MI Healthy Climate Fellows:

Join the MI Healthy Climate Fellows (MHC Fellows) and make a lasting impact on Michigan’s carbon-neutral future! The MHC Fellows program accelerates Michigan’s climate action through capacity building and leadership development. Fellows serve across the state to advance the MI Healthy Climate Plan’s (MHCP) goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan, unveiled by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in April 2022, aims to avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis; create good-paying jobs; position Michigan as a climate action leader; and build a healthier and more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Michigan for all Michiganders.

About the Host Partner:

The City of Ferndale is an inclusive, engaged municipality in southeast Oakland County. Home to around 20,000 residents, Ferndale is committed to serving residents with excellence. The City has been an early adopter of climate action in southeast Michigan through our aggressive climate goal of 63% of carbon emissions reduced by 2030 and carbon neutral by 2050.

• MHC Fellow Role and Responsibilities: Collaborate with the Sustainability, Planning, and Facilities teams to update and implement the City of Ferndale Electric Vehicle Charging Master Plan.
• Coordinate EV charger improvements in two municipal parking lots and two municipal facilities; monitor EV Charger and Solar Array data portals and support the planning of municipal solar installations.
• Support planning facility improvement recommendations from the 2024-2025 Community Energy Management Grant.
• Develop resources for community education regarding utility efficiency and decarbonization.
• Provide direct outreach (door-to-door, community events, office hours, etc.) to local stakeholders to reduce the issues of the digital divide/digital literacy, transportation access, and physical access.
• Design and distribute a pre- and post-survey to measure the impact resources and our community engagement process.
• Assist the Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Commission with the implementation of their MI Healthy Climate Fellow Position Description Residential Energy Efficiency Action Plan.
• Coordinate the local component of the upcoming Oakland County Commercial/House of Worship/Non-profit Solarize campaign kicking off in the winter of 2026.
• Evaluate “Better Building Code” and other ordinance changes that will support healthy, safe living environments for renters and homeowners.
• Support the Sustainability team on establishing new baseline data for utility use, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate reporting.
• Assist with updating the Energy Star Portfolio Manager and incorporate water data; monitor and flag utility data.
• Empower the community to access climate resources by planning meetings, educational programs, and/or other activities to consistently share information.
• Participate in MHC Fellows development shared learning and collaboration activities including four MHC Fellow in-person convenings and, MHC Fellows monthly virtual trainings (refer to calendar attachment).
• Fellows will host a community input session with their host site to collect community feedback and advance the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.

Evaluation and Reporting: 

• Fellows will complete a mid-year survey during the term.
• Fellows will complete a pre service baseline capacity assessment and post service capacity evaluation.
• Other reporting requirements (e.g. bi-weekly timesheets, monthly progress reports, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

The appropriate candidate will have a strong interest and/or background in environmental issues, coalition building and/or community organizing, and communications or a combination of such interests. The appropriate candidate must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent attention to detail, the ability to work within a team or as an individual and be familiar with the Microsoft Office suite and Google Applications. Fellows are required to work the standard office hours of their host communities.

No specific background or education is required to join the MHC Fellow! But a minimum of 2 years of experience in these types of situations is essential for success:

• A desire or passion to serve the community through energy efficiency and decarbonization programming and education
• Experience facilitating a meeting with people who have more experience than them
• Ability to interact with the community, appointed and elected officials, staff, outside agency personnel to create strong working relationships
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with diverse audiences MI Healthy Climate Fellow Position Description
• Ability and desire to adhere to the City’s core values: Inclusive, Integrity, Inspired, and Innovative
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
• Ability to work independently and productively use or teach oneself new software in a fastpaced role with little oversight
• Comfortable working outside of the typical 9:00am - 5:00pm to attend community events

Minimum Qualifications

• Live in Michigan during the duration of their service.
• Ability to travel to four in-person MHC Fellow convenings around the state. Carpools will be available and encouraged.
• Be at least 18 years of age. Applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or be working toward the completion of one.
• U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
• Pass the following National Service Criminal History Checks: State of Michigan background check, State of residency (if not Michigan)

Compensation: 

Fellows will receive a salary of $45,000 distributed in even increments, bi-weekly. Fellows will receive health care benefits and continual professional development. Upon successful completion of service, a program completion bonus in the amount of $2,000. The MI Healthy Climate Fellows program is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made for interviews and service as needed.