Climate Action Associate

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Associate at Sonoma State University

Location: Rohnert Park, 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 - 4pm, 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

Climate Action Associates will be immersed in a vibrant campus setting with access to both professional growth and recreational activities. Housing is available on campus for rent, and occasional field experiences at SSU preserves offer opportunities for connection through group camping and outdoor engagement. Build your network through faculty, community organizations, and regional experts, and gain hands-on experience presenting at CSU-wide sustainability meetings and campus events like Earth Week and Sea Wolves Dig-In Day. Additionally, mentorship is available from CEI and landscaping staff, a free one-year membership to the U.S. Green Building Council resource library, and participation in specialized trainings and webinars focused on climate action and sustainability. 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

Sonoma State University is seeking 3 Climate Action Associates to help shape the campus into a living model of community resilience, food justice, and ecological restoration. Nestled in the heart of wine country, SSU’s scenic campus offers an ideal setting to cultivate climate solutions rooted in native biodiversity, food accessibility, and wellness. Lead campus and community-based initiatives that connect people with nature, promote regenerative landscaping, and expand access to fresh, campus-grown foods for food-insecure populations. Through hands-on projects, educational events, and ecosystem stewardship, Fellows will support SSU’s Climate Action Plan and help transform the campus into a space of healing, connection, and sustainability. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Launch urban greening efforts—such as pollinator habitat and corridor projects—that support biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience across campus
• Facilitate access to produce, building resource pathways for food-insecure students and community members
• Inspire student and community involvement through volunteer events and educational programs focused on urban greening, food justice, and environmental wellbeing
• Recommend improvements to landscape management by identifying invasive species, supporting native tree replacement, and advising on fire-resilient practices
• 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, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, GIS / Mapping, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Habitat Restoration, Home Hardening/Defensible Space, Landscape Management, Marketing or Social Media, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Native Plant Management, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Technical Writing, 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. 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 Sonoma State University

As one of the 23 campuses of the California State University (CSU) system, Sonoma State University (SSU) is committed to serving the diverse population of the State of California through high-quality, accessible, and affordable higher education. As a Hispanically-Serving Institution (HSI), SSU is a regionally serving public university committed to educational access and excellence. Driven by a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, SSU delivers high-quality education through innovative programs that leverage the economic, cultural, and natural resources of the North Bay. More info: sonoma.edu

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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).