Urban Greening Specialist

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Urban Greening Specialist at Northeastern University

Location: Oakland, California

Number of Positions Available: 6

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

Fellows gain hands-on experience in urban forestry, sustainable agriculture, and botanical conservation within a university setting that connects them to broader academic and professional networks. We can provide financial support for professional certifications (including ISA Arborist), field trips to peer institutions, California Native Plant Society workshops, and connections to the Bay Area Botanic Gardens regional network. Fellows receive dedicated mentorship from experienced sustainability professionals and leave with tangible skills in arboriculture, habitat restoration, and community engagement. Fellows will have some access to the university's resources, like its library, makerspaces, the campus shuttle to BART, and more. 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

Northeastern University is seeking 6 dynamic and passionate Urban Greening Specialists to support community engagement and education around urban forestry, native plant conservation, and habitat restoration in Oakland, CA. As a fellow, you will be at the forefront of teaching and empowering residents in East Oakland neighborhoods—such as Millsmont, Frick, and Bancroft—on best practices in urban greening, tree care, and environmental sustainability. This fellowship will offer hands-on experience in urban greening, arboriculture, and fieldwork on endangered flora, while providing an opportunity to actively contribute to climate action and community resilience. Fellows will collaborate with community members to expand and enhance urban forests and gardens, focusing on increasing the city’s tree canopy, strengthening local connections to green spaces, and providing opportunities for local leadership in urban forestry efforts. In support of community preparedness efforts, this role will provide education to students and surrounding communities on home hardening strategies, creating defensible buffer zones, and implementing fire-conscious landscaping practices. Gain valuable professional development in sustainable land management, tree care, botanic garden management, California native plant identification, environmental education, and community outreach. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Support urban forestry projects, including arboretum biodiversity, food recovery to community partners, and California native plant species conservation
• Organize and lead quarterly volunteer events, including community tree plantings, creek habitat restoration, and native plant installation
• Recruit and engage community volunteers through targeted outreach for urban greening and creek restoration activities
• Deliver climate education through monthly workshops on tree care, home gardening, composting, water-wise plant selection, microhabitat pollinator gardens, and lawn-to-native conversions
• Develop and expand volunteer programming through community tabling, partnerships with neighborhood organizations, and training repeat volunteers as peer leaders
• 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, diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), environmental education, GIS/mapping, habitat restoration, native plant management, 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 Northeastern University:

Northeastern University's Climate Justice and Sustainability Hub (CJSH) supports the university’s mission through the following core goals: Campuses will serve as models of sustainable, resilient, healthy, interconnected, and just communities; contribute to building a just and regenerative economy, both locally and globally; foster equitable relationships with local communities to demonstrate place-based justice and sustainability in action; and promote just research and academic practices that advance equitable solutions to the climate crisis. Grounded in place-based solutions, the CJSH is leading climate justice programming for its Oakland campus and surrounding neighborhoods. More info: sustainability.northeastern.edu

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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.