Climate Action Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Fellow at CalRecycle

Location: Sacramento, 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 9am - 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 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

Fellows will gain invaluable experience and be well positioned for future roles in state government, local municipalities, recycling enterprises, and non-profit organizations. With tailored mentorship and substantial networking opportunities, we are committed to helping Fellows secure full-time employment after the 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

California leads the nation in environmental stewardship and climate change mitigation. At CalRecycle, as a vital state department, we confront the challenges surrounding resource utilization, management, and disposal, with a keen eye on their environmental impacts. CalRecycle is at the forefront of implementing groundbreaking statewide initiatives to combat climate change. Under SB 1383, every community is mandated to ensure organic waste collection services for all, diverting edible food from landfills to feed those in need, and meticulously tracking and reporting these vital activities. K-12 school districts are pivotal players in this game-changing effort, and Fellows will actively support CalRecycle in empowering school districts to embrace the transformative SB 1383 regulations, spearheading efforts to revolutionize recycling practices and unlock the potential of edible food recovery initiatives. This is an exciting time to join our team. Over the next few years, CalRecycle will implement pioneering recycling initiatives statewide, reshaping our approach to material management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and landfill waste. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Research successful food waste management programs in school districts to establish best practices and lay the foundation for comprehensive food waste and recovery initiatives
• Cultivate peer-to-peer relationships with school districts statewide to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration on sustainable waste management strategies
• Provide technical assistance to school districts to ensure compliance with SB 1383 regulations and support the implementation of effective food waste reduction programs
• Assist school districts in developing and implementing institutionalized food waste and recovery programs, driving adoption across educational institutions throughout California
• Ensure district-wide compliance with waste management regulations and sustainability goals by monitoring progress and providing ongoing support and guidance
• 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, Edible Food Recovery, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, and Technical Writing. 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 CalRecycle

CalRecycle's mission is protecting California's environment and climate for the health and prosperity of future generations through the reduction, reuse and recycling of California resources, environmental education, disaster recovery and the transition from a disposable to a fully circular economy. More info: calrecycle.ca.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).