Habitat Restoration Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Habitat Restoration Fellow at Friends of Ballona Wetlands

Location: Los Angeles, California

Number of Positions Available: 4

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 8:30AM - 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

We are a small team of environmental professionals providing high-quality environmental education experiences and region-leading habitat restoration projects that engage people throughout Los Angeles. We offer opportunities for mentorship and professional development from experts in the areas of habitat restoration, land management, biological sciences, environmental education, and non-profit management. 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 Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve comprises the last remaining coastal wetlands in Los Angeles, including regionally rare salt marsh, freshwater marsh, coastal dune, and riparian habitats, and represents the second largest open space in the city. Habitat Restoration Fellows will collaborate with our habitat restoration, education, and science teams to engage local students and community members throughout the Los Angeles area in restoring and enhancing coastal wetland habitat. Our projects aim to achieve concrete climate change adaptation goals, including removing fire-prone invasive species and clearing brush, and replacing them with climate-adapted native plants and trees. Fellows will provide crucial support for public and private events at the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, the Ballona Wetlands Freshwater Marsh, and Ballona Discovery Park, as well as critical fire-prone invasive species removal efforts and native plant and tree installations. Collaborate with our staff and learn from their years of expertise in habitat restoration, scientific monitoring, and adaptive management in a supportive environment that prioritizes professional development. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Implement habitat restoration and enhancement projects, including fire-prone invasive species removal and the propagation, planting, and maintenance of native plants and trees
• Lead and educate K - 12 students in hands-on habitat restoration
• Coordinate community members in volunteer climate action events focused on native plant gardens as part of our Grow Native program
• 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, 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, Google suite, habitat restoration, landscape management, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, native plant management, public speaking/facilitation, traditional ecological knowledge, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. Access to a reliable vehicle and 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 Friends of Ballona Wetlands:

Friends of Ballona Wetlands' mission is to champion the restoration and protection of Los Angeles’ last coastal wetland, educating our diverse community as stewards of nature. Founded in 1978, their primary objective is to inform and empower visitors of all ages. Through their educational tours, Explore Ballona! K-12 curricula, habitat restoration projects, and local advocacy efforts help their community acquire the knowledge needed to take action to reduce negative environmental impacts. We successfully bring together local stakeholders to think globally and act locally, cultivating more than 100,000 volunteers over the years. More info: www.ballonafriends.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.