Natural Infrastructure Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Natural Infrastructure Fellow at Amigos de los Rios

Location: Pasadena, California

Number of Positions Available: 7

Time Commitment: September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026. Fellows commit to a 40-hour work week, typically Tuesday - Saturday, approximately 8am - 5pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 175+ of these hours are dedicated to professional development.

**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Program, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 15, 2025 - Aug 14, 2026 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Program.

——

About the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship

The California Climate Action Corps has over 400 positions available across California for the 2025-26 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—but with over 175 dedicated hours for professional development and training while receiving 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 and edible food recovery.

———

Applications are accepted May 1 - July  31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025.

———

Program Benefits

Fellows will gain hands-on experience in designing and implementing green infrastructure projects that enhance environmental sustainability while receiving personalized professional development, mentorship, and access to a statewide network of over 400 emerging climate leaders and 100+ organizations. Based in Pasadena, Fellows will benefit from proximity to both the cultural opportunities of Los Angeles and the natural resources of the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest, one of the most visited National Forests in the country. Other benefits include:

• Receive up to $33,600 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
• Earn up to $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
• Participation in 175+ hours of training and professional development
• 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

Natural Infrastructure Fellows will play a key role in expanding volunteer engagement and environmental stewardship for Amigos’ Emerald Necklace urban forestry and natural infrastructure projects across eastern Los Angeles County. Through hands-on community outreach, education, and leadership, Fellows will mobilize thousands of volunteers to restore urban green spaces, plant and care for trees and shrubs, and implement nature-based solutions that address climate challenges. These efforts will improve air and water quality, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the urban heat island effect while advancing environmental justice in historically underserved communities. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate community outreach by engaging local schools, colleges, and organizations to promote the Emerald Necklace Stewardship Program and expand Amigos’ volunteer network
• Lead volunteer-driven urban forestry and natural infrastructure projects and events—including tree and shrub planting, habitat restoration, and climate resilience initiatives
• Educate volunteers on leading environmental science, connecting project efforts to environmental justice and climate science
• Develop engaging educational materials that highlight project goals, site significance, and the role of urban forestry in climate adaptation
• Guide community members in hands-on environmental restoration, fostering the next generation of climate leaders and environmental stewards
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

• Live in California by August 15, 2025
• Be at least 18 years of age by August 15, 2025
• 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, Data/Quantitative Analysis, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, GIS / Mapping, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Habitat Restoration, Landscape Management, Marketing or Social Media, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Native Plant Management, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Technical Writing, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Tree Planting/Care, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs in Diverse Outdoor Conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), Access to a reliable vehicle, and Must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, or Vietnamese 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 Amigos de los Rios

Amigos de los Rios is dedicated to realizing it's Emerald Necklace natural infrastructure vision of interconnected parks, green schools, and urban forest spanning Los Angeles County “from the Mountains to the Sea.” This “Landscape-scale Conservation” network is designed to respond to the climate challenges facing this urban mega-region—air quality, heat islands, stormwater management, biodiversity protection, and urban wildfire resilience. We are leading a diverse coalition of agency and community partners to design, implement, and care for over 30 urban greening restoration projects to reclaim and restore blighted urban spaces across eastern L.A. County. More info: amigosdelosrios.org

——

Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025. Interviews will take place May - August, with all positions filled by September 2025. 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. Applications are for the California Climate Action Corps Program in general, but applicants can select up to 5 preferred organizations and positions within the application.

*Program structure, fellow benefits, and final participation are subject to approved grant award(s).