Oakland Community Strategies for Sustainability and Justice Program:

May 2008 posting

Job Opening
Community Strategies for Sustainability and Justice Program:
Research Assistant


The Pacific Institute is seeking a part-time summer research assistant for the Community Strategies for Sustainability and Justice (CSSJ) Program. Founded in 1987 and based in Oakland, California, the Institute works to develop solutions to the related problems of environmental protection, economic development, and human health from the local to the international level. The CSSJ program was launched in 1995 to assist communities in addressing critical human health and environmental issues. Our program work includes community based participatory action research, technical and policy analysis, community education, and leadership development.

Position Description
The Institute is seeking a part-time research assistant (RA) who can conduct research and writing for the West Contra Costa County Neighborhood Indicators Project (WCIP), a community-driven action research process focused on environmental, economic, and community health issues. These issues include: youth programs, public lighting, city parks, illegal dumping, lead poisoning, liquor store concentrations, and oral histories of community leaders.



We seek an energetic, organized and confident person with strong research and analytical abilities, writing skills, and motivation. Graduate students are encouraged to apply. Specific responsibilities include:



Identifying, contacting, and receiving neighborhood-level data from various data sources;
Coordinating neighborhood-level data sharing with research partners;
Formatting data for statistical and geographic analysis;
Analyzing and presenting data to community partners;
Completing literature reviews and other background research on each issue;
Writing draft chapters for the final indicators report and related fact sheets and media outreach materials, integrating data and background research with community-developed solutions.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and educational or experiential background in urban planning, sociology, public health, environmental health, geography, environmental science, or related field;
Excellent research skills;
Strong writing skills with the ability to write about technical material for a community audience;
Ability to verbally communicate, technical, scientific, or policy information to a lay audience;
A working understanding of and commitment to environmental, economic, and other social justice movements;
Demonstrated ability to work with a people from diverse backgrounds;
Strong organizational skills, self-motivation, and a true enjoyment of managing multiple tasks at once;
Excellent computer skills, including fluency with Word, Excel, and the Internet;
Experience with community-based participatory research or participatory action research a plus.


Time and Compensation
The research assistant will work between 10 and 20 hours a week. Compensation is on an hourly basis and is competitive, commensurate with experience.

Application Procedure
Please send a brief cover letter, resume, and research writing sample to: Eli Moore at the Pacific Institute, 654 13th Street, Oakland, California 94612. Hard copy, faxes (510 251-2203), or email (emoore@pacinst.org) are acceptable. No phone calls please.



Anticipated Start Date is June 2nd 2008 or sooner; position is open until filled. This is a Summer position that will end in late August 2008.



Pacific Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

People of color and women are strongly encouraged to apply.