Environmental Stewardship Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Environmental Stewardship Fellow at Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians

Location: Willits, 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 8am - 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.

——

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.

———

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.

———

Program Benefits

Fellows will gain valuable hands-on experience in environmental restoration, community outreach, and sustainable land management. Opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and networking will be provided, along with a supportive, culturally-rich professional environment. Fellows will also have the chance to learn from experienced Tribal leaders and environmental experts. 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 Environmental Stewardship Fellow will play a key role in supporting the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians’ Environmental Program by assisting with climate action, wildfire resiliency, land restoration, and volunteer engagement. This role offers hands-on experience in forest and riparian restoration, prescribed burns, sustainable waste management, and the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Fellows will engage with tribal staff, community members, and volunteers to revitalize ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen food sovereignty through sustainable land management practices. By contributing to both the Forest & Fire Resiliency Initiative and the Community Composting Initiative, Fellows will help advance long-term environmental resilience and ecological stewardship. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Assist with implementing forest restoration activities—including thinning, prescribed burns, and riparian restoration—to enhance biodiversity, increase carbon sequestration, and reduce wildfire risks
• Lead volunteer recruitment, training, and engagement efforts to support climate action events, habitat restoration projects, and community education initiatives
• Manage the Native Plant Nursery by gathering, sorting, and planting native seeds and saplings to restore culturally significant landscapes and wildlife corridors
• Support the Community Composting Initiative by collecting and processing organic waste, producing biochar, and applying compost to regenerate soil and improve moisture retention
• Facilitate educational workshops and community events that promote environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)
• 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, Composting, Data/Quantitative Analysis, Edible Food Recovery, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, GIS / Mapping, Habitat Restoration, Home Hardening/Defensible Space, Landscape Management, Marketing or Social Media, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Native Plant Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, 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. 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 Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians

The Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians is dedicated to protecting and preserving its ancestral homelands, stewarded since time immemorial. The Tribe upholds its inherent rights to safeguard land, water, air, and traditional food sources. Governed by its Constitution and Tribal Council, Sherwood Valley established its Environmental Protection Program in 1996, which has continuously monitored and protected Tribal lands and waters through the EPA-GAP grant and other supporting grants. Through cultural stewardship, environmental advocacy, and strategic partnerships, the Tribe aims to sustain natural resources for future generations while strengthening environmental resilience and sovereignty. More info: sherwoodvalleybandofpomo.com

——

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).