You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.
Email

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Food Rescue Lead at San Jose Conservation Corps

Location: San Jose, 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 - 4:30pm, 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.

——

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

In addition to contributing to meaningful projects, SJCC+CS offers opportunities for professional development through mentoring and networking. Our supportive organizational culture fosters growth and offers various benefits such as transportation vouchers and housing support, ensuring our team members thrive both personally and professionally. 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

Join the San Jose Conservation Corps (SJCC) as a Food Rescue Lead and take a leading role in combatting climate change by addressing food waste and promoting sustainability in our community. As a Food Rescue Lead, you'll spearhead innovative initiatives, managing food rescue operations and developing the SJCC’s Community Market into a vibrant hub of sustainability and community engagement. We’re transforming our area food system by partnering with local grocery stores to rescue edible food and diverting it to those in need, while minimizing their climate impact. Fellows will also manage composting efforts, engaging the community in climate action, and fostering environmental stewardship. Through zero waste educational workshops and effective volunteer coordination, Fellows will empower our diverse community to take meaningful action towards building a more sustainable, resilient future. Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Lead food recovery efforts, identify potential food redistribution partners, and implement programs to maximize food rescued—including packaging meals for community support and hosting community cook-outs, using rescued ingredients to spark culinary inspiration
  • Spearhead community composting initiatives, overseeing the management and maintenance of composting facilities
  • Develop and deliver engaging climate-focused workshops and presentations with educational materials and activities to engage diverse audiences in food rescue and composting initiatives
  • Coordinate volunteer opportunities, managing recruitment, communications, and event support, fostering a culture of community engagement and environmental stewardship
  • Craft content to promote volunteer events and programs through social media, community outreach, and marketing channels, aiming to raise awareness and engagement
  • 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, Edible Food Recovery, Environmental Education, Event Coordination & Planning, Google Suite, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Volunteer Management & Engagement, Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, 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 San Jose Conservation Corps

The San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School seeks to provide meaningful, paid professional development opportunities for young adults facing systemic barriers to employment. We do this by building social enterprises and operations that invest in our local environment and provide training opportunities for our corps members. Professional development is central to our workforce development program, with tailored support and autonomy for staff. SJCC+CS actively engages in environmental projects such as creek restoration, recycling, urban forestry, and tiny home construction, furthering our commitment to environmental sustainability and community impact. More info: sjcccs.org

——

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).