Who we are
Since 1989, the Schatz Center has been a leader in applied research and project development for clean and renewable energy. We are located on the campus of Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata, California. Arcata’s 800-acre community forest and 11 miles of trails begin one block away, and we are within biking distance of California’s second largest inland bay and the Pacific Ocean. As residents of a rural coastal community, we are keenly aware of our social and environmental responsibilities. We are committed to increasing energy access and resilience for communities worldwide — and do so through clean and renewable design that reduces climate change and restores environmental and human health.
Current openings
Updated 5/4/26. We have no openings at this time. Please check back soon!
Professional employment
The Schatz Center employs over thirty professional staff and affiliated faculty members. Our team includes engineers, scientists, researchers, analysts, and administrators. We list our open positions simultaneously here and on the Cal Poly Humboldt employment page. Please see details below on our hiring policies and benefits, and how to get assistance when applying.
Student opportunities
Four graduate study fellowships are associated with the Schatz Center. These fellows work as research assistants during their studies at Humboldt. Learn more on our fellowships page.
Student research assistants (SRAs) work in a wide range of project areas. We list all SRA openings simultaneously here and on the Cal Poly Humboldt Handshake page. Please note that we do hire students who are at the beginning of their studies, as well as more experienced upper division and graduate students. So, if one SRA opening isn’t a good fit for you, please check back for the next posting! Summer research opportunities are usually posted in March-April, while other positions are added as needed throughout the year. Our school year SRA positions are part time (10 hours or less/week), while summer positions range from 10-40 hours/week, depending on project need.
Our purpose and commitments
The Schatz Center advances clean and renewable energy while increasing energy access and resilience through collaborations with domestic and international communities. Achieving this mission equitably requires meaningful engagement across social experiences and identities, fields of expertise, and diverse sets of thought within our team and among our partners. We believe that a diverse team increases effectiveness, and we are committed to the ongoing development of a safe, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that supports the growth of each team member.
Equal opportunity
The Schatz Center operates under the Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored Programs Foundation (CPHSPF), an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. More information about SPF’s Equal Employment Opportunity hiring can be found at: https://research.humboldt.edu/employment/hiring.
Benefits
Professional employees
The Center provides medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees and their dependents, and contributes 10% of employee gross wages to a 403(b) employer-paid retirement investment plan (beginning at one year of service). Paid time off includes 13 holidays, plus vacation leave, sick leave, and 1 personal day each year. The Center also provides paid leave for voting and jury duty, and programs for pregnancy, disability, and family medical leave.
For additional information on leave accruals, insurance, and other benefits, view the Sponsored Programs Personnel Manual.
Student employees
Student employees become eligible for 40 hours of sick leave per calendar year after 90 days of employment.
Questions and assistance
For assistance with the application process, please submit an Accommodation Request Form or call the SPF Interim Compliance Support Coordinator at (707) 826-5169.
For additional information, please email schatzenergy@humboldt.edu or call us at (707) 826-4345.