Position Title: Climate Advocate

Reports to: Executive Director 

Supervises: Interns and Volunteers 

Position Type: Full-time (40 hrs/week) 

Location: Arcata, California 

Salary and Benefits: $65,000 salary (non-exempt). Strong work/life balance, including a flexible work schedule, vacation and sick leave, and opportunities for remote work. Health and dental insurance. Generous retirement benefits (5% contribution to pre-tax 403b plan). Strong organizational commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. 

To Apply: Please submit your resume & cover letter to Tom Wheeler at tom@wildcalifornia.org by November 26th, 2026. 

About the Position 

The Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) is the region’s largest environmental advocacy group. Since 1977, we have protected the forests, watersheds, and wildlife of Northwest California’s ecosystems using an integrated, science-based approach, combining public education, citizen advocacy, and strategic litigation. 

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Today, ecosystem protection requires addressing the climate crisis, as a warming planet will significantly damage the ecosystems of Northwest California.The Climate Advocate will lead EPIC’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes both advocating for strategies that reduce consumption as well as the development of new renewable energy projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, the position will advocate to tribal, local, state and federal government agencies to move forward with regionally-appropriate climate action. This work will focus on advocating for robust implementation of the Humboldt County Regional Climate Action Plan. The position will also work on State climate and energy policy to ensure that State goals are aligned with local goals regarding decarbonization. When appropriate, the position may also work on federal issues when they intersect with local climate planning. The position may be called on to advocate around issues related to climate adaptation. Success will require a passion for climate action, an understanding of climate and energy issues, an ability to build consensus with diverse interest holders, and strong communication skills. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

● Advocate for local climate solutions, including responsible renewable energy production, electric infrastructure, energy storage, smart growth, efficiency improvements, and other solutions. 

● Build and maintain strong working relationships with other environmental organizations, tribal nations, organized labor, business groups, local communities, and other interest holders to forward climate action. 

● Communicate across a variety of media platforms the need for climate action as well as workable strategies to decarbonize the North Coast. 

● Monitor and engage with tribal, local, state, and federal agencies on topics related to climate action and renewable energy development. 

● Advocate for robust implementation of the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan. ● Work with partners to forward statewide climate legislation that positively affects local climate action. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

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Experience & Competencies 

● Possession of advanced degrees, such as a Master's in a relevant field or a Juris Doctorate, is preferred. 

● A strong understanding of the science and politics of climate change

● Previous nonprofit experience is preferred. 

● Understanding of the electric system, renewable energy, and California’s climate and renewable energy goals is preferred. 

● Previous experience working with legislative staff or other advocates on legislation in Sacramento is preferred. 

● Previous experience working with Tribal Nations is preferred 

● Previous community advocacy experience is preferred. 

● Excellent communication skills, with an ability to write and speak concisely and persuasively to diverse audiences. 

● The ability to evaluate information on an ongoing basis and modify the approach to the work to adapt to changing circumstances. 

● Comfort working independently with minimal supervision. 

● Willingness to travel, primarily within the North Coast but also to Sacramento and other locations as necessary. 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

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While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision. 

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EPIC is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair treatment of our employees and constituents across culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.