Zero Waste Assistant

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Zero Waste Assistant at San Mateo County Community College District

Location: San Mateo, California

Number of Positions Available: 2

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 - 4pm, 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

Zero Waste Assistants will enjoy a range of on-site benefits including a free parking pass valid across all 3 campus locations, 4 hours of complimentary EV charging, and deeply discounted access to the campus fitness center. Additional perks include free professional development workshops and access to the on-site Health Center, offering services such as flu shots and general wellness care. 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 Zero Waste Program Assistant will play an essential role in reducing waste at its source across the San Mateo Community College District (SMCCCD). This position supports the District’s broader sustainability goals by advancing waste prevention initiatives that reduce costs, deliver social benefits, and minimize environmental impact. With a focus on deepening engagement across SMCCCD’s diverse and vibrant campuses, Fellows will take on program management responsibilities, coordinate with facilities staff to improve infrastructure, lead community trainings, and organize outreach events that encourage sustainable practices. This position offers a meaningful opportunity to influence behavior change, promote environmental justice, and help students, staff, and faculty become leaders in sustainability. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Lead community engagement efforts through outreach events, waste audits, and the Zero Waste Ambassador Program
• Support compliance with SB 1383 by advancing organic waste diversion at food-serving locations
• Organize and execute large-scale climate-focused events—like Earth Fest—by coordinating volunteers, community partners, and promotions
• Recruit, train, and lead student volunteers in the Zero Waste Ambassador Program, fostering peer-to-peer sustainability education
• Create and maintain sustainability reports, website content, and social media content that highlight impact and progress
• 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, Data/Quantitative Analysis, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Marketing or Social Media, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, 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 San Mateo County Community College District

The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) is a three-college district located between San Francisco and San Jose in the Silicon Valley. The Colleges serve nearly 20,000 students each year and offer the first 2 years of instruction in a wide variety of degree and transfer programs, as well as vocational-technical programs. Housed in the Facilities Maintenance, Operations and Planning Division, the Sustainability Team at SMCCCD is highly collaborative and thrives on innovation and creativity. More info: smccd.edu

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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).