Climate Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About Us
We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 550+ professionals and more than 30 years of diverse experience serving clients in transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems.
As a people-centric organization, we value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and are committed to fostering a workplace that supports both personal and professional growth while offering robust career opportunities. We are especially proud of our recent Great Place To Work® certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and our team member experiences.
About the Role
We are seeking a Climate Mitigation Planner who will support Rincon's Sustainability Climate Resilience (SCR+) Practice in developing climate action plans, decarbonization strategies, and greenhouse gas modeling; then working with those clients to implement their projects throughout California, some of which are the first of their kind.
Rincon's SCR+ Practice works with cities, counties, special agencies, and businesses throughout California on a wide range of climate areas including carbon neutrality, electrification and decarbonization, water and waste issues, transportation, urban planning, carbon intensity analysis and low carbon fuel and greenhouse gas verification. This position will require strong technical analysis and data management skills, strong communication and writing skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a good working knowledge of the climate action planning process and climate legislation in California.
Rincon's SCR+ Practice emphasizes working with our clients to develop innovative and ambitious climate action actions plans and decarbonization strategies and working with those same clients to implement those plans and create real change. We have operated our SCR+ Practice with the simple idea that we want our work to result in tangible, positive change in the community. We operate in this capacity because we truly love what we do, and we know that there's an opportunity to make positive change. We want to build a resilient and thriving future by regularly applying our knowledge and experiences in achieving the highest levels of sustainability in our business operations, as well as our daily lives in the most equitable way. We are looking to grow our team with people that are interested in collaborating to build sustainable and equitable communities.
How We Collaborate
This role may offer a hybrid work setup, blending time in the office with remote work as business needs evolve. We enjoy coming together in person to collaborate, connect with teammates, and partner with clients. We may prioritize candidates who live within 50 miles of a Rincon office. Eligible office locations for this role include Carlsbad, Fresno, Los Angeles, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.
What You'll Do

• Manipulate and utilize energy, transportation, and other types of data to calculate greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the Local Governments for Sustainability's (ICLEI) Community Protocol and the GHG Protocol for Community-scale Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories.
• Audit greenhouse gas emissions and fuel data to verify reports against the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) Mandatory Greehouse Gas Reporting Regulation and Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
• Utilize various quantitative modeling methods to model short- and long-term greenhouse gas emissions reductions, implementation costs, electricity demand, and other impacts
• Research and develop strategies to help communities mitigate greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy and storage, building electrification, transportation electrification, vehicle miles traveled reduction, organic waste diversion, and other strategies.
• Prepare drafts of technical memoranda, reports, presentations, and other written materials
• Assist with the preparation and design of climate action plans, building decarbonization plans, sustainability plans, and other documents
• Communicate complicated scientific and climate-related topics to diverse communities and stakeholders
• Connect climate mitigation, resilience, and environmental justice policies through policy development
• Work independently and as a team to develop solutions for quantitative and qualitative problems
• Interact with various members of public agency and private client staff on matters of sustainability and climate action

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Climate Change, Accounting, Economics, Engineering or related discipline
• 4+ years of related experience plus Master's degree in Climate Change, Environmental Management or related discipline
• Excellent quantitative skills associated with carbon and/or GHG analysis and verification.
• Strong data management and analysis experience
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or equivalent
• Strong interest in climate science and problem solving
• Excellent communication, planning, budgeting, and organizational skills
• Strong technical writing skills
• Enjoy fast-paced and varied work
• Positive attitude and eager to streamline and improve process and workflows
• Highly motivated with strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Resourceful, detail-oriented, organized, strong time management skills, and innovative
• Demonstrated experience in energy, climate, or related field preferred
• Demonstrated experience completing complex calculations or modeling

Investing in You
The base salary range for this full-time position is $70,000-$110,000, plus a generous benefits program. Salary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs, according to third-party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support employee well-being, growth, and financial security. Our benefits are designed to offer flexibility and choice, including health coverage options, employer-sponsored insurance, retirement benefits, generous time off, and programs that support learning, growth, and community engagement.
Explore more about our culture, benefits, and life at Rincon on our Culture and Benefits page.
Additional Employment Information
Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.
Rincon Consultants, Inc does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.