Climate Action Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Fellow at Long Beach Public Utilities Department

Location: Long Beach, 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 8AM - 5PM, 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

Long Beach Utilities Department (LBUD) offers fellows a dynamic introduction to public-sector climate leadership and local government. Through monthly government meetings, conferences, tours, and expert-led presentations, fellows gain firsthand exposure to conservation strategy and implementation at the municipal level. Professional certifications in water treatment, distribution, water-use efficiency, and landscape irrigation are available, along with access to mentorship and City leadership academies. Fellows also build practical expertise in GIS mapping, policy implementation strategies, irrigation installation, and conservation program development—developing a strong foundation for future careers in climate and public service. 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

Long Beach Utilities Department (LBUD) is seeking Climate Action Fellows to help combat climate change by leading data collection and identifying opportunities to outreach to LBUD customers about the benefits of urban greening through water-efficient practices such as tree and native plant installation and urban greening expansion. Fellows will coordinate educational classes and present at workshops to promote urban greening expansion techniques and water-wise landscape design; implement volunteer engagement workdays alongside professional service partners to transform water-intensive turf sites by planting Long Beach climate-appropriate native plants and trees; and track urban greening, volunteer engagement, and community education using data collection tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), while learning landscape design techniques to survey and plan new urban greening expansion projects. This role advances LBUD’s urban greening efforts to sequester carbon, reduce climate impacts, and strengthen community climate resiliency. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Use phone, email, and computer software to track project education, outreach, and urban green expansion data  
• Conduct targeted phone and email outreach to LBUD customers to promote lawn conversions and advance urban greening expansion through water-efficient, climate-appropriate landscape practices
• Collaborate with LBUD staff, program and project partners, volunteers, and customers to facilitate workshops and classes for urban greening expansion and water-wise landscaping
• Mobilize volunteers to complete landscape installations with professionals who assist with technical education and installation techniques for trees, native plants, and water-efficient irrigation 
• Develop and deliver presentations highlighting LBUD climate solutions and urban greening efforts, engaging community members in educational workshops, tabling events, and volunteer recruitment days
• 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), edible food recovery, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, landscape management, marketing & 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, and volunteer management & engagement. Access to a reliable vehicle and must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Khmer, Spanish, or Tagalog 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 Long Beach Utilities Department:

Long Beach Utilities Department (LBUD) provides clean and safe water, sewer, and gas services to the people of Long Beach. Through various water conservation programs, LBUD promotes the transformation of inefficient landscapes into water-wise California native gardens for residential, commercial, and municipal users. The city of Long Beach has a large and diverse community with varied needs, and LBUD strives to make water-efficient and climate-appropriate landscape improvements accessible to everyone. More info: www.lbutilities.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.