Climate Action Interpreter

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Interpreter at California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Watsonville)

Location: Royal Oaks, 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, Wednesday - Sunday, approximately 8:45AM - 5:15PM, 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

CDFW is a launching pad for a career in conservation and climate action. As a Fellow, you'll gain invaluable experience in community engagement, climate communication, and habitat restoration, collaborating with seasoned professionals in the field. You'll build a diverse skill set while making tangible contributions to the resilience of California's ecosystems. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to network with experts in the industry, receive guidance from mentors, and forge connections that can shape your future career path in conservation and beyond. Fellows will be placed within Interpretation, Education and Outreach (IEO) Services at CDFW, where we connect Californians to the natural world through innovation, inspiration, and education. 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

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) offers a unique opportunity in the Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve for 2 Climate Action Interpreters to team up to engage communities in climate resilience, fostering connections to CDFW-managed lands through tours, volunteer events, education, and digital outreach. Collaborating with CDFW staff, fellows will develop climate messaging to enhance social media campaigns and increase climate awareness and literacy. Through immersive educational tours, student engagement initiatives, outreach events, and digital content creation, Fellows will bridge the gap between climate action and the resilience of California's ecosystems. Fellows will recruit and mobilize volunteers for activities, including habitat restoration and wildfire resilience, to create native plant landscapes, contributing to climate resilience and empowering communities in climate action. Join us in making a difference for California's wildlife and wild places. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead climate-focused tours of CDFW-managed lands to educate the public on climate change impacts on California's biodiversity and ecosystems, highlighting our climate-resiliency efforts such as restoring wildfire-resilient habitats and native plant landscapes
• Develop engaging outreach materials and climate messaging to increase climate awareness and literacy on topics including climate change, wildfire resilience, urban greening with native species, and opportunities for community participation in climate action initiatives
• Recruit and engage volunteers for hands-on climate action activities, including fire-prone invasive species removal to reduce fuel loads and native plantings to create climate-resilient ecosystems
• Facilitate K–12 climate education through outreach events and interactive programs focused on wildfire-resilient landscapes, native plant benefits, and community-based climate solutions
• Support wildfire resilience stewardship actions at the Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve that advance fuel reduction, native habitat restoration, and climate resilience
• 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, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, habitat restoration, Microsoft Office Suite & Teams, public speaking/facilitation, and volunteer management & engagement. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Fluency in Spanish 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 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. Elkhorn Slough Reserve is a site that blends education, stewardship, and research to promote conservation, restoration and understanding of the watershed, engaging the community through recreation, interpretation, and volunteerism.

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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.