Habitat Restoration Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Habitat Restoration Fellow at Friends of Ballona Wetlands

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 8:30am - 5:30pm, 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

Friends of Ballona Wetlands is a small team that offers invaluable opportunities to network with professionals in the field of habitat restoration, land management, biological sciences, environmental education, and non-profit management, providing first-hand exposure to real-world environmental initiatives. Additionally, Fellows gain practical experience in project management and data analysis, enhancing their skill set and bolstering their resume for future career endeavors. 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

The Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve comprises the last remaining coastal wetlands in Los Angeles—including regionally rare saltmarsh, freshwater marsh, coastal dune, and riparian habitats—and represents the 2nd largest open space in LA. Friends of Ballona Wetlands’ Climate Action Fellows will collaborate with our habitat restoration, education, and science teams to engage local students and community members throughout the Los Angeles area to restore and enhance habitat at LA’s last coastal wetland. Our projects are advancing concrete climate adaptation goals, including removing fire-prone invasive species, and cultivating climate-adapted native plants and trees in their place. Fellows will provide crucial support for public and private events at the Reserve, Freshwater Marsh, and Ballona Discovery Park, as well as critical ecological rehabilitation efforts. Engage with the diverse communities of greater Los Angeles with the support of a team that prioritizes collaboration and professional development, and together, we can restore the ecosystems of the Ballona Wetlands with climate-adaptive solutions. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Spearhead habitat restoration and enhancement projects by removing fire-prone invasive species, maintaining trails, and propagating, planting, and caring for native plants and trees
• Organize and lead community volunteer events, welcoming weekly visits from local schools, as well as coordinating private and public events that engage the diverse Los Angeles community
• Host community outreach events to advocate for native plant gardens as part of our Grow Native program, fostering environmental stewardship and awareness
• 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, GIS / Mapping, Google Suite, Habitat Restoration, Landscape Management, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Native Plant 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. 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 Friends of Ballona Wetlands

Friends of Ballona Wetlands mission is to champion the restoration and protection of Los Angeles’ last coastal wetland, educating our diverse community as stewards of nature. Founded in 1978, our primary objective is to inform and empower visitors of all ages. Through our educational tours, our Explore Ballona! K-12 curricula, our restoration projects, and our local advocacy efforts, we help our community acquire the knowledge needed to take action to reduce negative environmental impacts. We successfully bring together local stakeholders to think globally and act locally, cultivating more than 100,000 volunteers over the years. More info: ballonafriends.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).