Community Engagement Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Community Engagement Fellow at Butte Environmental Council

Location: Chico, California

Number of Positions Available: 2

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 Monday - Friday, approximately 9am - 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.

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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 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.

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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.

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Program Benefits

Butte Environmental Council offers numerous opportunities to develop both your professional and personal skills, all of which are transferable to various aspects of life. As a locally rooted grassroots nonprofit with an extensive network of community partners, we are deeply embedded in the community. By joining us, you'll have the chance to advance your career, thrive in a positive office culture, and benefit from mileage reimbursement for any project-related travel. Other benefits include:

• Receive up to $35,000 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

At Butte Environmental Council (BEC), Fellows play a vital role in environmental engagement and education, mobilizing volunteers for tree planting and promoting food waste reduction initiatives. Through outreach efforts and collaboration with stakeholders, Fellows support BEC's efforts in edible food recovery, urban greening, and fire mitigation. Fellows will provide support for tree plantings in the community, coordinating the development of community gardens, and assist with a grassroots household food waste pick up and composting initiative. Our Rubbish and Recycling Education (RARE) program gives Fellows the opportunity to conduct education and outreach in Butte County schools as well as to charter schools, after school programs, and homeschooled students. BEC is looking for land stewards interested in vermiculture composting, recycling and rubbish education, fire mitigation efforts, and/or tree planting. Fellows can choose to fulfill their Fellowship training requirements in focus areas, such as, watershed health, urban forestry, and edible food recovery, all while making a tangible impact on environmental sustainability in Butte County. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate and lead climate education community workshops, events, and volunteer projects
• Develop engaging climate education outreach content—including newsletter articles, brochures, and social media posts, to raise awareness and inspire climate action
• Engage with the public at community events through informative tabling sessions aimed at educating and recruiting volunteers for climate action initiatives
• Cultivate partnerships with local organizations, contributing to coalition building efforts
• 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, Composting, Edible Food Recovery, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Habitat Restoration, Marketing or Social Media, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, 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. 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 Butte Environmental Council

Butte Environmental Councils (BEC) mission is to protect and defend the land, air and water of Butte County and the surrounding region through action, advocacy and education. BECs role in the community is to provide educational outreach, community engagement and strategic partnerships between other community based organizations, community members and youth. More info: becnet.org

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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).