Climate Action Associate

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Associate at California State University, Dominguez Hills

Location: Carson, California

Number of Positions Available: 3

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 receive mentorship from the CSUDH Sustainability Coordinator, gaining hands-on experience in urban agriculture, sustainability, and community engagement. They will have opportunities to network with environmental organizations, develop leadership and public speaking skills, and participate in professional development workshops. Additionally, CSUDH’s location in LA’s South Bay offers more affordable housing options than many other parts of Los Angeles County. 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 Climate Action Associate will advance CSU Dominguez Hills’ urban greening, volunteer engagement, and climate literacy initiatives through hands-on environmental service and community organizing. Aligned with the Master Landscape Plan and institutional sustainability goals, this role expands native plant restoration, increases tree canopy cover, strengthens composting and food recovery systems, and engages students and community members in direct climate action. Serving as on-the-ground climate organizers, fellows will mobilize volunteers to implement urban greening projects, invasive-species removal at Heritage Creek, organics-diversion systems, and food-recovery efforts. Climate literacy programming will focus on composting and contamination reduction, food recovery systems, native landscaping and biodiversity, and green infrastructure. Weekly interactive programming at the Farmers Market, Campus Urban Farm, and Net Zero Center will help expand native vegetation, increase organics diversion, strengthen food recovery, and promote positive climate behaviors. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Mobilize and lead volunteers in native plant restoration, tree planting, invasive-species removal, and green-infrastructure initiatives aligned with the Master Landscape Plan
• Advance organics diversion and food recovery systems by implementing collection infrastructure, reducing contamination, and increasing campus participation
• Design and facilitate climate literacy workshops on composting, food recovery, native landscaping, biodiversity, and sustainable behavior change
• Coordinate interactive outreach and zero-waste programming at the Farmers Market, Campus Urban Farm, and Net Zero Center
• 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, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, Google suite, graphic design, habitat restoration, 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. Must possess a valid driver’s license. 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 California State University, Dominguez Hills

California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) provides transformational education grounded in culturally sustaining practices, innovative research, creative activity, and community engagement for undergraduate and graduate students. Located in Carson in response to the 1965 Watts Rebellion, CSUDH was designed to bring education to underserved communities in South Los Angeles. CSUDH Sustainability works with stakeholders in administration, academics, and student services to promote and implement sustainability practices across campus. Supported by a team of staff and student interns actively working to help the campus “go green,” CSUDH Sustainability is eager to partner with the campus community to pursue new initiatives and partnerships. More info: csudh.edu/sustainability

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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.