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CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Zero Waste Fellow at California State University, Long Beach

Location: Long Beach, 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 - 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

CSULB offers a unique opportunity to engage in campus-wide efforts at the intersection of sustainability and basic needs. Build confidence in public speaking and one-on-one engagement, while contributing to initiatives that benefit students, faculty, and staff alike. Fellows will grow their leadership skills in an environment that champions cultural relevance, holistic solutions, and community-based approaches. As a campus that embraces innovation and cross-departmental collaboration, CSULB serves as a living laboratory—supporting personal development while exploring real-world solutions to climate, food security, and education challenges. 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

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is seeking 2 Zero Waste Fellows to advance the university’s food recovery and zero waste goals in alignment with its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). These Fellows will collaborate with the Office of Sustainability, Office of Basic Needs, Residential Dining, and other campus partners to expand initiatives that reduce organic waste and support student food security. Whether helping to rescue surplus food through the Beach Bites Initiative or strengthening campus-wide composting and diversion efforts, Fellows will play a vital role in minimizing organic waste in landfills, cutting carbon emissions, and fostering a culture of sustainability. These positions emphasize equity, climate resilience, and community care, offering the opportunity to explore the intersections of food justice, zero waste, and climate action through hands-on engagement, education, and data-driven strategies. Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Lead outreach efforts to expand participation in the Beach Bites Initiative, engaging departments and raising awareness about food recovery practices
  • Coordinate the expansion of organic waste diversion infrastructure and policies by partnering with food vendors, waste management teams, campus food pantry, garden, and dining staff
  • Develop educational materials and facilitate workshops, events, and presentations that promote food justice, composting, and zero-waste habits across campus
  • Recruit and train volunteers for the Zero Waste Ambassadors program, supporting their involvement in campus-wide organic waste reduction at events and dining locations
  • Support signature sustainability efforts such as the Sustainability Champions, Sustainability Fellows, Green Events Program, Earth Month, and Sustainability Month
  • 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

Experience in community outreach, composting, data/quantitative analysis, edible food recovery, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, Microsoft Office Suite & Teams, project management, public speaking/facilitation, technical writing, 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, Long Beach

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is committed to removing educational barriers for our diverse student population of 40,000 students. CSULB also promotes sustainability and climate justice. Through the implementation of our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and other key programs, CSULB aims to mitigate and build resilience to the impacts of climate change by modeling sustainable operations and educating and empowering students, employees, and community members to be effective changemakers and environmental advocates. More info: csulb.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.