Urban Greening Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Urban Greening Fellow at University of Redlands

Location: Redlands, 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 8AM - 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 access to a variety of professional development opportunities, mentorship from faculty and community partners, and networking connections across the University and local organizations. They also have access to University resources similar to those available to employees, including office space, computers, and opportunities to participate in campus events. Fellows benefit from a supportive, collaborative environment that encourages skill-building, career growth, and hands-on experience in climate action and community engagement. 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

Join the Sustainable University of Redlands Farm (SURF) as an Urban Greening Fellow and become a key driver of urban greening and community empowerment. At SURF, you’ll supervise student volunteers and manage a green space that includes a drought-tolerant garden, groves, composting, and community garden plots, while spearheading our innovative Treestock initiative aimed at reducing the urban heat island effect. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with local communities to promote environmental stewardship and resilience through hands-on education, outreach, and the creation of green spaces. With a focus on urban greening, composting, and environmental justice, this role offers a chance to directly contribute to improving climate resilience, diverting food waste, and enhancing community well-being. If you’re passionate about sustainability and community engagement, this is an exciting opportunity to help shape a greener future. Duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Oversee Treestock program, managing tree selection and leading volunteer efforts to plant, grow, and distribute thousands of trees to bolster community resilience 
• Mobilize volunteers to maintain campus and community gardens and green spaces while organizing educational events and workshops to engage our campus and surrounding community on topics related to urban greening, composting, and reducing our carbon footprint
• Collaborate with campus and local partners to expand outreach for urban greening and composting education programs and events 
• Lead composting operations at SURF, providing educational programming to teach the community about the benefits of composting 
• Develop care plans and GIS applications for Treestock, vineyards, groves, and orchards at SURF, enabling efficient data collection and analysis to inform strategic planning 
• Facilitate youth educational programs related to urban greening, composting, and volunteerism
• 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, edible food recovery, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, landscape management, marketing & social media, Microsoft Office Suite & Teams, multi-stakeholder collaboration, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, 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 University of Redlands:

The University of Redlands’ Office of Community Service-Learning (CSL) was established in 1991 to provide meaningful service internships for undergraduates. Over the past 3 decades, thousands of students have earned college credit through service and engaged in problem-solving and civic activities. CSL’s Sustainable University of Redlands Farm (SURF) focuses on the benefits of urban agriculture, urban greening, and community programs addressing hunger and climate change. SURF supplies food to local community distribution centers and the University, manages an on-site compost operations, maintains a native garden, operates Treestock (a tree farm), and serves as a hub for experiential learning. More info: redlands.edu/student-life/community/community service-learning

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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.