Fellows should have a graduate degree in Organizational Sustainability, Environmental Science, the Building Sciences, Public Health or a related field; or equivalent, extensive, and relevant workplace experience. Applicants are not required to be LEED AP, although strong familiarity with LEED is preferred. Experience within a school district or similar organization is also preferred but is not required. USGBC is looking for individuals who understand the patience and persistence that is required to be a change agent in a sometimes difficult organization. Fellows must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and must be self-motivated and self-starting. The hiring process for these positions is highly competitive.

An initial call for Fellow applicants is released online in late February. Instructions and requirements for application materials will be available on this website. All application materials and location preferences are due to USGBC by the end of March.

Three finalists for each district are selected from the applicant pool and are brought to Washington, DC in mid-April to interview for the position with Center for Green Schools staff and a host organization representative. The final Center for Green Schools Fellows are announced in May and are expected to arrive in DC for training in late June.

First and foremost, you become part of a powerfully effective network of individuals working on green schools around the country. You will receive advice and training from the individuals at the forefront of transforming educational facilities.

For three years, the Center for Green Schools at USGBC will provide an extensive training program for Fellows, including:

• Twice-annual in-person trainings in Washington, DC
• Bi-weekly conference calls with Center for Green Schools staff and other Fellows
• Individual check-in calls with Center for Green Schools staff
• Attendance at the Greenbuild Conference and Expo
• Attendance at local green building continuing education seminars and conferences
• Twice annual visits from Center for Green Schools staff to school district offices

The Center for Green Schools will provide salary and full benefits for two years, as well as a mileage-based relocation stipend. In the third year, employment will transfer to the school district, and the Center for Green Schools will provide funds to cover half of the Fellow’s salary. The training and travel program will remain fully funded during the third year.

In addition to the Center for Green Schools commitment, the school districts selected to receive Fellows will be expected to provide office amenities such as a desk, phone, and supplies. They will also be asked to provide the Fellow a reasonable activities budget of $5000 per year to implement programs and invite participation among faculty, staff and students.

Fellows are selected based on their qualifications as well as their ability to make a three year commitment to the school district. They are offered a salary increase for each year they remain in place. There are provisions in place to rehire a Fellow in case of unforeseen circumstances, but we would prefer that the position be held by one individual for the duration.

Fellows are intended to provide additional support to districts. The funds allocated for the program are not meant to subsidize a position that may already exist in the school district. School districts that already have a Sustainability Officer are invited to apply to receive an additional sustainability leader to boost efforts already in place.