Government OPT Jobs in Colorado

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

August 1, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range
24.96 - 36.21
Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range. This is a full-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Non Union (30+ Hours)
Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Under general supervision, this position expands the city’s Climate Initiatives Department to address local climate action and resilience needs. This limited term, grant funded position provides valuable entry-level experience in city government to professionals who are emerging leaders in the fields of community planning, climate action, energy, and building performance. This role will provide direct support to programmatic efforts in the City’s Climate Initiatives Department and work to fulfill the city’s obligations under the grant program which could engage this position in a range of subject matter areas including Energy and equity-based climate action initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist team members to develop and implement regulatory policies and supportive programs aimed at reducing emissions and improving the resilience of commercial and residential buildings
• Help develop performance standards and other regulatory requirements under the Building Performance Ordinance and Smart Regs
• Conduct energy performance and pollution assessments
• Collect, organize, and analyze building energy, emissions, and benchmarking data
• Support program planning, scheduling, reporting, analysis, research, and documentation
• Maintain involvement in the work team (Energy, Nature-based Solutions, and/or Circular Economy) and the department by attending relevant meetings
• Maintain program records, databases, and tracking systems
• Assist with monitoring program performance and grant deliverables
• Activities in this category could include research; survey development and management; conduct analysis of existing/available information; documentation of meetings or events; development and implementation of evaluation or monitoring systems
• Within the timeframes of the position, address opportunities to help manage projects aligned with departmental priorities
• Activities in this area could include assisting with project scoping such as project planning, budget management, meeting organizing and facilitation, and overall project management
• Direct engagement with community members and manage outreach activities including tabling, survey work, participation in community events, presentations to community groups and schools and other methods of direct interaction with the public
• Create a professional development plan, identifying at least 2-3 goals related to skills-development and completing self-assessments at both the outset and departure from the position which will enable assessment of professional outcomes

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to demonstrate basic computer skills— Microsoft Suite, word processing, email, web research
• Ability to conduct assessments, interpret data, and make presentations
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and task prioritization
• Ability and willingness to attend evening meetings and weekend events
• Knowledge of general subject area and ability to contribute knowledge to meetings
• Knowledge of data collection and analysis fundamentals
• Skilled in supporting team effectiveness
• Must successfully pass a background check before first day of work and maintain acceptable screening

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability and comfort to make public presentations
• Ability to conduct public outreach, stakeholder engagement, workshops, or educational programs
• Knowledge and experience working with commercial building energy benchmarking, building performance standards, or emissions reduction programs
• Knowledge and familiarity with Boulder and surrounding communities
• Skills administering or supporting federally, state, or locally funded grant programs
• Skills exhibiting experience with—or training in—outreach, facilitation, and/or education
• Bachelor’s degree in the specific area of environmental science, public policy, public health, or engineering
• One (1) year of direct experience in a local government or non-profit
• Professional certification in Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA)

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Zero to two (0-2) years experience in public outreach, policy, and/or health
• Must hold and maintain a valid Driver’s License

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Sustainability Senior Manager

Supervision Exercised: None

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical and Mental Effort: Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that permit effective communication on the telephone and in person. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permits to the review, evaluation and preparation of a variety of written documents and materials. Sufficient manual dexterity or alternative means that permits the ability to operate computer equipment and other office equipment. Sufficient personal mobility to permit effective work in an office setting. Work may include extended periods of time viewing a computer video monitor and/or operating a keyboard.

Work Environment: Works in a hybrid work environment that can span working remotely to working in an office setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.

Machines and Equipment Used: Frequently uses standard office equipment including, but not limited to, personal computers, telephones, calculators and copy/fax machines, and city vehicles.

As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals. The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.