Leader In Field Training (LIFT)

The LIFT position is for emerging climate leaders ages 18-24 from low-income households. Participants will develop leadership skills by providing coaching, mentorship, and training to Energy Specialists and drivers. Youth will participate in recurring professional development workshops, explore career pathways and make connections. Upon successful completion of the Green House Call program, they will continue paid employment with Rising Sun through a Fall externship program that places them with a trusted partner organization to gain additional career exposure to the green economy as they build their professional network and resume. The LIFT reports directly to their Summer Program Managers.

• Contract Length: 
  • Summer: June 3rd, 2026 - August 3rd, 2026
  • Fall Externship*: August 4th, 2026 - November 20th, 2026

*After successfully completing the GHC program, you may be eligible to participate in an externship. Externship placements are offered as available and are determined by program capacity and alignment with host site opportunities, including interests, skills, and scheduling needs. By submitting your application, you are committing to being available and interested in both the summer and externship portion of the program.

• Compensation: 
  • Summer: $22.50/hour, 37 hours/week 
  • Fall Externship: $22.50/hour, 8-20 hours per week (exact hours will be determined based on host hours agreed upon).
• Sick time: Accrual of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked beginning after 30 days of employment, up to a maximum accrual of 80 hours. Sick leave becomes available for use after 90 days of employment, in accordance with the terms of Rising Sun’s sick leave policy.
• Reimbursements:
  • Monthly phone: Phone ($30) June through August
  • Monthly internet: Internet ($20) August through November, if externship is virtual or hybrid
  • Vehicle use*: When traveling to a Rising Sun event location from primary work site or home depending on which is closer, Rising Sun reimburses mileage at the 2026 federal mileage rate. Toll fees incurred as part of work travel are reimbursed.
• Locations: Concord, Napa, Santa Rosa, Oakland, San Francisco, or San Jose. Be able to travel to Rising Sun’s headquarters in Oakland as required or requested.

*Mileage and toll reimbursements will only be offered for driving done solely for work-related purposes. Note that travel considered as work commute does not qualify for reimbursement.

Job Responsibilities

June 3rd - August 3rd, 2026 (Green House Call Program): 

• Act as a peer leader and mentor to Energy Specialists by assessing the Green House Call service, providing in-field coaching and leading morning briefings.
• Become a subject matter expert in all aspects of delivering high-quality Green House Calls.
• Continuously provide feedback and deliver appropriate support to Energy Specialists where needed, to improve quality of Green House Call service.
• Fill in as Energy Specialists/Driver to conduct in-person house calls in the event of team member absence.
• Support Summer Program Managers with daily site office operations and logistics.
• Address Green House Call client questions, concerns, and incidents in a timely and professional manner.
• Document the Climate Careers summer program by capturing photos and videos of Green House Calls and workshops, then uploading them to an online database.
• Support the Youth Development Manager in the delivery of Climate Careers curriculum with topics that encompass professional development.
• Participate in weekly LIFT specific workshops designed to build knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills. Past topics include: public speaking, conflict resolution, AI in the workplace, workplace rights, and more. 
• Participate in Externship related activities throughout the summer program including: Interview Day, Alumni Panel, and Externship Overview.
• Other duties as assigned.

August 3rd - November 20th, 2026 (Externship Program):

• Complete 120 hours of paid work experience with host organization; 8-15 weeks for at least 8-20 hours per week.
• For up to 45 additional hours, participate in weekly professional development workshops and weekly check-in meetings with Rising Sun supervisors i.e Youth Development Manager.
• Fulfill externship site host requirements/responsibilities as it pertains to the position description and complete 3 informational interviews. 
• Submit feedback through program evaluations in a timely manner that will be reviewed to enhance the program in the future.
• Meet with host and Rising Sun supervisors to discuss projects, develop goals and learning plan.
• Create Externship Final Presentation highlighting accomplishments with host organization.