Urban Greening Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Urban Greening Fellow at City of Santa Monica

Location: Santa Monica, 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 - 4PM, 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 4 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

Santa Monica is a beautiful beach city with a Mediterranean climate, and during the winter, a place you can go surfing in the morning and be on skis in the afternoon. We are a melting pot of cultures with foods, music and arts from around the world. We are also leaders in sustainability, with our offices located in what is considered the Greenest Municipal Building in the world, complete with composting toilets, edible landscaping, and a 1.5-million-gallon stormwater catchment system on site. We get around on e-bikes, offer Tap Passes for green commuting, and our Fellows will have the opportunity to network with many City Departments. 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 Santa Monica as an Urban Greening Fellow and play a vital role in launching and sustaining community-driven sustainability initiatives. Fellows will be at the forefront of activating the 19th Street Community Farm and Wellness Garden—a nearly 5,000 sq. ft. planting space—serving as a communally managed site. Fellows will engage local residents in developing this space by organizing planting events, workshops, and volunteer days to bring it to life. Beyond the farm, Fellows will help expand the Community Compost Co-Op, which diverts nearly 10,000 pounds of green waste annually, ensuring residents have access to composting hubs and training resources. Additional projects include supporting the expansion of the Reed Park Community Garden and the 50 for 50 Micro-Garden Initiative, and educating local K-12 students on climate resilience. If you are passionate about expanding urban green spaces, zero-waste, and engaging the community in hands-on climate action, this is an opportunity to make a measurable impact in Santa Monica. Duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Facilitate volunteer recruitment and community engagement for the community farm and gardens, organizing planting events, zero-waste workshops, and educational school visits 
• Lead efforts to expand the Community Compost Co-Op, maintaining composting hubs, training residents, and developing educational materials 
• Organize monthly outreach and education programs, including vermicomposting, native companion planting, tree care, and food preservation and fermentation workshops 
• Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers to support urban greening and community composting initiatives
• 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), engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, graphic design, marketing & social media, Microsoft Office Suite & Teams, 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 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 The City of Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Office of Sustainability and the Environment is responsible for implementing sustainable practices in Santa Monica. We use the power of community to enhance our resources, prevent harm to the natural environment and human health, and benefit the social and economic well-being of the community for current and future generations. Our programs and policies support city-wide goals to achieve water self-sufficiency, zero waste, and carbon neutrality. We lead efforts in urban agriculture, sustainable procurement, toxic use reduction, climate action and adaptation, coastal resiliency, watershed health, building and vehicle electrification, sustainable building, single use plastic reduction, green business, and community engagement. More info: SantaMonica.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.