Natural Infrastructure Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Natural Infrastructure Fellow at Amigos de los Rios

Location: Pasadena, California

Number of Positions Available: 3

Time Commitment: September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027. Fellows in this position commit to a 40-hour work week, Tuesday - Saturday, approximately 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 170-340 of these hours are dedicated to professional development.  

**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Fellowship, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 21, 2026 - Aug 13, 2027 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship.

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About the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship

The California Climate Action Corps has over 400 positions available across California for the 2026-27 CCAC Fellowship. This is a climate-focused, workforce development program for emerging climate and environmental leaders. These are paid, full-time fellowships—similar to internships—with 170-340 dedicated hours for professional development and training, providing hands-on experience in the climate field.

CCAC Fellows are matched with organizations across California to mobilize communities to take direct climate action and lead projects focused on wildfire resiliency, urban greening, and organic waste diversion.

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Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 19.

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Program Benefits

Fellows will gain hands-on experience in designing and implementing green infrastructure projects that enhance environmental sustainability while receiving personalized professional development, mentorship, and access to a statewide network of over 400 emerging climate leaders and 100+ organizations. Based in Pasadena, Fellows will benefit from proximity to both the cultural opportunities of Los Angeles and the natural resources of the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest, one of the most visited National Forests in the country.Other benefits include:

• Receive a $35,250 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
• Receive $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
• Participation in 170-340 hours of training and professional development
• Receive $300 in professional development funds
• Receive food assistance via CalFresh (for those eligible)
• Forbearance on existing qualifying student loans and interest payments accrued during the service term
• Minimum essential healthcare coverage
• Childcare assistance (for those eligible)

Description of Duties

Natural Infrastructure Fellows will play a key role in expanding volunteer engagement and environmental stewardship for Amigos’ Emerald Necklace urban forestry and natural infrastructure projects across eastern Los Angeles County. Through hands-on community outreach, education, and leadership, Fellows will mobilize thousands of volunteers to restore urban green spaces, plant and care for trees and shrubs, and implement nature-based solutions that address climate challenges. These efforts will improve air and water quality, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the urban heat island effect while advancing environmental justice in historically underserved communities. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate community outreach by engaging local schools, colleges, and organizations to promote the Emerald Necklace Stewardship Program and expand Amigos’ volunteer network
• Lead volunteer-driven urban forestry and natural infrastructure projects and events—including tree and shrub planting, habitat restoration, and climate resilience initiatives
• Educate volunteers on leading environmental science, connecting project efforts to environmental justice and climate science
• Develop engaging educational materials that highlight project goals, site significance, and the role of urban forestry in climate adaptation
• Guide community members in hands-on environmental restoration, fostering the next generation of climate leaders and environmental stewards
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

• Live in California by August 14, 2026
• Be at least 18 years of age by August 14, 2026
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

Preferred Qualifications/Skills

Experience in community outreach, data/quantitative analysis, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, GIS/Mapping, Google Suite, graphic design, habitat restoration, landscape management, marketing & social media, multi-stakeholder collaboration, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, technical writing, traditional ecological knowledge, tree planting/care, volunteer management & engagement, the ability to lift up to 30 lbs in diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain). Access to a reliable vehicle and must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, or Vietnamese is a plus. Other valuable contributions include:

• An interest in climate change mitigation, volunteerism, or public service
• Experience with outreach, education, training, or community behavior change
• Fundamental understanding of climate change science, environmental policies in California, and/or environmental priorities
• Excellent organizational, writing, interpersonal, and speaking skills

About Amigos de los Rios:

Amigos de los Rios is dedicated to realizing it's Emerald Necklace natural infrastructure vision of interconnected parks, green schools, and urban forest spanning Los Angeles County “from the Mountains to the Sea.” This “Landscape-scale Conservation” network is designed to respond to the climate challenges facing this urban mega-region—air quality, heat islands, stormwater management, biodiversity protection, and urban wildfire resilience. We are leading a diverse coalition of agency and community partners to design, implement, and care for over 30 urban greening restoration projects to reclaim and restore blighted urban spaces across eastern L.A. County. More info: amigosdelosrios.org

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Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 19. Interviews will take place May-Aug, with all positions filled by September 4, 2026. This is a competitive program, and interviews are not guaranteed. CCAC is an equal opportunity Fellowship with a preference for candidates already living in the communities they will serve. Applicants can select up to 5 preferred positions within the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship application.