Landscape Adaptation Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Landscape Adaptation Fellow at UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden

Location: Davis, 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, Tuesday - Saturday, approximately 7:30AM - 4:00PM, 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

The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Gardenʼs team culture is one of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, making a dynamic and inspiring environment. Team members value open communication, mutual respect, continuous learning, and foster an inclusive and supportive atmosphere where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. Career staff are enthusiastic mentors with deep expertise in sustainable horticulture, plant conservation, arboriculture, and habitat restoration as well as established networks in the regional environmental 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 Landscape Adaptation Fellow position at UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden offers a unique opportunity to foster climate resiliency in the campus landscape, benefiting both the university community and the broader region. Fellows will collaborate with expert staff to spearhead urban greening projects, including the establishment of native wetland vegetation, planting over 50 climate-ready trees, and renovating demonstration gardens in the 100+ acre UC Davis Arboretum for education and resilience. Through engaging volunteers and hosting educational workshops, Fellows will inspire action and build community resilience in the face of climate change. This role not only contributes to the creation of accessible green spaces but also serves as a beacon of environmental stewardship and climate adaptation for the entire region. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Recruit, train, and coordinate student and community volunteers for urban greening projects
• Implement floodplain and riparian habitat restoration by propagating, planting, and providing establishment care for native wetland vegetation along the Arboretum Waterway
• Cultivate, plant, and maintain climate-ready trees within the Arboretum and Public Garden’s landscape, using best practices in arboriculture
• Develop and share outreach materials on climate-ready gardening, tree selection, and habitat restoration at regional environmental events
• Enhance climate resilience of demonstration landscapes through strategic renovation, including plant selection, mulching, irrigation adjustments, and signage
• 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 in diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), and experience in community outreach, environmental education, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, habitat restoration, landscape management, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, traditional ecological knowledge, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. Must possess a valid driver’s license. 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 UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden:

The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden (APG) is a dynamic living museum overseeing the campus's extensive public landscape, including the historic Arboretum, sustainable demonstration gardens, and an urban habitat corridor. It serves as a hub for environmental learning and community involvement, embodying UC Davis's expertise in environmental science. Through initiatives like the Living Landscape Adaptation Plan, the APG engages students, volunteers, and the community in creating climate-resilient landscapes and outdoor programs, fostering a deeper connection with nature and sustainability awareness. More info: arboretum.ucdavis.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.