Urban Greening Specialist

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Urban Greening Specialist at Northeastern University

Location: Oakland, 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 - 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

Receive valuable training in CPR and First Aid, along with opportunities to deepen your skills through horticulture workshops at Merritt College, regional network gatherings, and site visits to university gardens. Those pursuing professional certifications, such as the ISA arborist credential, will have access to study materials and guidance from experienced internal mentors to support their growth. 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

Northeastern University is seeking 3 dynamic and passionate Urban Greening Specialists to help advance community engagement and education efforts centered on urban forestry, expanding green spaces, and habitat restoration in Oakland, CA. Play an integral role in using the campus as a learning laboratory, equipping residents in neighborhoods like Millsmont, Frick, and Bancroft with practical knowledge and tools for cultivating healthy urban gardens, caring for trees, and advancing environmental sustainability. Through immersive, hands-on experience in urban greening and arboriculture, Urban Greening Specialists will contribute directly to local climate action and strengthen community resilience. This opportunity supports skill-building in sustainable land stewardship, environmental education, and grassroots outreach—while deepening local connections to green spaces and expanding community-led urban forestry efforts. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Facilitate and recruit participants for educational workshops, training sessions, community tabling, and volunteer events centered on urban forests and climate action
• Design and deliver public programming on topics including tree care, composting, seed saving, and urban greening
• Support ongoing campus farm and arboretum activities such as native/non-native plant identification, monitoring, planting, weeding, and compost care
• Collaborate with local residents to advance community-informed priorities in areas of urban greening and climate action, expand tree canopy coverage, and promote neighborhood leadership in environmental stewardship
• Conduct community outreach through surveys and other methods to improve aforementioned climate action programming, strategy, 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

Experience in Community Outreach, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, Habitat Restoration, Landscape Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, 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), 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 Northeastern University

Northeastern University's Climate Justice and Sustainability Hub (CJSH) supports the university’s mission through the following core goals: Campuses will serve as models of sustainable, resilient, healthy, interconnected, and just communities; contribute to building a just and regenerative economy, both locally and globally; foster equitable relationships with local communities to demonstrate place-based justice and sustainability in action; and promote just research and academic practices that advance equitable solutions to the climate crisis. Grounded in place-based solutions, the CJSH is leading climate justice programming for its Oakland campus and surrounding neighborhoods. More info: sustainability.northeastern.edu

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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).