Urban Agriculture Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Urban Agriculture Fellow at Black Thumb Farm

Location: Los Angeles, California

Number of Positions Available: 4

Time Commitment: September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026. Fellows commit to a 40-hour work week, typically Tuesday - Saturday, approximately 8am - 5pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 175+ 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 Program, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 15, 2025 - Aug 14, 2026 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Program.

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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 2025-26 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—but with over 175 dedicated hours for professional development and training while receiving 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 and edible food recovery.

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Applications are accepted May 1 - July  31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025.

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Program Benefits

Our commitment to empowerment, mentorship, and leadership training extends to our team. We offer consistent mentorship and are dedicated to our Fellows professional growth while recognizing that we are whole people. Other benefits include:

• Receive up to $33,600 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
• Earn up to $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
• Participation in 175+ hours of training and professional development
• 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

Black Thumb Farm (BTF) recognizes an overwhelming need for hands-on job training and food sovereignty in our underserved communities. Our mission is clear: empower historically underserved youth and provide our community with fresh, healthy, locally-grown food. Our approach is rooted in indigenous farming practices, reconnecting BIPOC youth to their ancestral roots, and instilling a deep sense of stewardship at every step of the farming journey. We strive for holistic restoration, revitalizing the soil while restoring the larger ecosystem—both social and natural—in which the farm exists. We endeavor to be agile, adapting to local environmental concerns such as soil degradation, water availability, and climate variability. We're not just farming; we're preparing our communities to face the challenges of a changing climate head-on. Fellows will be engaged in this work at our existing urban farm and participate in establishing a new urban farm & green space on vacant land in the San Fernando Valley. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Lead youth volunteers on-site to accomplish climate-friendly projects to maximize soil health, retain water, and advocate for urban greening
• Assist in transforming vacant land with mulching, enriching soil with compost, and planting and caring for native plants to maximize soil health and retain water
• Craft and distribute outreach and recruitment materials at tabling events to promote soil health, urban farms/gardens, and BTF programming
• Engage youth and volunteers in diverting over 1,000 pounds of organic waste annually
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

• Live in California by August 15, 2025
• Be at least 18 years of age by August 15, 2025
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

Preferred Qualifications/Skills

Experience in Community Outreach, Composting, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, GIS / Mapping, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Marketing or Social Media, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Native Plant Management, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs in Diverse Outdoor Conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), Access to a reliable vehicle, and Must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Spanish, Korean, Tagalog, or Ilocano 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 Black Thumb Farm

Black Thumb Farm is a nonprofit, urban farm in Panorama City dedicated to empowering BIPOC youth. We strive to grow teens' connection to the natural world, nourish their passions, and empower them to advocate for a sustainable future for themselves and their communities as we seed our way toward food sovereignty. Through our 5 land-based programs, we provide mentorship, professional experience, and leadership opportunities. At our farm and green spaces, we open the door to a world of dirt and bugs, greens and roots, fruits and legumes, to help kids understand where their food comes from: the land. More info: blackthumbfarm.org

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Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025. Interviews will take place May - August, with all positions filled by September 2025. 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. Applications are for the California Climate Action Corps Program in general, but applicants can select up to 5 preferred organizations and positions within the application.

*Program structure, fellow benefits, and final participation are subject to approved grant award(s).