Urban Agriculture Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Urban Agriculture Fellow at City of Santa Monica

Location: Santa Monica, 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 - 4:30pm, 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

Santa Monica is a beautiful beach city with a Mediterranean climate, and during the winter, a place you can go surfing in the morning and be on skis in the afternoon. We are a melting pot of cultures with foods, music, and arts from around the world. We are also leaders in Sustainability, with our offices located in what is considered the Greenest Municipal Building in the world—complete with composting toilets, edible landscaping and a 1.5-million-gallon stormwater catchment system on site. We get around on e-bikes, offer Tap Passes for green commuting, and engage with various City Departments that can expand any professional network. 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

Join the City of Santa Monica as an Urban Agriculture Fellow and play a vital role in launching and sustaining community-driven sustainability initiatives. Fellows will be at the forefront of activating the 19th Street Community Farm and Wellness Garden—a nearly 5,000 sq. ft. planting space and the City’s 6th urban agriculture site—serving as a Communally Managed Site. Fellows will engage local residents in its development by organizing planting events, workshops, and volunteer days to bring this space to life. Beyond the farm, Fellows will help expand the Community Compost Co-Op, which diverts nearly 10,000 pounds of green waste annually, ensuring residents have access to composting hubs and training resources. Additional projects include supporting city-wide sustainability education efforts and engaging with local K-12 schools to promote environmental awareness. If you are passionate about urban agriculture, climate action, and hands-on community engagement, this is an opportunity to make a measurable impact in Santa Monica. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Facilitate community engagement and volunteer recruitment for the 19th Street Community Farm and Wellness Garden, organizing planting events, workshops, and school visits
• Lead efforts to expand the Community Compost Co-Op, maintaining composting hubs, training residents, and developing educational materials
• Organize and participate in monthly outreach and education programs, contributing to workshops and gardening events across the city
• Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers to support urban agriculture and climate resilience initiatives
• Research and document Santa Monica’s agricultural history in preparation for the 50th anniversary of Community Gardening in 2026, contributing to climate education efforts through local publications
• 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, Graphic Design, Marketing or Social Media, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Technical Writing, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Tree Planting/Care, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, 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 City of Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Office of Sustainability and the Environment is responsible for implementing sustainable practices in Santa Monica. We use the power of community to enhance our resources, prevent harm to the natural environment and human health, and benefit the social and economic well-being of the community for current and future generations. Our programs and policies support city-wide goals to achieve water self-sufficiency, zero waste, and carbon neutrality. We lead efforts in urban agriculture, sustainable procurement, toxic use reduction, climate action and adaptation, coastal resiliency, watershed health, building and vehicle electrification, sustainable building, single use plastic reduction, green business, and community engagement. More info: SantaMonica.gov

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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).