Entry Level Conservation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $6,988.74 - $8,494.85 Monthly
Location : Chula Vista, CA
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Job Number: 26620208
Department: PW - Operations
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 9/11/2026 12:00 PM Pacific
Description and Essential Functions
To perform a wide variety of duties related to the development and implementation of community-focused conservation programs; and to perform related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the full journey-level class in the Conservation Specialist series. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from an assigned supervisor; may receive technical and functional guidance from more experienced staff. May supervise interns and/or volunteers with guidance from assigned supervisor.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Functions may include but are not limited to the following: conduct integrated energy and water use audits to assist residents and businesses with identifying conservation opportunities; educate residents, business owners and City employees about conservation programs and services; act as liaison between community members and local water/energy utilities regarding conservation programs and rebates; provide assistance to the Office of Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Manager to support the City's broader conservation and sustainability goals; study and research assigned conservation projects; conduct grant funds research and prepare draft applications; implement grant funded projects under the supervision of the Environmental Sustainability Manager; develop, implement and coordinate community-focused programs related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, green buildings, alternative fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, water conservation, watershed protection, and general sustainability; coordinate and monitor various conservation projects of moderate difficulty/complexity; assist in the design, development and implementation of difficult to complex conservation projects; assist in the development of public document brochures, grant reports, and reports; make informational presentations to business, school, and community groups; assist other City departments in improving their environmental awareness and sustainable practices; track and report programmatic progress and success; perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: two years of experience performing duties involving the implementation of public or private energy conservation programs AND training equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with course work in environmental science, public administration, or related field. License or Certificate: Valid California driver's license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of: Energy efficiency, renewable energy, green buildings, alternative fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, water conservation, watershed protection, and general sustainability; principles of customer service and conflict resolution techniques; computers and software applications related to assignment; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Ability to: communicate and recommend solutions to and/or mitigation measures; use computer applications related to area of assignment; operate City vehicles skillfully and safely; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; speak effectively before individuals and groups; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
On a continuous basis, sit, walk and stand for varying periods in the course of work; intermittently twist and reach office equipment; use telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; drive a motorized vehicle; see in the normal vision range with or without correction to read computer screen; hear in the normal range with or without correction; may lift up to 50 pounds. Work is performed both outdoors and indoors; the performance of fieldwork tasks requires exposure to a variety of weather conditions; work with exposure to traffic and noise and work on slippery or uneven surfaces. Indoors work is performed in a carpeted and air-conditioned office environment with fluorescent lighting and moderate noise level. Work is frequently disrupted by the need to respond to in-person and telephone inquiries.
Additional Information
Recruitment No. 26620208
To be considered, applicants must submit a City Application by 12:00 p.m. on the closing date listed. Candidates whose applications indicate education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.
All notices will be sent via e-mail. Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the selection process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration. The examination materials for this recruitment are validated, copyrighted and/or inappropriate for review. The eligibility list established as a result of this recruitment will be for a duration of six (6) months, unless otherwise extended.
ACE Benefit Summary: Click
01
The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your response to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications.

• I have read and acknowledge the instructions stated above.

02
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed?

• Master's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Associate's degree
• Some college but no degree
• High School / GED

03
Which of the following best describes your major field of study?

• Conservation/Resource Studies
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Science
• Natural Resources/Environmental Management
• Sustainability
• Public Administration
• Not applicable/completed HS or GED
• Other field

04
If you responded 'other field' in Question 3, please provide your major field of study below.
05
Experience
Do you have experience in performing duties involving the implementation of public or private energy conservation programs?

• Yes
• No

06
Which of the following best describes your experience in implementing public or private energy conservation programs?

• Four or more years of experience
• At least two years but less than four years of experience
• Less than two years of experience
• No experience

07
Describe your experience that demonstrates your knowledge and abilities in designing, developing, and implementing a sustainability program.
Your response to this question must include and FOLLOW the format below. Treat each change in position or employer separately. Note: Responses that are incomplete, do not address all of the items above, "See Resume" response, or responses in a narrative format will result in your application being rejected for lack of information.
A. Position title;
B. Employer;
C. Length of experience (years/months);
D. Type of employment (indicate if full-time, part-time, internship, or volunteer); and
E. The primary focus of your position and the major responsibilities that support your experience in sustainability programs.
If you do not have experience, please indicate "No Experience" below.
08
Please check the areas below where you have professional experience developing, implementing, or coordinating community-focused sustainability programs:

• Energy Efficiency / Renewable Energy
• Green Buildings / Alternative Fuels
• GHG Emissions / Climate Change Mitigation
• Energy Benchmarking / Building Performance Standards
• None of the above

09
For the area(s) you marked in Question 8, please provide a detailed description of your experience.
Your response must include and follow the format below:
A. Specify area (example: Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy)
B. Employer;
C. Your position title;
D. Length of experience (years/months); and
E. Your role and specific responsibilities that support experience in this area.
NOTE: Responses that are incomplete, do not address all of the items above, "See Resume" response, or responses in a narrative format will result in your application being rejected for lack of information.
If you do not have experience, please indicate "no experience" below.
10
Describe your experience that demonstrated your knowledge and abilities in conducting grant fund research and preparing reports for documentation of grants.
Your response to this question must include and FOLLOW the format below. Treat each change in position or employer separately. Note: Responses that are incomplete, do not address all of the items above, "See Resume" response, or responses in a narrative format will result in your application being rejected for lack of information.
A. Position title;
B. Employer;
C. Length of experience (years/months);
D. Type of employment (indicate if full-time, part-time, internship, or volunteer); and
E. Major responsibilities that support your experience.
If you do not have experience, please indicate "no experience" below.
11
Describe your experience providing customer service, assisting, and/or educating members of the public. Include experience on how you addressed questions or concerns from the public and how you communicated information.
Your response to this question must include and FOLLOW the format below. Treat each change in position or employer separately. Note: Responses that are incomplete, do not address all of the items above, "See Resume" response, or responses in a narrative format will result in your application being rejected for lack of information.
A. Position title;
B. Employer;
C. Length of experience (years/months);
D. Type of employment (indicate if full-time, part-time, internship, or volunteer); and
E. Major responsibilities that support your experience.
If you do not have experience, please indicate "no experience" below.
12
How did you hear about this position? (Your response helps us evaluate our recruitment outreach).

• San Diego Green Jobs Network (www.greenjobs.net/california/san-diego)
• US Green Building Council (www.californiagreenjobs.org)
• California Climate and Energy Collaborative newsletter/email
• EnvironmentalJobs.com
• ConservationJobBoard.com
• LinkedIn
• City of Chula Vista website or email from Chula Vista Human Resources

13
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL)
The City of Chula Vista's Human Resources Department uses electronic mail (e-mail) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, you are hereby advised of the following:
1. Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share email addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our emails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails, i.e., for the non-delivery of email or if you fail to check your email-box on a timely basis, etc.
2. Read any notices we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep a hard copy of our notices for your records.

• I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

Required Question