Climate Resilience Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Resilience Fellow at City of Berkeley

Location: Berkeley, California

Number of Positions Available: 4

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.  This is a hybrid position, onsite 4 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 City of Berkeley offers hands-on experience in climate action and resilience efforts, alongside a diverse staff of experts in various fields, in a city known for its environmental leadership and bold climate policy. Fellows receive ongoing professional development—including mentors, shadowing opportunities, and guest speaker sessions—and have the opportunity to network with city staff collaborating on diverse climate solutions, from transportation and energy to public health and economic development. 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 City of Berkeley provides a unique opportunity to advance climate action and resilience through hands-on engagement in urban forestry and zero waste initiatives. Climate Resilience Fellows will collaborate across divisions to implement sustainable solutions, increase community engagement, and foster environmental stewardship. In the Urban Forestry division, Fellows will enhance tree canopy in underserved neighborhoods, mitigating heat impacts and improving air quality. In the Zero Waste division, Fellows will support food recovery efforts and ensure local businesses have access to proper composting infrastructure, reducing waste and increasing food security. Through professional development, cross-divisional collaboration, and direct community involvement, Fellows will play a key role in building a more sustainable and resilient Berkeley. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Expand urban tree canopy by identifying planting sites, responding to community tree requests, and coordinating volunteer tree planting events
• Engage local businesses to improve composting infrastructure, ensure compliance with zero waste regulations, and promote food recovery initiatives
• Strengthen partnerships with community-based organizations to facilitate food donations and reduce organic waste in support of food-insecure residents
• Lead outreach and engagement initiatives to increase awareness, deliver zero waste education, and highlight the City’s tree planting programs
• Represent the City at community events, farmers’ markets, and festivals to educate the public on sustainability initiatives and encourage participation
• 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, Edible Food Recovery, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, GIS / Mapping, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Habitat Restoration, Landscape Management, Marketing or Social Media, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Technical Writing, Tree Planting/Care, Volunteer Management & Engagement, and the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. 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 of Berkeley

The City of Berkeley is committed to serving its community while promoting a diverse, accessible, affordable, equitable, safe, healthy, environmentally sound, and culturally rich city. With a rich history of environmental leadership—including pioneering recycling programs and ambitious climate goals—Berkeley continues to innovate and embrace democratic participation in local decision-making. More info: berkeleyca.gov

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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).