Wildfire Resilience Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Wildfire Resilience Fellow at Santa Monica Mountains Fire Safe Council

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 10am - 6pm, 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

The Santa Monica Mountains Fire Safe Council offers a supportive and inclusive environment for young professionals, providing mentorship and opportunities for growth. With a hybrid schedule, team members enjoy flexibility and collaborate in-person with colleagues and community leaders. A unique partnership with LA County Forestry allows access to their native plant nursery and Wildfire Resilient Demonstration House. Additionally, the service area includes expansive open spaces, perfect for hiking and wildlife observation. 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

Wildfire Resilience Fellows with the Santa Monica Mountains Fire Safe Council will play a vital role in advancing wildfire resilience programs that support education, engagement, and action across vulnerable communities. Fellows will take part in efforts that help residents prepare for wildfire events through home hardening guidance, defensible space strategies, and invasive species monitoring. From recruiting volunteers for community workdays to conducting Home Ignition Zone Evaluations and delivering educational workshops, Fellows will spark behavior change that protects both people and the region’s unique biodiversity. This is an opportunity to be part of a hands-on, forward-thinking team committed to reducing wildfire risk and building climate resilience across the Santa Monica Mountains. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Recruit and coordinate volunteers for FIREWISE community workdays, habitat restoration, and Gold Spotted Oak Borer monitoring
• Lead Home Ignition Zone Evaluations to advise residents on home hardening and defensible space improvements
• Educate community members through presentations and workshops on wildfire preparedness, including defensible space and FIREWISE practices
• Support behavior change efforts that increase household-level resilience and reduce ignition risks throughout the Santa Monica Mountains
• Collaborate with staff, partners, and residents to expand outreach and engagement with vulnerable populations most at risk from wildfire 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

Experience in Community Outreach, Data/Quantitative Analysis, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, GIS / Mapping, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Habitat Restoration, Home Hardening/Defensible Space, Landscape Management, Marketing or Social Media, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Native Plant Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Tree Planting/Care, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the ability to operate 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 American Sign Language, or 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 Santa Monica Mountains Fire Safe Council

The mission of the Santa Monica Mountains Fire Safe Council (SMMFSC) is to promote wildfire safety and community resilience in the communities of the Santa Monica Mountains through education, technical support, subject matter expertise, and community-driven action plans. SMMFSC has a large service area, which is home to a biodiverse, fire-adapted landscape that experiences unnaturally high fire frequencies that threaten the resiliency of the local ecosystems and safety of all residing communities. Collaborating to connect resources and needs across the mountains, SMMFSC helps the community adapt and build resilience in the face of extreme wildfire events. More info: smmfsc.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).