Environmental Education Steward

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Environmental Education Steward at Upland Unified School District

Location: Upland, 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 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

Upland USD’s Farm to School team collaborates with schools, community organizations, and District leadership. Fellows receive comprehensive training, hands-on sustainability experience, and interdisciplinary insights in a supportive environment. With a shared office space to foster collaboration, Fellows will gain valuable skills and connections for their future careers. 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

Within the Upland Unified School District’s Nutrition Services, Environmental Education Stewards will play a key role in strengthening cafeteria sustainability and advancing the Farm-to-School composting program. Through targeted education, outreach, and community engagement, Stewards will support SB 1383 compliance by expanding food recovery and reducing organic waste across district schools and throughout Upland. Stewards will implement sustainability initiatives in cafeterias to minimize organic waste at the source. With a focus on urban greening, they will lead after-school garden clubs to expand green spaces and grow the Farm-to-School composting program—educating and engaging students and community members in composting, edible food recovery, and California native gardens. Through collaboration and climate leadership, Stewards will make a measurable impact across the Upland USD community and beyond. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead SB 1383 compliance initiatives across schools and district facilities by training and mobilizing student teams to implement effective organic waste sorting, composting, and edible food recovery systems—embedding sustainable practices into daily routines
• Design and implement composting systems that reduce waste while cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards
• Develop and deliver curriculum for school clubs focused on urban greening, composting, edible food recovery, and climate awareness
• Coordinate community education events and volunteer opportunities that advance waste reduction and expand community greening efforts
• 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, composting, data/quantitative analysis, edible food recovery, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, Google suite, landscape management, project management, technical writing, tree planting/care, 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 Upland Unified School District:

Upland Unified School District's Farm to School Program provides students with opportunities to participate in garden and environmental education, after-school enrichment, and community-building activities. Fellows placed with Upland Unified School District will lead school garden clubs, SB 1383 compliance efforts, and community events. More info: upland.k12.ca.us

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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.