Climate Action Specialist

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Specialist at Conservation Works

Location: Windsor, 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 9AM - 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 gain hands-on experience in climate action, community organizing, and environmental leadership while collaborating with a supportive team of CCAC fellows and experienced conservation professionals. This role offers strong resume-building field and outreach experience, mentorship, and opportunities to build networks with local environmental partners. 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

Conservation Works is mobilizing communities to take real, hands-on climate action across Northern California. As a Climate Action Specialist, you will work as part of a team leading projects that expand urban tree canopy, reduce organic waste, and strengthen wildfire resiliency while engaging hundreds of community members in meaningful service. Specialists help plant and care for trees in neighborhoods and schools, support composting and food-waste diversion programs that reduce methane emissions, and assist with habitat restoration and vegetation management that improve ecosystem and community resilience. Fellows also contribute to watershed climate adaptation through water-wise landscape projects connected to the Russian River. This is a field-based, community-facing role for someone who wants to loves the outdoors and organizing people. Specialists collaborate closely with Conservation Works staff, receiving guidance, mentorship, and training throughout the fellowship term. Recruit volunteers to lead service days and help people understand how their actions reduce climate impacts. Coordinate climate events to support measurable increases in tree plantings and habitat restoration. Helped divert organic waste from landfills and built real climate-resilience and experience in climate leadership. Duties include, but aren't limited to: 

• Recruit and coordinate volunteers to lead volunteer workdays focused on tree planting, habitat restoration, composting, and wildfire resiliency projects
• Deliver engaging climate education through brief talks, demonstrations, and hands-on activities that connect tree planting, composting, and habitat restoration to measurable climate impact
• Coordinate tree giveaways, pollinator garden installations, and compost bin distribution events, including site logistics, material preparation, volunteer coordination, and proper planting and composting demonstrations
• Provide participant guidance in plant selection, long-term care, watering schedules, and basic troubleshooting to promote survival and sustained climate benefits
• Support fire-prone vegetation management and restoration efforts that strengthen wildfire and watershed resilience
• 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, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, Google suite, graphic design, habitat restoration, home hardening/defensible space, landscape management, marketing & social media, multi-stakeholder collaboration, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, technical writing, traditional ecological knowledge, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. Must have access to a reliable vehicle. 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 Conservation Works

Conservation Works supports resource protection and community sustainability in Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake Counties of California. They lead environmental education and action alongside community volunteers, driving tangible change in climate resiliency, ecosystem restoration, native tree planting, water conservation, and wildfire risk reduction. Through collaborative engagement, they promote urban greening initiatives, support food waste recovery to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and transform organic waste into nutrient-rich compost at schools, farms, and community centers. Additionally, they encourage landscape-level wildfire-prevention efforts to strengthen fire resilience across the region. More info: conservationworksnc.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.