Climate Action Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Fellow at San Diego River Park Foundation

Location: San Diego, 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 8:00AM - 4:30PM, 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

With over 20 years of experience, SDRPF provides hands-on mentorship and career development, offering fellows access to a diverse team of specialists in conservation, education, biology, ecology, marketing, nonprofit leadership, and more. Fellows gain experience leading climate action projects, managing volunteers, and collaborating with local agencies and community partners, while building resume-ready skills in GIS and data analysis, CRM database management, habitat restoration, land management, wildfire resiliency, environmental education, media and outreach, and community engagement. They also participate in biweekly career-focused sessions, including resume and interview workshops, leadership development, professional networking, and opportunities for a wide range of certifications, preparing them for long-term careers in climate action and environmental work. 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

Join the San Diego River Park Foundation (SDRPF) as a Climate Action Fellow and become a hands-on leader in advancing climate solutions across San Diego’s urban and natural landscapes. In this role, you’ll spearhead projects in urban greening, habitat restoration, wildfire resiliency, and organic waste diversion. Fellows gain practical experience managing native plant nurseries, gardens, and compost systems while delivering educational programs to K-12 students and the broader community. You’ll also recruit and lead volunteers, contributing directly to measurable environmental outcomes such as planting and maintaining 200+ native trees and 1,000+ native plants, converting over 43,560 sq ft. of land into vibrant urban green space, and diverting 2,000 pounds of food waste from landfills. The position combines project management, volunteer coordination, environmental education, and hands-on climate action, offering a unique opportunity to develop professional skills while making a measurable, lasting impact on San Diego’s environment and community. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and manage the Sustainability Station at Grant Park—including the plant nursery, native plant garden, and compost system—to advance urban greening and organic waste diversion
• Implement urban greening projects at the Point Loma Native Plant Garden, including native plant propagation, tree and plant installation, volunteer management, and educational instruction for K–12 students and community members on the importance of native plants
• Restore and steward 37 acres of habitat across Grant Park, Mission Valley Preserve, and the San Diego River Estuary to reduce wildfire risk through invasive species removal, composting stations for food scraps, trimmings, and weeds, and native plantings
• Recruit and lead volunteers, hosting biweekly outreach events and weekly volunteer workdays at Grant Park focused on native plant installation, habitat restoration for pollinators and riparian ecosystems, composting, and food waste reduction
• Facilitate weekly climate education on composting, native ecosystems, invasive species, and fire-safe landscaping for K–12 students and community members, linking learning to direct volunteer action
• 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, 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, habitat restoration, home hardening/defensible space, landscape management, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, traditional ecological knowledge, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. Access to a reliable vehicle and must possess a valid driver's license. 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 Diego River Park Foundation:

The San Diego River Park Foundation (SDRPF) is a nonprofit founded in 2001 in response to a 34-million-gallon sewage spill into the San Diego River. SDRPF’s mission is to engage people in creating a better future for the river and to reimagine it as an ecological, recreational, and cultural treasure that is celebrated. SDRPF advances hands-on climate action through urban greening, composting and organic waste diversion, community garden programs, and habitat restoration, while connecting thousands of volunteers, community members, and K–12 students to local climate solutions. More info: sandiegoriver.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.