Climate Analyst
Apply NowCompany: County of Sonoma, CA
Location: Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Description:
Salary : $118,110.12 - $143,572.98 Annually
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25/02-0838-O
Department: County Administrator's Office (CAO)
Opening Date: 02/11/2025
Closing Date: 2/25/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 50
Position Information
Bring your expertise and knowledge of California's climate investment efforts to the Sonoma County Administrator's Office as a Climate Analyst.
Starting salary up to $68.79/hour ($143,573/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
About the Position
The County of Sonoma is the largest employer in the region. With over 4,000 employees, and operations that include properties, facilities, fleet operations, solid waste oversight, and land use planning and policies, determining the County's baseline climate impacts is critical to identifying the steps needed to mitigate the impacts. Guided by the Board of Supervisors' (BOS) mission and policy objectives, the (CAO) works to develop, recommend, and implement cohesive, countywide
strategic plans to address climate impacts. This is accomplished by distilling related data, statistical reports, and legislative literature into policy and/or program recommendations for the CAO to present to the Board for consideration. Currently, many climate resiliency projects and initiatives are underway at the County, and the Climate Analyst is responsible for driving forward, monitoring, tracking, and reporting on the implementation and status of these objectives.
As a Climate Analyst, you will collaborate with various regional entities and County departments, agencies, and special districts to ensure the County's diverse operations actively address climate effects. Additionally, you will be responsible for:
Please visit the CAO's to learn more about the County's Strategic Plan for reaching carbon neutrality by 2030.
The ideal Climate Analyst will possess experience applying the best practices and principles related to climate change planning and project management, and climate action, resiliency, and adaptation strategies. They will bring experience identifying and pursuing new and innovative solutions to fund and/or finance projects to achieve climate action goals and objectives. They will also bring extensive knowledge of current and evolving federal, state, regional, and local regulations pertaining to climate change, which affect climate programs. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have:
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the and our
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and work experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed herein. Normally, this would include academic course work in public administration, business administration, management, accounting, political science, economics, statistics, English composition, psychology, or a related field; and three years of related and comparable experience analysis and developing reports and recommendations related to general administration, accounting, budget, and/or personnel work. Experience working in a public agency, an advanced degree in a related field, and lead or supervisory experience are highly desirable.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of: principles and practices relating to modern budget, programs and systems management; the operations and functions of County government; principles and practices of research, report writing, and statistical analysis; written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax, and English composition; computer applications related to work including methods of graphic presentations.
Working knowledge of: group dynamics as it relates to public organizations; principles and practices of supervision and performance management; principles and practices of project management, modern office methods and procedures.
Ability to: plan and organize research and statistical work relating to the various aspects of administration, budget, and general management matters; understand, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, and ordinances, as well as federal, state, and local legislation; apply problem solving skills sufficient to reach appropriate solutions, take action, document, and complete work in a timely manner; prioritize and manage a variety of simultaneous work projects and priorities to meet timelines and commitments; plan, organize, coordinate, and evaluate effectiveness of assigned project(s); effectively communicate orally and in writing, and present conclusions before advisory and policy bodies; establish and maintain effective working relationships with County staff, and the public in carrying out sound management policies; perform data collection, interpretation, and evaluation pertaining to administrative, fiscal, and management matters; use principles of inductive and deductive reasoning to validate conclusions and recommendations; persuade, rationalize, and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations; analyze administrative problems, budget requests, and a variety of programs, systems and procedures.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
Please visit to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
Additional Information
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: AK
HR Technician: KK
IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: MANAGEMENT*
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) 565-2900.
*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
02
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
03
This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
04
For this question, and all subsequent questions, provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.
Please describe your work experience, training, and education that best illustrates how you are qualified for this position.
05
Please describe your experience developing climate policy and program recommendations geared towards resolving operational, legislative, fiscal, and/or community issues. Highlight an example of a project you managed where you had to research and analyze a climate impact, develop recommendation(s) to address the impact, and present your recommendation(s).
06
Please describe your experience developing grant proposals and exercising control over complex budgets or financial issues. Highlight your experience related to identifying and pursuing new and innovative solutions to fund and/or finance projects to achieve climate action related goals and/or objectives.
Required Question
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25/02-0838-O
Department: County Administrator's Office (CAO)
Opening Date: 02/11/2025
Closing Date: 2/25/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 50
Position Information
Bring your expertise and knowledge of California's climate investment efforts to the Sonoma County Administrator's Office as a Climate Analyst.
Starting salary up to $68.79/hour ($143,573/year) and a competitive total compensation package!*
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
- Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
- Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
- Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
- County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
- Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
- Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
- Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
- Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
- Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education
About the Position
The County of Sonoma is the largest employer in the region. With over 4,000 employees, and operations that include properties, facilities, fleet operations, solid waste oversight, and land use planning and policies, determining the County's baseline climate impacts is critical to identifying the steps needed to mitigate the impacts. Guided by the Board of Supervisors' (BOS) mission and policy objectives, the (CAO) works to develop, recommend, and implement cohesive, countywide
strategic plans to address climate impacts. This is accomplished by distilling related data, statistical reports, and legislative literature into policy and/or program recommendations for the CAO to present to the Board for consideration. Currently, many climate resiliency projects and initiatives are underway at the County, and the Climate Analyst is responsible for driving forward, monitoring, tracking, and reporting on the implementation and status of these objectives.
