Collective Impact Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Collective Impact Fellow at Sierra Resource Conservation District

Location: Fresno, 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 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

Gain hands-on field experience, technical training, and professional development while collaborating with experts in forestry, conservation, and sustainable agriculture. Through mentorship, networking, and cross-program collaboration, Fellows will develop valuable skills in wildfire mitigation, habitat restoration, and community engagement and have access to specialized training—including the Forestry Apprenticeship Program, S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws training, and First Aid/CPR certification—in preparation of careers in natural resource management, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship. With a supportive and flexible professional environment, Fellows will have opportunities for both independent and team-driven projects in diverse landscapes—from wildfire-impacted areas to riparian corridors. 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

Sierra RCD’s Collective Impact Fellowship offers hands-on experience in wildfire resiliency, urban greening, habitat restoration, and sustainable land, air, and water management. Fellows will support volunteer-driven climate action initiatives through the Forestry and Watershed Program and Agriculture and Rangeland Program, contributing to wildfire mitigation, ecological restoration, and community education. Specializing in one of three focus areas—wildfire resiliency, climate resiliency, or urban greening—Fellows will gain technical training and field experience while collaborating across programs. This role involves conducting Fire Risk Evaluations, leading Firewise USA outreach, restoring native habitats, and promoting regenerative agriculture, helping build more sustainable and climate-resilient landscapes. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Mobilize volunteers to implement fuel reduction, habitat restoration, urban greening, and regenerative agriculture initiatives to enhance wildfire resilience, restore native ecosystems, and promote sustainable land management
• Educate communities by leading Firewise USA outreach, emergency preparedness training, and environmental workshops focused on wildfire mitigation, habitat conservation, and sustainable land stewardship
• Engage residents through volunteer-driven climate action efforts, community workdays, and collaborative projects centered on wildfire preparedness, ecological restoration, and regenerative agriculture
• Assess wildfire risks, soil health, and conservation needs by conducting Fire Risk Evaluations (FREs), developing Firewise USA communities, and supporting landowners with technical guidance
• Collaborate with local partners, landowners, and tribal communities to implement climate-resilient solutions, expand urban greening initiatives, and promote sustainable agriculture practices
• 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, Data/Quantitative Analysis, 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, Landscape Management, Marketing or Social Media, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Native Plant Management, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Technical Writing, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Tree Planting/Care, 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 Hmong 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 Sierra Resource Conservation District

The Sierra Resource Conservation District (Sierra RCD) connects technical, financial, and educational resources to support local land users in addressing natural resource challenges. Covering 3,063 square miles in Eastern Fresno County, the District’s Collective Impact Program enhances regional resilience by coordinating efforts to mitigate wildfires, drought, extreme heat, storms, and pollution. More info: sierrarcd.com

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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).