Collective Impact Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Collective Impact Fellow at Sierra Resource Conservation District

Location: Fresno, California

Number of Positions Available: 6

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

Fellows will gain hands-on field experience, technical training, and professional development while collaborating with experts in forestry, conservation, and sustainable agriculture. Through mentorship, networking, and cross-program collaboration, fellows will develop valuable skills in wildfire mitigation, habitat restoration, and community engagement. They will also have access to specialized training, including participation in the Forestry Apprenticeship Program, S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws training (where applicable), and First Aid/CPR certification, preparing them for careers in natural resource management, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship. Fellows will benefit from a supportive and flexible service environment, with opportunities for both independent and team-driven projects in diverse landscapes—from wildfire-impacted areas to riparian corridors. 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

Sierra RCD’s Collective Impact Fellow position provides hands-on experience in wildfire resiliency, urban greening, habitat restoration, and sustainable land, water, and air management. As part of the Collective Impact Program, fellows will support volunteer-driven climate action initiatives, collaborating across the Foresty and Watershed Program and Agriculture and Rangeland Program. Their service will contribute to wildfire mitigation, ecological restoration, community education, and climate action, helping to build more sustainable and climate-resilient landscapes. Fellows will specialize in one of 3 focus areas—forestry wildfire resiliency, climate resiliency, or urban greening—while still engaging in cross-program collaboration. Responsibilities include conducting Fire Risk Evaluations (FREs), implementing fuel reduction projects, leading Firewise USA outreach, and restoring native habitats. This role provides extensive opportunities for fieldwork, community engagement, and technical training—including the Forestry Apprenticeship Program, S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw training, and First Aid/CPR certification. Fellows will develop specialized expertise while contributing to broader climate action initiatives, making this an ideal opportunity for those passionate about wildfire prevention, conservation, and environmental sustainability. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Implement fuel reduction, habitat restoration, and habitat restoration projects that enhance wildfire resilience, restore native ecosystems, and promote sustainable land stewardship
• Lead Firewise USA outreach, emergency preparedness education, and environmental workshops that equip communities with practical strategies for wildfire mitigation, habitat conservation, and soil health
• Mobilize volunteers through community-driven climate action initiatives and stewardship days focused on wildfire preparedness and habitat restoration
• Deliver technical assistance through Fire Risk Evaluations (FREs), Firewise USA community development, and soil health assessments—empowering landowners and residents with actionable tools for long-term 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

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, and experience in community outreach, composting, 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, 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. Access to a reliable vehicle and must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Hmong, Punjabi, or 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 Sierra Resource Conservation District

The mission and function of the Sierra Resource Conservation District (Sierra RCD) is to take available technical, financial, and educational resources, whatever their source, and focus or coordinate them at the local level to meet the present and future natural resource needs of local land users. The District covers 3,063 square miles in Eastern Fresno County, California, and faces climate challenges like wildfires, drought, extreme heat, storms, and pollution. To address these challenges, the Collective Impact Program coordinates District resources and activities to effectively meet the region’s diverse needs. More info: sierrarcd.com

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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.