Community Empowerment Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Community Empowerment Fellow at City Plants

Location: Los Angeles, California

Number of Positions Available: 3

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.  This is a hybrid position, onsite 2 days per week.

**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

Fellows will gain invaluable professional development opportunities, including mentorship from experienced urban forestry professionals, access to networking events, and the chance to contribute to a meaningful mission that improves the environment and enhances community well-being. 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

In response to the urgent need for urban forestry in historically underserved areas of Los Angeles, City Plants is seeking 3 Community Empowerment Fellows to join our mission. Through the Urban Forest Equity Collective (UFEC), funded research has highlighted the disparity in tree coverage. Fellows will spearhead programs planting 20,000 trees annually, educate residents, and empower them to nurture their trees, focusing on community outreach, engagement, tree planting, care, education, and social media. This pivotal role aims to increase tree cover, enhance air quality, and equip residents with essential tree care knowledge while fostering a network of Tree Ambassadors advocating for their local trees. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Engage the community with in-person interactions, phone calls, emails, and social media to share info, answer questions, solicit feedback, and promote urban greening initiatives
• Implement planting activities, including seed sowing, transplanting, and education on proper techniques to ensure the well-being and sustained growth of trees and shrubs
• Design and deliver seminars and educational resources to train the community on tree care, urban forestry, and environmental stewardship
• Craft and implement communication and social media strategies to share program updates, stories, resources, and volunteer opportunities to mobilize grassroots engagement with outreach and events
• 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, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, GIS / Mapping, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Marketing or Social Media, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Tree Planting/Care, Volunteer Management & Engagement, and 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 City Plants

City Plants, a public-private partnership, coordinates LA's tree planting efforts. We collaborate with various stakeholders to distribute and plant around 20,000 trees annually, focusing on heat-vulnerable communities. Our mission is to ensure equitable access to trees for all Angelenos, promoting clean air, healthier lives, and vibrant neighborhoods. We are advancing the Mayor's Green New Deal by aiming for a 50% canopy increase in underserved areas by 2028 and supporting community-led urban greening projects to build a more resilient and equitable LA. More info: cityplants.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).