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Climate Action Associate

California Climate Action Corps
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CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Associate at Santa Clara County Office of Education

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 8:30am - 4:30pm, 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 3 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

SCCOE provides Fellows with valuable opportunities to network and learn from a diverse range of community-based organization partners. Fellows will gain insight into the operations of a large organization—including policies, procedures, and project management—while engaging with education stakeholders such as administrators, teachers, students, and families. Additionally, SCCOE offers robust opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and growth. 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

Climate Action Associates with the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) presents a unique opportunity to engage with diverse communities in addressing critical environmental challenges. Fellows will contribute to projects focused on urban greening, food waste reduction, school garden support, and the Santa Clara County Youth Climate Initiative. Fellows will adopt a multifaceted approach, engaging with communities and volunteers, and collaborate closely with SCCOE's Environmental Literacy and Sustainability team to leverage existing partnerships with community-based organizations, districts, and schools. Through a focus on campus, curriculum, community, and culture, Fellows will strive to embed sustainability principles into the fabric of educational institutions. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the advancement of environmental education and sustainability initiatives. Play a vital role in fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and resilience in Santa Clara County. Duties include but are not limited to:

  • Design, implement, and maintain school greening projects, fostering sustainable outdoor spaces conducive to learning and environmental stewardship
  • Recruit, train, and engage volunteers to design, plant, and maintain school gardens
  • Develop case studies and offer ongoing support to empower schools in establishing and maintaining vibrant school garden programs to align efforts in promoting climate education, green schoolyards, and addressing environmental justice concerns
  • Lead education and outreach efforts, curate educational materials, and provide training on food waste management, native plant cultivation, and waste reduction strategies
  • Provide training and resources to support the Santa Clara County Youth Climate Initiative with policy and advocacy endeavors aimed at integrating climate change education into school curricula
  • 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, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Justice/Equity, GIS / Mapping, Habitat Restoration, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Project Management, Tree Planting/Care, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the ability to operate in Diverse Outdoor Conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), Access to a reliable vehicle, and Must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Spanish, Tagalog, or Vietnamese 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 Santa Clara County Office of Education

The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a champion of public education, serving as an exemplary regional resource to students, parents, school districts, community agencies, and businesses. ​ Collaborating with school and community partners, the SCCOE is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts and 21 Charter Schools of Santa Clara County. We directly serve students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. More info: sccoe.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).