Environmental Sustainability Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Environmental Sustainability Fellow at Santa Cruz County Office of Education

Location: Santa Cruz, 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 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

Santa Cruz COE offers you the opportunity to change lives while also gaining valuable skills and contacts for your future career. Our organization supports a dynamic network of local environmental sustainability partners, inspiring educators and passionate student leaders. Collaborating within an organization recognized as a statewide leader in environmental literacy, fellows will gain firsthand experience with successful community-building, youth development, and systemic-change initiatives that center youth voices in decision-making and foster collaboration toward a sustainable future. Fellows will mentor inspiring young leaders, build relationships with over 30 environmental education and sustainability organizations, and leave the fellowship with tangible examples of their impact on the community. 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 Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Santa Cruz COE) is leading the charge in transforming school systems to be more sustainable. Through our Youth for Environmental Action (YEA) student leadership team, we’ve launched The Trash Pact Project for Clean and Green Schools—a bold initiative to revolutionize school waste systems as a powerful, community-driven solution to climate change. As an Environmental Sustainability Fellow, you will empower students to take the lead in implementing sustainable food waste systems in schools across the county—sparking change in their communities and beyond. You’ll recruit student volunteers to improve food waste diversion and conduct school greening projects, collaborate with young leaders to grow an engaging public awareness campaign, and build strategic partnerships with school districts and local organizations to drive lasting systemic change. Your role will be hands-on and impactful—capturing and sharing inspiring stories of progress, leading dynamic workshops for students and families, providing technical support and resources, and fostering a culture of sustainability in schools. This is your opportunity to help shape a greener future, one where every classroom is a green classroom. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Recruit and support volunteer youth to inspire and lead their peers in reducing the climate impacts of schools by diverting food waste and greening campuses 
• Empower high school student leaders to coordinate student-led school waste audits to collect data, divert food waste from landfills, and increase food share participation
• Lead an impactful community awareness campaign to increase understanding of food waste impacts, solutions, and actions for schools and homes 
• Streamline school organic waste systems by educating school leadership teams to provide waste audit and sorting event support, and collaborating with City and County agencies
• Cultivate community partnerships to leverage local resources and expertise for schools’ food waste reduction and diversion efforts 
• Support school greening and pollinator projects to increase biodiversity and sequester carbon, providing opportunities for nature connection and benefits to local ecosystems
• 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), edible food recovery, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, Google suite, graphic design, habitat restoration, marketing & social media, multi-stakeholder collaboration, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, traditional ecological knowledge, 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 The Santa Cruz County Office of Education:

Santa Cruz County Office of Education is a recognized environmental leader in California’s K–12 public school system. Through innovative programs that advance climate literacy and environmental sustainability, the COE leads an equitable, learner-centered approach to education. By partnering with students, educators, administrators, and community-serving organizations, the COE connects learning to our local environment and empowers youth to create positive change— building the vision, skills, and motivation needed for healthy communities and a thriving planet. More info: santacruzcoe.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.