Climate Resilience Organizer

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Resilience Organizer at Santa Monica Mountains Fund

Location: Newbury Park California

Number of Positions Available: 4

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

Fellows gain hands-on experience in the climate resilience field while receiving mentorship from staff with deep experience in conservation and community engagement. Santa Monica Mountains Fund offers a collaborative, field-based environment where fellows can build leadership skills, expand professional networks, and explore career pathways in climate, conservation, 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

The Climate Resilience Organizer supports Santa Monica Mountains Fund’s efforts to advance climate resilience through urban greening and wildfire resiliency across Southern California. Fellows serve as community-facing climate organizers, mobilizing volunteers to implement native plant installations, habitat restoration, defensible space projects, and post-fire recovery efforts in parks, schools, and neighborhood sites. The project’s goal is to deliver measurable climate benefits while strengthening community capacity to respond to climate impacts through hands-on stewardship and engagement. This position offers a dynamic, field-based service experience for individuals interested in climate action, conservation, community organizing, or environmental education. Fellows gain practical experience leading volunteers, supporting on-the-ground climate solutions, and engaging diverse communities—particularly those disproportionately impacted by climate change. Through direct service, structured education, and mentorship, fellows develop transferable skills that support future careers in environmental and public service fields. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Recruit and mobilize community members, youth, and volunteers to participate in urban greening and wildfire resiliency initiatives, such as native seed collection events, native plant propagation and community plant giveaways, pollinator garden projects, climate resilience workshops, and community stewardship activities
• Coordinate and implement native plant installation, habitat restoration, defensible space, post-fire recovery, and climate-resilient landscaping projects in parks, schools, Olympic legacy sites, and other public spaces
• Deliver structured climate education sessions and volunteer orientations focused on urban greening, wildfire risk reduction, climate resilience, and community preparedness, including training on native plants, defensible space practices, and environmental stewardship
• 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

Experience in community outreach, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, GIS/mapping, habitat restoration, marketing & social media, native plant management, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. 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 The Santa Monica Mountains Fund:

Santa Monica Mountains Fund supports conservation, restoration, and public engagement across the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounding communities. The organization advances climate resilience through urban greening, native habitat restoration, wildfire recovery, and community stewardship programs that connect people to the land. Working in partnership with public land agencies and local communities, Santa Monica Mountains Fund creates hands-on opportunities for volunteers and emerging leaders to take meaningful climate action while building skills in environmental service and stewardship. 

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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.