JOB OPENING CivicSpark Fellow (Three positions available.)
Introduction Apply your creative and analytical skills and join us in our mission to involve, educate and inform the public on the great transportation programs and projects developed to reduce traffic congestion, expand public transit options, and foster sustainable transportation and housing solutions for the San Joaquin County community.
The San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) is seeking three CivicSpark Fellows for the 2025-26 service year. CivicSpark is an AmeriCorps program that offers emerging professionals the opportunity to work on impactful projects addressing challenges in local communities. SJCOG is an official CivicSpark partner site and has successfully hosted fellows since 2020.
These exciting positions will serve within the Planning and Programming divisions of SJCOG, where fellows will gain hands-on experience in regional planning, policymaking and project delivery. Fellows will work alongside seasoned professionals in a highly collaborative team environment. This opportunity serves as a launchpad for careers in public service, offering mentorship and professional development.
Agency Background This is a great opportunity to work in a dynamic planning agency that serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA), and Local Transportation Sales Tax Authority for one of the fastest growing counties in California. SJCOG has been a leader in the development and implementation of innovative programs and projects in all areas of transportation. Through the region’s Measure K transportation sales tax program, SJCOG is administering the delivery of over $3 billion in transportation investments over the life of the sales tax, including transit, state highway, local roadway, pedestrian/bicycle, and smart growth projects that include affordable housing.
Currently, the region is advancing its multifaceted initiatives and studies to further active transportation, sustainable growth, integrated mobile transit ticketing, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, technology innovation, transportation workforce development, and a network of mobility hubs. SJCOG is also working with its rail transit partners on projects involving commuter rail expansion to Sacramento, Merced, and the Bay Area. Goods movement is also a focused area of planning as SJCOG examines transportation investments to support distribution hubs, including several Amazon facilities, the Stockton Metropolitan Airport, the Port of Stockton, and key industries such as wineries and farms.
San Joaquin County is home to eight diverse cities, each with its own downtown area and sense of local identity, including the recently approved incorporation city of Mountain House. Activities in the area include the Lodi wine country, recreation such as canoeing, fishing, kayaking on the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, minor league sports at the Banner Island Ballpark in Stockton and Adventist Health Arena (formerly Stockton Arena), year-round farmers markets featuring local produce, and much more. The county’s Asparagus Festival, Lodi’s Grape Festival, and Ripon’s Almond Blossom Festival are a few examples of family-friendly annual events. For out-of-town getaways, we are about one hour from the San Francisco Bay Area, two hours from Yosemite National Park, or three hours from Lake Tahoe for water sports and ski activities.
Job Title: Civic Spark Fellow (3 positions available)
Project Focus Areas: Affordable Housing, Sustainable Transportation, Community Resilience, Mobility and Access, and Long-Range Regional Transportation Planning (see Attachment 1 for detailed project descriptions)
Service Term: September 2025 – August 2026
To Apply
Fill out the CivicSpark application here: https://fs11.formsite.com/lg53pe/zmsawjuyr6/index
Applications will go through a three-step process: (1) CivicSpark will review application. (2) CivicSpark conducts program interviews. (3) Candidates will move on to partner interviews for matching.
Candidate preferences for projects, region, and skills will be considered during the matching phase. As a partner, SJCOG will interview and select candidates for its projects. CivicSpark will send out offers, and candidates will have 72 hours to accept or reject an offer. Please note that positions will be filled on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should apply as soon as possible.
Employment Standards
Examples of Essential Job Functions:
Collaborates with SJCOG planners on research, planning, and implementation projects. Engages with community members and stakeholders to promote or advance various programs and projects. Prepares maps, charts and other graphic materials for staff reports, public meetings, displays and other reference materials. Communicates professionally with representatives of other agencies regarding SJCOG’s transportation and housing projects and programs. Prepares staff reports and presentations to the Board of Directors, SJCOG committees, and other groups/organizations about SJCOG’s transportation projects and programs. Participates on a variety of committees and task forces; attends and participates in professional groups and committees; stays abreast of new trends and innovations related to transportation and housing planning.
Engage the public, share information on programs by tabling at community events
Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an inclusive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of incumbents. In accordance with the Americans with Disability Act, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Education and Experience
The CivicSpark Fellowship is intended for individuals seeking entry level work and thus may have limited work experience. Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Education: Minimum of a 2-year AA degree from an accredited college or university
Ideal Candidates: Demonstrate a commitment to public service and community engagement. Possess strong communication and teamwork skills. Self-motivation and a work style that supports teamwork, collaboration and positive relationships. Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends to staff project-related events and meetings. Have experience or interest in local government functions, community outreach, data analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and/or infographic development. Willingness to work in a hybrid office environment (Mondays and Fridays as work from home days).
About CivicSpark
CivicSpark is an award-winning and evidence-based AmeriCorps program that builds local workforce capacity to address community challenges. During the 11-month service year, CivicSpark Fellows will complete research, planning, or implementation projects that support their project site in advancing community initiatives. You can learn more about the program by visiting civicsparkfellowship.org/fellow.
CivicSpark Program Benefits:
$35,000 Living Allowance (before taxes)* $7,395 Segal Education Award (upon service completion)* $2,605 California for All Award* SNAP (Food Stamps)** Student Loan Forbearance*** Health insurance and childcare assistance Professional development and training, network development, and CivicSpark and AmeriCorps alumni support *Amounts are pending final approval and subject to change. **For those who qualify. Qualification may vary based on personal situations. ***Only federal student loans qualify for forbearance. Approval of request is dependent on loan provider, not program or AmeriCorps.