Reserve Land Steward

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Reserve Land Steward at UC Davis Putah Creek Riparian Reserve

Location: Davis, 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 7AM - 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

Fellows will be part of the larger Arboretum and Public Garden staff team with expertise in restoration ecology, plant conservation, sustainable horticulture, museum collections management, water management, and public horticulture. As part of the University, the Arboretum and Public Garden fosters a culture of continuous learning, open communication, mutual respect, and public service. Career staff are enthusiastic mentors with deep expertise in sustainable horticulture, plant conservation, arboriculture, and habitat restoration, as well as established networks in the regional environmental community. Fellows will be able to participate in training opportunities provided by the Arboretum’s Learning by Leading undergraduate internship curriculum for ecological land management, waterway stewardship, urban tree stewardship, sustainable horticulture, and habitat horticulture programs, as well as join our staff at regional conservation training workshops and meetings focused on natural resource conservation, habitat restoration, and wildland management. 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 Reserve Land Steward position with the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden’s Putah Creek Riparian Reserve offers a unique opportunity to transform and enhance public open space and UC Davis naturalized lands, building climate and fire resilience, and benefiting the campus community and the broader region. Fellows will collaborate with expert staff to lead urban greening, habitat restoration, and fire mitigation efforts across the 640-acre Putah Creek Riparian Reserve and campus naturalized lands. Fellows will engage in nearly 40 acres of new habitat restoration and ecological land management projects throughout the Reserve to support the Arboretum and Public Garden’s goal of building a resilient and sustainable campus landscape amidst a changing climate. The Reserve is an important open space and wildland feature in the greater Sacramento region, providing critical wildlife habitat for threatened and endangered species and serving as an outdoor teaching and learning hub for the community. Fellows will serve alongside Reserve staff to remove invasive species that increase fuel loads and fire risk to sensitive habitat areas, revegetate with local native vegetation (understory and canopy species), and train future conservation and restoration leaders through direct engagement with UC Davis undergraduate students and the surrounding community. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Recruit, train, and coordinate community volunteers for urban greening and fire resiliency projects—including invasive species removal and native plant revegetation
• Design and implement habitat restoration projects with vegetation management plans that support climate-resilient native plant communities (riparian, oak woodland, native grassland)
• Coordinate with staff to support student interns and volunteers in completing project activities such as seed collection, planting, invasive species removal, and fuel reduction
• Lead hands-on education and outreach on habitat restoration, plant identification (native and non-native), and seed collection and processing protocols in the Sacramento Valley Watershed
• 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, diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), environmental education, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, habitat restoration, landscape management, native plant management, traditional ecological knowledge, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. 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 UC Davis Putah Creek Riparian Reserve:

The UC Davis Putah Creek Riparian Reserve (Reserve) manages 640 acres of natural riparian, oak woodland, and grassland ecosystems that border the southern edge of the UC Davis campus and 6 miles of Putah Creek, as well as naturalized lands at the interface of urban and agricultural landscapes. Part of the larger UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, these lands are maintained for teaching and research purposes, wildlife and habitat protection, and community engagement. We serve as a hub for environmental learning, community involvement, climate-resilient landscapes, and a deeper connection with nature. More info: arboretum.ucdavis.edu/putah-creek

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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.