As a Climate Analyst, you will collaborate with various regional entities and County departments, agencies, and special districts to ensure the County's diverse operations actively address climate effects. Additionally, you will be responsible for:
- Developing climate policy and program recommendations geared toward resolving operational, legislative, fiscal, and/or community issues
- Providing project management, which includes managing timelines with competing priorities, overseeing budgets, engaging with stakeholders, and preparing and presenting reports
- Implementing and reporting on the Board-approved Climate Action Plan measures
- Tracking and monitoring successes of projects, programs, and initiatives, especially in relation to established goals and objectives, as well as state and federal climate policies and programs
- Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting climate change impacts, adaptation and resiliency efforts, and greenhouse gas emission data
- Coordinating outreach and convening meetings with partner organizations, as needed
- Managing contracts, which includes developing Request for Proposals and managing budgets and timelines
- Developing strategic priorities aligned with long-term interests, identifying resilience opportunities, and managing risks for sustainable growth
Please visit the CAO's to learn more about the County's Strategic Plan for reaching carbon neutrality by 2030.
The ideal Climate Analyst will possess experience applying the best practices and principles related to climate change planning and project management, and climate action, resiliency, and adaptation strategies. They will bring experience identifying and pursuing new and innovative solutions to fund and/or finance projects to achieve climate action goals and objectives. They will also bring extensive knowledge of current and evolving federal, state, regional, and local regulations pertaining to climate change, which affect climate programs. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have:
- Project management experience, and the ability to develop climate policy and program recommendations geared towards resolving operational, legislative, fiscal, and/or community issues; certification in project management is desirable, but not required
- An understanding of policies and programs related to building, land use, transportation, energy, water, solid waste, and other activities that generate greenhouse gas emissions or affect community response to local climate impacts
- Experience developing funding/grant proposals, preparing budgets, and exercising fiscal control; and an understanding of public funding and financing, public private partnerships, and other vehicles to access private capital to fund County initiatives
- The ability to analyze situations accurately, take effective action, and prepare clear and concise correspondence, reports, and recommendations
- Highly effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate climate science in an accessible manner; and effectively engage, interact, and collaborate with audiences of all levels (cross-functional teams, advisory boards, governing bodies, the general public, etc.)
- A sense of ownership and accountability, and a willingness, flexibility, and commitment to add value to the organization
- Experience navigating organizational dynamics, leveraging opportunities to advance objectives, and influencing to mobilize individuals toward action
- Open-mindedness and the ability to thrive in varied and diverse project assignments
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the and our
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and work experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed herein. Normally, this would include academic course work in public administration, business administration, management, accounting, political science, economics, statistics, English composition, psychology, or a related field; and three years of related and comparable experience analysis and developing reports and recommendations related to general administration, accounting, budget, and/or personnel work. Experience working in a public agency, an advanced degree in a related field, and lead or supervisory experience are highly desirable.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of: principles and practices relating to modern budget, programs and systems management; the operations and functions of County government; principles and practices of research, report writing, and statistical analysis; written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax, and English composition; computer applications related to work including methods of graphic presentations.
Working knowledge of: group dynamics as it relates to public organizations; principles and practices of supervision and performance management; principles and practices of project management, modern office methods and procedures.
Ability to: plan and organize research and statistical work relating to the various aspects of administration, budget, and general management matters; understand, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, and ordinances, as well as federal, state, and local legislation; apply problem solving skills sufficient to reach appropriate solutions, take action, document, and complete work in a timely manner; prioritize and manage a variety of simultaneous work projects and priorities to meet timelines and commitments; plan, organize, coordinate, and evaluate effectiveness of assigned project(s); effectively communicate orally and in writing, and present conclusions before advisory and policy bodies; establish and maintain effective working relationships with County staff, and the public in carrying out sound management policies; perform data collection, interpretation, and evaluation pertaining to administrative, fiscal, and management matters; use principles of inductive and deductive reasoning to validate conclusions and recommendations; persuade, rationalize, and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations; analyze administrative problems, budget requests, and a variety of programs, systems and procedures.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
- Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
- You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
- You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
- Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
Additional Information
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: AK
HR Technician: KK
IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: MANAGEMENT*
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) 565-2900.
*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
- Careers in Government
- College or University
- Conservation Job Board
- County of Sonoma Human Resources Office
- DiversityJobs
- Employee of Sonoma County
- Glassdoor
- GovernmentJobs.com
- Handshake
- Idealist.org
- Indeed
- Job Fair
- La Voz
- Latino Service Providers
- Los Cien
- Press Democrat
- sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
- Start Here!
- X (Twitter)
- Veterans Services Office
- Women's Organization or Group
- Other Internet Site
- Other Publication
02
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
- I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions
- I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions
- I am only interested in full-time positions
03
This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
- Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
- Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
- No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position
04
For this question, and all subsequent questions, provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.
Please describe your work experience, training, and education that best illustrates how you are qualified for this position.
05
Please describe your experience developing climate policy and program recommendations geared towards resolving operational, legislative, fiscal, and/or community issues. Highlight an example of a project you managed where you had to research and analyze a climate impact, develop recommendation(s) to address the impact, and present your recommendation(s).
06
Please describe your experience developing grant proposals and exercising control over complex budgets or financial issues. Highlight your experience related to identifying and pursuing new and innovative solutions to fund and/or finance projects to achieve climate action related goals and/or objectives.
Required Question