Environmental Outreach Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Environmental Outreach Fellow at Grades of Green

Location: El Segundo, 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 9:30am - 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 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

Grades of Green offers a collaborative and supportive professional environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and leadership. Fellows will receive hands-on mentoring from experienced environmental educators and nonprofit leaders, as well as access to networking opportunities with school districts, community partners, and environmental organizations. Additional support and experience in curriculum design, public speaking, and program management is available to equip Fellows with transferable skills for future careers in sustainability and community advocacy. 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

Join Grades of Green as an Environmental Outreach Fellow and play a key role in empowering students and teachers to drive meaningful climate action across Los Angeles communities. This project focuses on building awareness and engagement with climate issues through hands-on waste diversion, food recovery, and sustainability initiatives, aligned with California’s SB 1383 and local environmental goals. Fellows will collaborate with teachers, students, and community members to design and implement educational programs, school-wide events, and systems that reduce landfill waste, promote food donations, and enhance community resilience. As a fellow, you will help recruit and engage over 200 students, teachers, and community members in climate action efforts—organizing food recovery drives, school-wide waste audits, and sustainability rallies. Surveys to assess knowledge gains and behavior changes and creating impact reports to measure progress will provide a clearer understanding of project effectiveness and highlight the meaningful impact on community resilience. Through training and mentorship, you’ll gain expertise in environmental education, data analysis, volunteer engagement, and program management, leaving a lasting impact on local schools while developing valuable skills for a future in environmental leadership and community development. This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference and be a catalyst for sustainable change! Duties include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate school-wide waste diversion and food recovery initiatives—including lunch sorting events, composting demonstrations, and edible food donation drives
• Develop and deliver engaging climate education lessons and activities focused on sustainability, waste reduction, and environmental justice, integrating content into existing school curricula
• Recruit and engage over 200 students, teachers, and community members in climate action efforts through volunteer outreach, school partnerships, and community events
• Collaborate with teachers, student eco-leadership groups, and community partners to design and implement long-term, sustainable waste management and environmental education systems within schools
• 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, GIS / Mapping, Habitat Restoration, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Tree Planting/Care, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, Access to a reliable vehicle, and Must possess a valid driver's license. 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 Grades of Green

Grades of Green educates and empowers the next generation of environmental leaders to achieve positive environmental impacts in schools and communities around the world. Our mission is to educate and empower students to take action and lead environmental change, and our vision is to create a clean and sustainable environment for generations to come. More info: gradesofgreen.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).