Wildfire Resiliency Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Wildfire Resiliency Fellow at Fire Safe Sonoma

Location: Santa Rosa, 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.  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 expertise in wildfire mitigation through training in the Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) and have the opportunity to become an NFPA Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist. They will develop skills in flexibility and time management while engaging with fire service professionals, local government representatives, and partner organizations such as UCANR, RCDs, and UC Master Gardeners. 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

Fire Safe Sonoma (FSS), the countywide Fire Safe Council, has been dedicated to wildfire safety and risk reduction for over 25 years. With increasing community interest in fire preparedness, FSS seeks Wildfire Resiliency Fellows to support outreach, education, and mitigation efforts. Fellows will receive training through the Wildland Fire Assessment Program and conduct home assessments, helping community members improve defensible space, home hardening, and wildfire resilience. Fellows will also coordinate community events, facilitate workshops, and assist with public awareness campaigns through social media and presentations. Fellows will join one of two teams: the Wildfire Resilient Landscapes Team, which focuses on organizing volunteer days, workshops, and outreach to promote fire-adapted landscapes, or the Wildfire Resilient Community Team, which supports neighborhoods in achieving Firewise recognition and coordinates educational programs such as the Speaker Series and the Wildfire Mitigation Leadership Summit. Both teams will engage with local leaders, fire professionals, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen wildfire preparedness efforts across Sonoma County. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate workshops, volunteer days, and public outreach content for the Resilient Landscapes Coalition and recruitment and support for monthly virtual presentations for FSS's Speaker Series
• Spearhead and promote community events, including the annual Wildfire Mitigation Leadership Summit, to promote community engagement and wildfire preparedness and prevention
• Collaborate in creating and delivering public awareness campaigns through social media and public presentations to reinforce wildfire risks and resilience measures
• Support Firewise meetings helping communities navigate the Firewise application process to enhance wildfire resilience
• Manage the Listos Tool Trailer, ensuring availability for community work parties, maintaining inventory, and assisting with at least 5 work party events
• 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, Event Coordination & Planning, GIS / Mapping, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Home Hardening/Defensible Space, Landscape Management, Marketing or Social Media, Project Management, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs 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 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 Fire Safe Sonoma

Fire Safe Sonoma is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation formed in 1998. Over the past 2 decades, Fire Safe Sonoma has been instrumental in helping to educate residents about wildfire prevention and safety, taking on large-scale fuels reduction projects, and creating the first chipper program in the county. Fire Safe Sonoma created Sonoma County’s first countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), in addition to being the creators of several local CWPPs. Fire Safe Sonoma routinely acts as a liaison between local communities and agencies, and manages grants for wildfire safety related projects. More info: firesafesonoma.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).