Climate Resiliency Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Resiliency Fellow at Contra Costa Resource Conservation District

Location: Concord, California

Number of Positions Available: 3

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 Monday - Friday, 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 3 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

CCRCD provides Fellows with hands-on experience in running an environmental organization and executing public-facing programs. They will explore various career pathways in the environmental field while gaining mentorship and networking opportunities with experienced professionals. Professional development is further supported through access to local conferences, workshops, and webinars. 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

The Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) is seeking 3 Climate Action Fellows to expand climate-focused programming through hands-on environmental restoration, education, and community engagement. Fellows will lead volunteer events that restore urban green spaces, creeks, and wetlands while delivering climate-related curriculum in classrooms and field settings. With a focus on under-resourced communities in Richmond, Rodeo, Crockett, Bay Point, Pittsburg, and Antioch, Fellows will empower residents to adopt sustainable practices, fostering long-term environmental stewardship. This role provides an opportunity to take ownership of impactful projects, from launching a school-based composting initiative to establishing a dedicated volunteer network for urban greening sites. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Lead volunteer events focused on invasive species removal, native plantings, and habitat restoration to strengthen community engagement in climate resilience
• Develop and deliver climate-related educational programs to students and adults, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed environmental decisions
• Organize outreach campaigns to recruit and engage volunteers, building a consistent support network for long-term urban greening and restoration projects
• Implement a pilot composting program at a local school, supporting food waste diversion and soil enrichment initiatives
• Research and design targeted strategies to increase participation in environmental stewardship activities within historically underserved communities
• 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, Edible Food Recovery, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, GIS / Mapping, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Habitat Restoration, Home Hardening/Defensible Space, Marketing or Social Media, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Native Plant Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the ability to operate in Diverse Outdoor Conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain). Fluency in Cantonese, Hindi, Mandarin, Punjabi, or 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 Contra Costa Resource Conservation District

The Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) is a non-regulatory, special district of the state of California whose mission is to facilitate the conservation and stewardship of the natural resources in Contra Costa County. The CCRCD’s programs include engaging in agriculture, watershed coordination, environmental education, and restoration. The CCRCD carries out its mission primarily via voluntary partnerships, such as with farmers and ranchers, local watershed and creek groups, teachers and classrooms, landowners, agencies, nonprofits, and individuals. More info: ccrcd.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).