UCS seeks someone with at least two years of college in a related field for assistance with the development of a series of public education products on energy and water. The successful candidate will have a working knowledge and understanding of energy and environmental issues, and strong writing and communication skills. A demonstrated ability to work with professionals, including scientists, and experience with outreach is desirable, as is experience related to water resource issues.
Responsibilities
With support from and coordination with UCS staff, the assistant will carry out tasks such as:
- Gathering, organizing and fact-checking material (data, photos, graphics, etc.) for use in the outreach products;
- Assisting with the development of publicly accessible graphics and figures;
- Assisting with development of web material for outreach products; and
- Conducting scoping, research and planning for UCS energy-water outreach activities.
Please apply by May 28, 2010
Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include the job title in the subject line. Email materials by Word Documents only. No phone calls.
The Union of Concerned Scientists is a nationally prominent science-based nonprofit working on issues we believe to be the greatest environmental and security threats of our time. UCS combines rigorous scientific analysis with innovative thinking and effective citizen advocacy to achieve practical solutions. We strive for a future that is free from the threats of global warming and nuclear war and a planet that supports a rich diversity of life. Our specific focus areas include global warming, renewable energy, advanced vehicle technology, nuclear power safety, nuclear weapons and related security issues, preserving the integrity of science, and sustainable agriculture.
Background
Climate change and competing demands for water resources are putting energy and water on a collision course that is just beyond the everyday view of the people who will be most affected by it. Water resources in several regions of the United States are highly vulnerable to the global warming that results primarily from fossil energy-based carbon emissions. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are already increasing water temperatures and altering water supplies in some regions.
At the same time, the production of electricity and transportation fuels from fossil fuels, nuclear power, and conventional biofuels can be highly water-intensive and inextricably linked to the availability of adequate and reliable supplies of water. Low-carbon technologies such as coal with carbon capture and storage; advanced biofuels; and renewable electricity options such as biomass, solar thermal, and hydroelectric also have water dependencies and implications that must be taken into account.
Project
UCS is launching an ambitious three-year initiative focused on this energy-water-climate nexus. For nearly 20 years, UCS has collaborated with and facilitated the efforts of scientists and energy experts to raise awareness about climate change and to advance practical solutions. By combining robust, policy-relevant research and outreach, we seek to put the energy-water collision “on the map” for key US audiences and to identify and motivate effective low-carbon and water-appropriate energy solutions.
As an initial step towards raising the profile and public understanding of the energy-water collision, particularly in the context of climate change, UCS will be developing and releasing a series of public education products in the summer and fall of 2010.
