School Compost Specialist

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

School Compost Specialist at Sustainable Claremont

Location: Claremont, 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 7:30am - 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.

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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

As a School Compost Fellow, you’ll stay active outdoors while gaining hands-on experience in composting and education. Along the way, you’ll receive mentorship, connect with colleagues in the environmental field, and build professional skills that stand out. Plus, you’ll be part of a tight-knit, supportive, mission-driven team making a direct impact in the community. 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

Are you passionate about sustainability, hands-on environmental work, and inspiring the next generation? Sustainable Claremont offers a dynamic opportunity to engage with a unique school-based food waste and composting initiative across schools in the Claremont Unified School District. This program focuses on reducing food waste, promoting sustainable practices, and creating nutrient-rich compost to benefit the local community. School Compost Specialists will take an active role in collecting and maintaining compost systems, while also educating students. This opportunity is ideal for individuals who enjoy a physically active, hands-on experience, educating youth—elementary to high school students, and want to make a measurable environmental impact. From collecting and processing food waste to engaging students through interactive workshops, you'll gain valuable experience in composting, education, and leadership. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Lead food waste collection and sorting efforts at multiple school sites across the district
• Maintain compost systems at each participating school to produce high-quality soil amendments
• Recruit, train, and coordinate 300+ volunteers to support zero waste events and lead hands-on activities that reduce landfill waste and inspire long-term sustainable habits
• Deliver interactive composting and food waste reduction lessons tailored to K–12 students
• Collaborate with school staff, volunteers, and community members to build momentum and awareness for sustainable composting 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, Composting, Edible Food Recovery, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Google Suite, Marketing or Social Media, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs in Diverse Outdoor Conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), and Access to a reliable vehicle and must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Mandarin or 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 Sustainable Claremont

Sustainable Claremont engages people in education and action to create a more sustainable community – environmentally, socially, and economically. Sustainable Claremont serves more than 37,000 residents of the City of Claremont as well as the neighboring cities of La Verne, Montclair, Pomona, Upland, and Rancho Cucamonga, and the greater Southern California region. Our community-based programs seek to engage those we serve and alleviate environmental injustices. These efforts create sustainable solutions that conserve, restore and protect resources such as climate, air, energy, trees, food, water, and wildlife. More info: sustainableclaremont.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).