research projects involving multiple collaborators, timelines, and deliverables
  • Substantial experience contributing to and leading policy research on climate, energy, or environmental topics, including authorship of published reports or peer-reviewed work
  • Experience coordinating and providing direction to teams of researchers, including graduate and undergraduate students
  • Proficiency in statistical programming (R and/or Python) for data analysis and visualization
  • Knowledge of industrial decarbonization strategies and policy pathways, including clean heat, electrification, and emerging energy technologies
  • Knowledge of U.S. and international clean energy policy landscapes, regulatory frameworks, and political dynamics
  • Experience designing and analyzing survey or other empirical research to assess attitudes or behavior related to energy or climate policy
  • Ability to manage a diverse portfolio of responsibilities simultaneously with rigor, speed, and attention to detail
  • Strong written communication skills, with experience producing policy memos, public-facing reports, and similar content
  • Experience presenting research findings to government, policy, or public audiences
  • Experience engaging with external partners, advocates, or stakeholders in a research or policy context

Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter
  • Writing Sample - A policy report, working paper, or published article of which you are the lead or sole author

Reference requirements
  • 2-3 required (contact information only)

Please provide the names and complete contact information for at least 2 references. In the event the applicant is selected as the finalist, the committee may contact the references before making their final selection.
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03117
Help contact: madeleineforrest@ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Job location
Santa Barbara, California

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