Community Sustainability Specialist

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Community Sustainability Specialist at Sierra Service Project

Location: Sacramento, California

Number of Positions Available: 4

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 - 4:30PM, 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

Sierra Service Project is committed to fostering inclusive community spaces where Community Sustainability Fellows feel supported, seen, and empowered to grow—both personally and professionally. Fellows gain access to a wide range of hands-on trainings and teachings grounded in traditional ecological knowledge, regenerative agriculture, and climate organizing. Topics include soil biology, irrigation design and repair, environmental health and safety, green waste diversion, food sovereignty, trauma-informed engagement, and more. Wraparound support is reinforced through strong mentorship, a dedicated site and regional supervisor network, and an organizational culture that centers self-care and community connection. 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

The Sierra Service Project (SSP) invites you to join a dynamic team dedicated to strengthening communities through service and climate action. As a Community Sustainability Fellow, you’ll dive into an immersive experience at the heart of the Farm-to-Fork Capital, supporting the transformation of food desert communities into thriving food hubs and biodiversity hotspots. Rooted in environmental and community resilience, this role centers land stewardship, food sovereignty, and environmental justice. Fellows will engage residents in hands-on activities that nourish both soil and spirit—cultivating gardens, building compost systems, planting native species, and facilitating solutionary conversations that reconnect people to the land. With a strong emphasis on leadership development, technical training, and deep community engagement, this is an opportunity to grow your impact, expand your skills, and catalyze change alongside neighbors and partners across Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Expand urban gardens and community green spaces to enhance local ecosystems and promote long-term community climate resilience
• Facilitate volunteer events that promote native planting, fire-prone invasive species removal, and climate resilience
• Coordinate seasonal garden tasks, including soil preparation, seed starting, planting, irrigation, and composting
• Collaborate with local residents, schools, nonprofits, and agencies to expand urban greening efforts to implement sustainable climate solutions
• Empower community members through educational workshops and mentorship focused on compost systems, native species, and increasing awareness of climate solutions
• 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 in diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), and experience in community outreach, composting, data/quantitative analysis, edible food recovery, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, Google suite, graphic design, habitat restoration, home hardening/defensible space, landscape management, marketing & social media, Microsoft Office Suite & Teams, multi-stakeholder collaboration, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, technical writing, traditional ecological knowledge, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. Fluency in Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Hindi, Hmong, Khmer, Korean, Mandarin, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, 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 Sierra Service Project

The Sierra Service Project (SSP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring young people through high-impact programs focused on community resilience and social justice. SSP’s mission is to strengthen communities through service to others. SSP’s purpose is to build strong connections and resilience among communities. Founded in 1975, SSP organizes service-learning programs where youth and adult volunteers collaborate with underserved communities to complete essential home repairs and community improvement projects. These programs are designed to foster compassion, cultural understanding, and civic responsibility while addressing real-world needs. More info: sierraserviceproject.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.