Environmental Sustainability Organizer

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Environmental Sustainability Organizer at Valley Voices

Location: Hanford, 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 9AM - 5:30PM, 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

Fellows will receive hands-on mentoring from experienced community organizers and climate practitioners while gaining professional skills in public engagement, data collection, and project coordination. Valley Voices offers a collaborative, majority-bilingual environment rooted in equity and community leadership, with access to professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and support in navigating transportation and service needs during the fellowship. 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 Environmental Sustainability Organizer will support the Organic Waste Diversion and Urban Greening Project by engaging residents across Central Valley communities to reduce landfill waste, expand composting practices, and increase neighborhood green space to combat extreme heat and climate pollution. Fellows will collaborate with families, schools, and community partners to promote food-scrap recycling, community composting, and tree-planting projects in our heat-vulnerable areas. Key project goals include expanding household participation in organics programs, diverting tons of food waste from landfills, enriching local gardens with compost, and planting and maintaining trees for climate-resilient green infrastructure. Help us reach hundreds of residents through outreach events and workshops, contribute to waste diversion, and support canopy expansion in priority neighborhoods. Fellows will serve as community educators and climate action leaders, building trust through door-to-door outreach, bilingual workshops, and partnerships with local organizations. Fellows will conduct surveys, track participation and environmental outcomes, and assist with compost distribution and planting days. This is a hands-on, people-centered role ideal for applicants passionate about environmental justice, sustainability, and community empowerment. Gain experience in climate resilience, public engagement, and data collection while making a visible, lasting impact. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Recruit, coordinate, and support volunteers during compost distribution events and tree planting days with local partners, schools, residents, and municipal agencies
• Conduct community outreach to educate residents on food-scrap recycling, composting practices, and neighborhood greening opportunities
• Facilitate workshops and hands-on demonstrations on composting, climate resilience, and heat-reduction strategies
• Support community composting operations, including food waste collection, compost maintenance, and compost distribution efforts to reduce landfill waste
• Assist with the installation and maintenance of trees and climate-resilient landscaping projects that expand urban greening and strengthen community 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), edible food recovery, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, graphic design, marketing & social media, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, 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 Valley Voices

Valley Voices is a community-based nonprofit in California’s Central Valley dedicated to advancing health equity, worker rights, and civic participation in underserved communities. Valley Voices leads climate resilience and environmental justice initiatives focused on extreme heat preparedness, disaster readiness, clean transportation access, and community-driven planning. Through education, outreach, and partnerships with residents and local agencies, Valley Voices empowers frontline communities to shape climate solutions. Its deep local trust, bilingual staff, and equity-centered approach make it a meaningful and impactful site for fellows to serve. More info: www.vvoices.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.