Sustainability Programs Specialist

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Sustainability Programs Specialist at Santa Clara University

Location: Santa Clara, 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 8:30am - 5pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 175+ of these hours are dedicated to professional development. 

**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

The Center for Sustainability is a close-knit team that values relationships grounded in trust, constructive feedback, mentorship, and continuous professional development in sustainability, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. As part of the CFS team, Specialists have access to the Forge Garden’s bounty—including organic produce, flowers, and eggs—as well as clothing from Bucky’s Closet, SCU’s on-campus free store. The SCU campus is conveniently located one block from the Santa Clara Transit Center, a hub for Caltrain, Amtrak Capitol Corridor, Altamont Corridor Express (ACE), and VTA transit services. 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

Santa Clara University’s Center for Sustainability (CFS) invites passionate changemakers to join as Sustainability Programs Specialists. These positions empower individuals to engage the campus and broader community in cultivating a culture of just sustainability—one rooted in care, equity, and climate action. Specialists will support SCU’s climate-positive goals by leading transformative programs within two focus areas: sustainable food systems and zero waste management. Through collaboration, creativity, and hands-on engagement, Specialists will build a more just, humane, and sustainable world—mobilizing students, faculty, staff, and neighbors to take collective action. Applicants may express their preferred focus area(s) during interviews, and final assignments will reflect each candidate’s interests, experience, and aspirations. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Recruit, train, and mobilize students and community members to support zero waste—including move-out waste diversion, community composting, and tree planting events
• Create and share educational content on climate action through interactive workshops, social media, tabling, tours, and presentations on topics such as composting and food waste reduction
• Coordinate community-facing programs such as the Forge Farm Stand, Nourish Nights, the Community Seed Swap, and the Plant Sale
• Support and expand zero waste initiatives including on-campus composting and dining waste audits
• 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, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Marketing or Social Media, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Volunteer Management & Engagement, and the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs in Diverse Outdoor Conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain). 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 Santa Clara University, Center for Sustainability

The Center for Sustainability (CFS) at Santa Clara University (SCU) serves as a catalyst for transformative climate action, connecting academics, operations, and campus life to empower students, faculty, and staff in building a more humane, just, and sustainable world. The CFS team—including dedicated staff, faculty associates, and student leaders—drives campus-wide sustainability efforts, cultivates vibrant garden programs, and supports student-led research that explores the intersectional dimensions of the climate crisis and local solutions throughout the academic year. More info: scu.edu/sustainability

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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).