Climate Resilience Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Resilience Fellow at Esperanza's Sanctuary

Location: Desert Hot Springs, 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 Tuesday - Saturday, 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 4 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

At Esperanza’s Sanctuary, gain hands-on experience in climate action, regenerative agriculture, and community resilience while collaborating with experts in sustainability and environmental education. Fellows will have access to mentorships, networking opportunities, and professional development workshops in areas such as composting, urban greening, and disaster preparedness. Fellows will also be able to participate in sustainable building projects like solar-powered mud houses and walipini greenhouses, gaining practical skills that enhance their career prospects in sustainability, agriculture, and climate resilience fields. 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

Esperanza’s Sanctuary is calling on passionate changemakers to serve as Climate Resilience Fellows, stepping into a hands-on role at the intersection of sustainable agriculture, organic waste recovery, and climate education. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage rural communities in Riverside County by leading environmental workshops, advancing composting projects, and strengthening local food systems. Fellows will help build wildfire preparedness and disaster resilience through community outreach and education, while also improving soil health and reducing organic landfill waste through regenerative practices. Through immersive climate action initiatives, volunteer coordination, and capacity-building efforts, Fellows will gain practical skills in sustainability and environmental leadership—contributing to lasting solutions that promote equity, food security, and ecological balance in underserved areas. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Lead interactive workshops on composting, microgardening, and fire-readiness to empower community-driven climate resilience
• Recruit and manage volunteer engagement efforts, strengthening participation in organic waste recovery, urban greening, and local climate action initiatives
• Implement composting systems utilizing sanctuary animal manure and organic waste to support zero-waste goals and soil regeneration
• Cultivate climate-resilient gardens and walipini greenhouses to enhance urban green spaces
• Support wildfire and disaster preparedness by guiding defensible space planning, fire-safe landscaping, and emergency education 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, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Habitat Restoration, Home Hardening/Defensible Space, Landscape Management, Marketing or Social Media, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Native Plant Management, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Technical Writing, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Tree Planting/Care, Volunteer Management & Engagement, and the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs in Diverse Outdoor Conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain). 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 Esperanza's Sanctuary

Esperanza’s Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit farm sanctuary and community outreach organization dedicated to sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, and food security. Located in Sky Valley, California, it fosters environmental stewardship through permaculture practices, composting initiatives, and educational programs. The organization supports underserved communities by providing locally grown produce and agricultural training. Through collaborative efforts with local partners, it promotes resilience, sustainability, and equitable access to resources for rural and food-insecure populations. More info: esperanzassanctuary.com

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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).