Community Forestry Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Community Forestry Fellow at Little Manila Rising

Location: Stockton, 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 - 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

Transform South Stockton’s landscape with LMR’s Urban Forestry Program through tree planting and maintenance, intentional relationship-building with our local community, and collaborating with city and agency partners to expand access to trees and green infrastructure—improving air quality, reducing heat, and helping neighborhoods thrive. Fellows will receive a workspace at our newly renovated Workforce Hub, free transportation between our office and tree-planting and maintenance locations, and opportunities to network with our community partners. Fellows will also have the opportunity to cultivate their personal and professional interests, which could range from journalism and graphic design to land stewardship and community engagement. 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

Little Manila Rising’s Urban Forestry program, founded in 2021, greens South Stockton with vibrant, climate-resilient trees while fostering a deeper connection between the community and its environment. Through high-impact initiatives like the My Free Tree program and Green Paths Training, our Community Foresters and Trust-Builders have planted 2,350 trees and empowered residents to care for them. As a Community Forestry Fellow, you will play a pivotal role in activating community stewardship of the urban forest—maintaining newly planted trees in parks, on streets, and at schools, and engaging residents through workshops, planting events, and public outreach. The program combines hands-on field experience—learning from a certified arborist, planting, and caring for trees—with community engagement, where you will mobilize volunteers, lead educational sessions, and cultivate a culture of care for neglected public spaces. Fellows also participate in weekly team meetings, check-ins, and required training. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Plant approximately 500 trees in collaboration with Community Foresters, contributing directly to South Stockton’s canopy reforestation goals
• Maintain tree health through watering, root inspections, pruning, and weeding alongside Community Foresters to ensure long-term vitality
• Develop and distribute educational resources with Trust-Builders to strengthen community engagement and enhance the My Free Tree program’s greening impact
• Lead at least one educational tree planting workshop, training community partners on site selection, species choice, and proper planting techniques
• Coordinate community tree planting events, partnering with local schools or non-profits to recruit, manage, and mobilize volunteers
• 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, diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), environmental education for youth & adults, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, Google suite, graphic design, marketing & social media, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. Fluency in American Sign Language, Hmong, Punjabi, 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 Little Manila Rising

Little Manila Rising (LMR) is a non-profit organization rooted in the preservation of Stockton’s Little Manila Historic Site. Over the past 25 years, LMR has led advocacy and education efforts to address systemic issues disproportionately impacting South Stockton. These range from asthma mitigation, youth advocacy, health equity, mental health, environmental justice, and community development. LMR’s Urban Forestry program works to reforest South Stockton through community tree plantings, the My Free Tree program—a residential tree donation program, and the Green Paths Training program—a 30-week course preparing individuals for careers in urban forestry and arboriculture. More info: littlemanila.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.