Environmental Sustainability Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Environmental Sustainability Fellow at Santa Cruz County Office of Education

Location: Santa Cruz, 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 9am - 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.

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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

Santa Cruz COE offers you the opportunity to change lives while also gaining valuable skills and contacts for your future career. Our organization supports a dynamic network of inspired educators, over 30 local environmental education partners, and Youth for Environmental Action student leaders. Aa a statewide leader for environmental literacy, Fellows will gain first hand experiences in successful community building, youth development, and systemic change initiatives that center youth voices in decision making and foster collaboration for a sustainable future. 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 Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Santa Cruz COE) is leading the transformation of school systems toward sustainability through initiatives like the Youth for Environmental Action (YEA) student leadership team and The Trash Pact Project for Clean and Green Schools. As an Environmental Sustainability Fellow, you will be at the forefront of driving change by empowering students to implement sustainable food waste systems across the county’s schools. You will inspire and equip youth leaders to take action, collaborate with schools and local organizations, and engage communities in environmental sustainability. Your efforts will spark lasting, positive change by guiding schools toward greener, waste-conscious futures. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Recruit and guide student volunteers to lead their peers in transforming school waste systems
• Empower student leaders to organize and execute student-led waste audits, collecting data for tracking progress
• Lead a community awareness campaign alongside students, highlighting the impact of food waste and sustainable solutions for schools and homes
• Provide technical support and resources to school leadership teams to enhance waste systems and work toward Green School Certification
• Build and strengthen partnerships with local organizations and school districts to drive food waste reduction and diversion efforts
• 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, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Habitat Restoration, Landscape Management, Marketing or Social Media, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Native Plant Management, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, 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 Santa Cruz County Office of Education

Santa Cruz County Office of Education offers a wide range of services and programs supporting 10 public school districts with 40,000 K-12 students who call Santa Cruz County home. Our mission is to lead an equitable and innovative learner-centered educational system. As a statewide and local leader in environmental literacy and sustainability education, we are committed to supporting students, teachers, administrators and community partners to connect learning with our local environment and inspire all students to develop the vision, skills, and motivation to create healthy communities and a healthy planet. More info: santacruzcoe.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).