Climate Conservation Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Conservation Fellow at Long Beach Utilities Department

Location: Long Beach, California

Number of Positions Available: 2

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 6am - 3:30pm, 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

Long Beach Utilities provides a great opportunity to experience insights in the public sector and local government functions. Fellows will have the opportunity to attend monthly government meetings and conferences, as well as participate in tours, presentations, and discussions about conservation. Certifications in water treatment, distribution, water use efficiency, and landscape irrigation classes are also available. The City of Long Beach provides numerous opportunities for mentorship, leadership academies, and career placement post-Fellowship. 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

Long Beach Utilities is expanding its conservation programs to make water efficiency and turf removal projects more accessible to all Long Beach residents, especially in historically underserved communities. By replacing water-intensive turf with climate-appropriate native landscapes, these programs create urban green spaces that attract pollinators, reduce wildfire risk, and promote environmental resilience. Climate Conservation Fellows will play a key role in engaging communities, identifying opportunities for landscape transformation, and increasing participation through outreach, GIS mapping, and partnerships with local organizations. This opportunity is ideal for individuals passionate about conservation, urban greening, and equitable access to climate solutions, offering hands-on experience in environmental stewardship and community engagement. By improving access to resources, assisting with native plant restoration, and equipping residents with the tools to maintain sustainable landscapes, Fellows will help foster a more climate-resilient Long Beach. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate volunteer activities that support conservation efforts, including native plant garden maintenance, rain garden creation, and water-wise landscape installations
• Facilitate educational workshops alongside interns, City employees, schools, non-profits, and local businesses to promote water conservation programs
• Engage with community members and partner organizations to promote, explain, and implement conservation programs at project sites
• Aid in identifying potential landscape conversion areas through outreach, GIS mapping, landscape surveying, and data cataloging
• Assist in conservation strategies, policy implementation, plant care, irrigation systems, and program development to support Long Beach’s sustainability goals
• 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, Environmental Education, Event Coordination & Planning, GIS / Mapping, Landscape Management, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Native Plant Management, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Technical Writing, 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 Mandarin, Spanish, or Tagalog 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 Long Beach Utilities Department

Long Beach Utilities District (LBUD) provides clean and safe water, sewer, and gas services to the people of Long Beach. Through various water conservation programs, they promote the transformation of water thirsty lawns into water-wise California Native gardens for residential, commercial, and municipal users. The City of Long Beach has a large and diverse community with different needs and Long Beach Utilities strives to make turf removal accessible for everyone to encourage conserving water with California Native landscapes. More info: lbutilities.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).