Urban Greening Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Urban Greening Fellow at Our City Forest

Location: San Jose, California

Number of Positions Available: 10

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, Tuesday - Saturday, approximately 7:30AM - 4:00PM, 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.

——

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.

———

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.

———

Program Benefits

Fellows serving with OCF gain practical experience in urban forestry, community engagement, and climate action while contributing to measurable environmental and public health outcomes across the region. Gain hands-on experience in climate action and environmental stewardship while collaborating with professional arborists and community leaders. Benefits include career development support, training toward arborist certification, leadership development, and exposure to public-sector and nonprofit career pathways. Fellows at OFC also receive transit support, professional mentorship, and access to a strong regional network of environmental professionals. 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

Urban Greening Fellows will serve on the front lines of community-based climate resilience in San José and surrounding areas. Fellows will support OCF’s tree planting, stewardship, nursery, and education programs while engaging residents in hands-on climate solutions. Collaborating across teams, Fellows will expand tree canopy, reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and increase access to climate-resilient landscapes. The position offers an immersive experience in urban forestry, volunteer engagement, environmental education, and community-based climate action. Through this role, fellows will gain practical field experience, leadership development, and exposure to career pathways in the environmental and public sectors, while making a tangible impact in underserved communities. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead and support community tree planting, stewardship, and urban greening projects that expand tree canopy and increase climate resilience
• Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers for community planting events, stewardship activities, and neighborhood greening initiatives
• Maintain and distribute climate-beneficial trees and plants through nursery operations and tree care activities
• Support and facilitate climate education workshops, volunteer training, and community outreach focused on urban forestry, tree stewardship, urban heat island mitigation, and the environmental and public health benefits of expanding tree canopy
• Support organization-wide urban greening initiatives, including neighborhood tree canopy assessments, community free tree programs, volunteer engagement campaigns, and community greening events
• 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, habitat restoration, landscape management, marketing & social media, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, multi-stakeholder collaboration, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, traditional ecological knowledge, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Fluency in American Sign Language, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, 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 Our City Forest

Our City Forest (OCF) is a nonprofit urban forestry and environmental organization based in San José that has spent more than 30 years building climate resilience through community-based tree planting, stewardship, and environmental education. OCF works in historically underserved, low-canopy neighborhoods to reduce extreme heat, improve air quality, and increase access to green space. Through hands-on service, workforce development, and volunteer engagement, OCF connects residents to climate solutions while training the next generation of environmental leaders. More info: www.ourcityforest.org

——

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.