Climate Action Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Fellow at Canopy

Location: East Palo Alto, 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 Tuesday - Saturday, 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 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

Canopy offers an opportunity to join a diverse, passionate, skilled team, and has an inclusive culture of mutual support and expertise-sharing. It supports team members in pursuing professional development opportunities relevant to their roles and interests. As a well-established leader in urban forestry in the midpeninsula region, Canopy regularly partners with cities, community-based organizations, and local leaders, providing access to an extensive network of like-minded change-makers interested in developing climate resilient communities. 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

Canopy’s Climate Action Fellows will play a key role in expanding community-based urban greening efforts in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, and North Fair Oaks. Through tree planting, tree care, volunteer engagement, and educational outreach, Fellows will help close the “green gap” in historically under-canopied communities that have been impacted by systemic environmental injustices. Collaborating with Canopy’s Volunteer Engagement Manager and Trees Team, Fellows will mobilize local advocates for nature-based climate solutions, recruit and support volunteers, and integrate culturally relevant climate education into community programming. Fellows will also contribute to tracking volunteer participation and program impact, ensuring that efforts to expand urban tree canopy are both equitable and effective. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Recruit local volunteers for tree plantings, tree care initiatives, and Canopy’s Community Forestry School
• Identify suitable planting sites for urban trees, ensuring strategic placement for maximum environmental and community benefits
• Lead volunteers in planting and maintaining young trees in public parks, schools, and residential areas
• Provide culturally relevant education on the intersection of climate justice and urban forestry, engaging volunteers and community groups
• Facilitate a seamless and positive volunteer experience through communication, planning, logistical coordination, training, and post-event feedback collection
• 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 Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, Google Suite, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, Access to a reliable vehicle, and Must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Mandarin 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 Canopy

Canopy, a community forestry nonprofit based in the midpeninsula region of the San Francisco Bay Area, partners with communities to plant and care for trees where they’re needed most. Founded in 1996, Canopy collaborates with the residents and municipalities of Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, North Fair Oaks, Mountain View, and Belle Haven to offer education, workforce development, and nature-based solutions. Canopy prioritizes tree planting and stewardship, education, and advocacy in communities where people do not have a thriving urban forest due to the legacy of historical disinvestment and environmental racism. More info: canopy.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).