Climate Action Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Fellow at City of Oakland

Location: Oakland, California

Number of Positions Available: 11

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 - 5PM, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 170-340 of these hours are dedicated to professional development. This is a hybrid position, onsite 3 days per week.

**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

The City of Oakland fosters leadership skills and cultivates collaborative learning experiences. Integrating within teams embedded in City departments offers an invaluable opportunity to gain insight into municipal operations while establishing connections that can lead to future employment prospects within our extensive network. Through this service, Oakland Fellows will build critical relationships within the City and with the County, regional agencies, and community-based organizations. 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

Join the City of Oakland's cohort of 11 Climate Action Fellows and contribute to meaningful climate justice and resiliency efforts in one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the country. Fellows will engage in hands-on projects that address the climate crisis through food waste recovery and redistribution, urban greening, and wildfire resiliency. Embedded within one of four City departments—Environmental Stewardship, Recycling, Emergency Services Management, and Oakland Parks and Recreation—Fellows will play a key role in implementing Oakland's Equitable Climate Action Plan. This large cohort model fosters leadership development, collaboration, and lasting connections. If you're passionate about equity, sustainability, and making a tangible difference in Oakland, apply today! Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate high-impact community volunteer events—including MLK Day, Earth Day, and Creek to Bay Day—and mobilize residents through the City’s Adopt-a-Spot program to support native habitat restoration and urban greening efforts
• Engage businesses, schools, and residents in improving composting and recycling practices to reduce landfill-bound waste, including through outreach campaigns, compost giveaways, and the development of a permanent compost hub in partnership with community farms
• Expand edible food recovery initiatives at City-run programs and events by supporting food inventory management, enabling vendor donation efforts, and reducing waste at sites such as Oakland's Summer Food Service and senior centers
• Promote wildfire preparedness by conducting defensible space and home hardening outreach, supporting fuel reduction activities, and collaborating with Oakland’s Fire Safe Council to build more resilient communities
• Revitalize community gardens and park spaces through compost education, native and tree plantings, and support for local volunteer groups working on habitat restoration and urban greening throughout Oakland
• 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, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, graphic design, habitat restoration, home hardening/defensible space, marketing & social media, Microsoft Office Suite & Teams, multi-stakeholder collaboration, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. Fluency in Arabic, Cantonese, Spanish, 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 The City of Oakland

The City of Oakland is committed to becoming a more sustainable city – a community in which all people have the opportunity to pursue safe, happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives, now and into the future. Protecting a clean and healthy natural environment, growing a strong local economy brimming with opportunity, and fostering a safe, equitable, and vibrant community are all critical components of this vision. Oakland’s 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan (ECAP) details the City’s pathway to decarbonize our buildings and transportation, strengthen our local economy, and empower a community resilient against climate change. More info: oaklandca.gov

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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.