Environmental Outreach Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Environmental Outreach Fellow at California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Fresno)

Location: Friant, California

Number of Positions Available: 2

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, Monday - Friday, approximately 8AM - 4PM, 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

Collaborate with CDFW interpretive staff to increase climate awareness and how it affects California's vast ecological and biological diversity. Gain experience with maintaining and caring for a unique experiential educational nature trail (FINS) and Native Plant Garden. Create outreach and volunteer opportunities that support the community with climate change messaging and habitat restoration. 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

Environmental Outreach Fellows at the California Department of Fish & Wildlife will advance climate action at the San Joaquin Hatchery and across CDFW sites in the Central Region by connecting wildfire resiliency and urban greening to biodiversity and ecosystem health. Through climate-focused tours, habitat restoration events, and volunteer mobilization, fellows will help community members understand how everyday climate actions support California’s native landscapes. Fellows will support wildfire resilience objectives across 2.7 acres at the Hatchery and surrounding sites by implementing fuel-reduction strategies, invasive-species removal, native California plant revegetation, and the expansion of climate-resilient green spaces along the San Joaquin River. Urban greening efforts will prioritize native plant installations, tree planting and stewardship, and pollinator-supportive habitat that strengthens ecosystem health and reduces climate risk. Fellows will be integrated into existing interpretive programs to add a mission-critical climate education component to CDFW’s public messaging. Through guided tours, volunteer events, and outreach activities, fellows will help the public make connections between CDFW-managed lands, wildfire resilience, and everyday climate-positive actions that protect biodiversity. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead climate-focused interpretive tours at the San Joaquin Hatchery that highlight wildfire resiliency, urban greening, and ecosystem restoration
• Recruit, train, and mobilize volunteers for habitat restoration projects that remove invasive species, install native California plants, plant and steward trees, and expand climate-resilient green spaces
• Implement wildfire resiliency strategies across 2.7 acres of the ​​Friant Interactive Nature Site (FINS) trail through fuel reduction, invasive species management, and native revegetation
• Collaborate with CDFW staff to develop and share climate action messaging that connects biodiversity conservation with community-level climate solutions
• Engage thousands of community members through outreach events, volunteer restoration days, and public education efforts that promote climate resilience and ecosystem health
• 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

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, and experience in community outreach, diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, habitat restoration, home hardening/defensible space, landscape management, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, traditional ecological knowledge, and tree planting/care. Must possess a valid driver’s license. 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 California Department of Fish and Wildlife:

The mission of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is to manage California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public. California is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. As such, CDFW values diverse employees and volunteers collaborating together to conserve nature for all Californians. CDFW is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences can thrive and connect others to our critical mission. More info: wildlife.ca.gov

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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.