Urban Ecology Specialist

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Urban Ecology Specialist at Sutro Stewards

Location: San Francisco California

Number of Positions Available: 2

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, Tuesday - Saturday, approximately 9AM - 5PM, 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

Join a fun and dynamic team and a vibrant community of volunteers collaborating outdoors in one of the most beautiful open spaces in San Francisco. Expect to become a native plant expert for the unique Franciscan plant community and enjoy networking opportunities with other nature-based organizations in San Francisco. 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

As an Urban Ecology Specialist with Sutro Stewards, you will help launch the Adopt-a-Plot program, mobilizing community volunteers to steward habitat restoration sites on Mount Sutro in the heart of San Francisco. Serving alongside a robust volunteer network, you will support the growth of 3,000+ native plants annually from our Native Plant Nursery and contribute to the restoration of multiple acres of habitat. This role centers on building community ownership of restoration sites—conducting outreach, establishing plot crews and crew leaders, and coordinating volunteer schedules. You will engage directly with neighbors in hands-on stewardship, from removing invasive species to planting native plants, while expanding and strengthening our volunteer base through recruitment and ongoing engagement. Join Sutro Stewards in advancing habitat restoration and community-driven stewardship, contributing to the annual goal of planting 1,500 native plants across Mount Sutro. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead weekly volunteer programs on Mount Sutro focused on removing invasive, fire-prone plants and propagating native plants in the Nursery for restoration projects
• Develop and coordinate the Adopt-a-Plot program in collaboration with Sutro Stewards staff, supporting volunteer crews in native planting and invasive species removal
• Conduct recruitment and community outreach for Adopt-a-Plot and other Sutro Stewards programs through tabling events, newsletter contributions, social media, and partner listservs, while educating participants on natural solutions to climate change
• 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, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, Google suite, graphic design, habitat restoration, marketing & social media, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, traditional ecological knowledge, and volunteer management & engagement. Fluency in Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, or Tagalog 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 Sutro Stewards:

Sutro Stewards' mission is to build community, connect people with nature, and protect and enhance Mount Sutro, one of San Francisco’s wildest and most beautiful green spaces. Since 2006, we have engaged thousands of volunteers, built and maintained 4.5 miles of multi-use trails, restored 5+ acres of native plant habitat, and grown thousands of plants annually in our native plant nursery. Our educational and workforce development programs train young people in habitat restoration, native plant horticulture, and leadership skills. Our California youth naturalist program certifies 15 high school students annually to become California naturalists. More info: www.sutrostewards.org

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.