Environmental Outreach Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Environmental Outreach Fellow at Pasadena Unified School District

Location: Pasadena, California

Number of Positions Available: 3

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 7AM - 3PM, 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

At Pasadena Unified School District, fellows benefit from a collaborative and inclusive culture that emphasizes professional growth and mentorship. Fellows have opportunities to build strong networks across schools and departments while gaining hands-on experience in educational and sustainability initiatives. 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

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is taking an active role in improving Climate Literacy and sustainable land stewardship efforts across school campuses and the broader Pasadena community. Fellows will lead educational workshops that equip students, families, and local residents with actionable, science-based strategies to reduce edible food waste, strengthen community climate resilience, and mitigate wildfire risk. By engaging volunteers, coordinating climate action events, and implementing sustainable land management practices—such as water bioretension landscapes, composting, and native planting—fellows will gain real-world experience guiding volunteers in ecological restoration, urban greening, and community-driven climate adaptation to mitigate wildfire risk. This is a unique opportunity to support PUSD’s vision of transforming school environments into thriving, climate-resilient spaces that benefit both people and planet. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provide climate literacy education and hands-on outdoor learning for 1000+ students focused on topics including reducing food waste, composting, soil health, wildfire resilience, and native planting and propagation
• Lead volunteer activities and community engagement events that support campus greening with climate-conscious landscaping projects, ecological restoration, and heat mitigation
• Support the installation of native and drought-tolerant landscaping and other green infrastructure projects, including a nature play park and carbon sequestration forest, that reduce water use, enhance biodiversity, provide heat mitigation, and strengthen district-wide climate resilience
• Engage students, clubs, and community members in native seed collection, plant propagation, and greenhouse activities that expand community access to climate-appropriate plants and outdoor learning opportunities
• Advance composting and food waste prevention by managing on-site systems and leading demonstrations to promote sustainability
• Engage student volunteers to lead zero-waste lunch audits, divert organic waste from landfills, and promote soil health and sustainable daily habits through hands-on climate education
• 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, composting, data/quantitative analysis, diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), edible food recovery, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, GIS mapping, Google suite, 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, and volunteer management & engagement. Functional knowledge of GIS a plus. 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 Pasadena Unified School District:

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) provides a high-quality education to students in Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre, with a focus on academic excellence, equity, and community engagement. PUSD offers diverse programs, including STEM, arts, dual language immersion, and International Baccalaureate, to prepare students for college and careers. The district fosters an inclusive environment, prioritizing social-emotional well-being and student success. With strong leadership, PUSD ensures that all students have access to opportunities that develop critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills for success in an evolving world. More info: pusd.us

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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.