Climate Action Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Fellow at San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust

Location: Fresno, California

Number of Positions Available: 2

Time Commitment: September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027. Fellows in this position commit to a 40-hour work week, Monday - Friday, approximately 7:00AM - 3:30PM, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 170-340 of these hours are dedicated to professional development. 

**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Fellowship, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 21, 2026 - Aug 13, 2027 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship.

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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 2026-27 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—with 170-340 dedicated hours for professional development and training, providing 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.

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Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 19.

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Program Benefits

The San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust offers mentorship from experienced nonprofit professionals in science, education, recreation, and fundraising, giving you exposure to diverse career paths. Situated in Fresno, California, Fellows also benefit from the city's central location and a cost of living 21% lower than the state average, enhancing the overall internship experience. Other benefits include:

• Receive a $35,250 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
• Receive $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
• Participation in 170-340 hours of training and professional development
• Receive $300 in professional development funds
• 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

Climate Action Fellows at the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust serve as frontline advocates for environmental stewardship across various Parkway properties. Engaging with the public, Fellows will foster positive connections and promote opportunities for volunteerism and community engagement. Through hands-on involvement in habitat restoration projects, Fellows will help create sustainable green spaces and revive healthy riparian corridors along the San Joaquin River. Fellows will collaborate on education initiatives, delivering climate-focused lessons to inspire environmental awareness and climate action. Climate Action Fellows will play a vital role in advancing the Trust's mission to create sustainable, accessible green spaces that benefit both the community and wildlife along the San Joaquin River. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Recruit, train, and lead volunteers in habitat restoration projects to enhance the sustainability of green spaces along the San Joaquin River, engaging volunteers in invasive species removal, native plant revegetation, and urban greening initiatives for wildfire resilience and soil health
• Develop and deliver climate-focused educational curriculum and materials to inspire environmental awareness and community engagement in urban greening activities
• Enhance biodiversity and climate resilience along the river by engaging volunteers in invasive plants management, defensible space formation, planting for pollinators, and educating the community through research and hands-on activities
• Organize monthly volunteer events and enhance social media strategy to increase volunteer participation and support for urban greening and wildfire resilience initiatives
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

• Live in California by August 14, 2026
• Be at least 18 years of age by August 14, 2026
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

Preferred Qualifications/Skills

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, and experience in community outreach, data/quantitative analysis, diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, graphic design, habitat restoration, home hardening/defensible space, landscape management, marketing & social media, Microsoft Office Suite & Teams, multi-stakeholder collaboration, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, technical writing, traditional ecological knowledge, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. Access to a reliable vehicle and must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in American Sign Language, Hmong, 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 San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust

The San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust's mission is to preserve and restore San Joaquin River lands of ecological, scenic or historic significance, to educate the public on the need for stewardship, to research issues affecting the river, and to promote educational, recreational, and agricultural uses of the river bottom consistent with the protection of the river’s resources. More info: riverparkway.org

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Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 19. Interviews will take place May-Aug, with all positions filled by September 4, 2026. 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. Applicants can select up to 5 preferred positions within the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship application.