Environmental Stewardship Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Environmental Stewardship Fellow at WILDCOAST

Location: Del Mar, 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 - 5PM, 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

Serve alongside leaders in coastal habitat management, ocean advocacy, and ecosystem science while building technical expertise with tools such as ArcGIS, R statistics, and Google Suite, as well as field-based skills in habitat restoration and landscape management. Fellows will also expand their professional network through collaboration with conservation nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations across San Diego County, gaining valuable exposure to career pathways in environmental policy, land management, and coastal advocacy. 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

Join WILDCOAST in protecting and restoring California’s iconic coastal ecosystems! As an Environmental Stewardship Fellow, you will play a pivotal role in our mission to address climate change through natural solutions. This project focuses on high-visibility urban greening and habitat restoration across San Diego County’s public lands, including the Tricanyons area and coastal estuaries. Our goal is to transform vulnerable landscapes into resilient, native habitats that sequester carbon, enhance coastal resilience, reduce wildfire risk, and provide habitat for wildlife. As a Fellow, you won't just be in the field; you will be a community leader, mobilizing local residents, leading restoration events, and developing educational materials that inspire long-term environmental ownership. This position is ideal for an aspiring conservationist who is passionate about hands-on climate action, community organizing, and protecting the natural beauty of the San Diego coastline for diverse populations to enjoy. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate monthly volunteer habitat restoration events, removing invasive species and planting native trees and vegetation to enhance wildfire resiliency and carbon sequestration
• Recruit and engage volunteers through social media, local partnerships, and the Golden Volunteer platform to build a diverse, active community of climate stewards
• Develop educational and outreach materials, including interpretive content, social media assets, and resources on climate-adaptive solutions
• Monitor ecosystem health through vegetation surveys and data analysis to measure restoration impact
• Facilitate community education sessions and public outreach to foster connection and ownership
• 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, data/quantitative analysis, diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, Google suite, graphic design, habitat restoration, native plant management, traditional ecological knowledge, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. 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 WILDCOAST

WILDCOAST, founded in 2000, is an international team that conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and addresses climate change through natural solutions. For more than 2 decades, WILDCOAST has safeguarded some of the most biodiverse and climate-critical coastlines along California and the Mexican Pacific. In the United States—particularly in San Diego County, where we are deeply rooted—we deliver science-driven conservation, community stewardship, and natural climate solutions that protect marine biodiversity and strengthen coastal communities' resilience. More info: wildcoast.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.