Environmental Restoration Technician

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Environmental Restoration Technician at Earth Discovery Institute

Location: El Cajon, 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 8:30am - 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

Develop valuable skills in environmental conservation and habitat restoration, alongside mentorship from our dedicated biologists. Enhance skills in plant and wildlife identification, learn scientific methods, and contribute to hands-on conservation efforts. Join a passionate team committed to protecting San Diego’s wild spaces and prepare for a career in environmental education, restoration, and conservation—and related 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

Join Earth Discovery Institute (EDI) as an Environmental Restoration Technician and contribute to a powerful movement to restore San Diego’s coastal cactus scrub habitat, support threatened species, and build climate resilience through hands-on conservation. This project centers on revitalizing a former sand mine in Lakeside, transforming 15 acres of degraded land into thriving native ecosystems that enhances biodiversity, sequesters carbon, and reduces wildfire risk. Technicians will play a pivotal role in habitat restoration, urban greening, and pollinator support—engaging communities through volunteer events, planting native vegetation, and maintaining EDI’s native milkweed farm. By connecting people to nature and fostering stewardship in under-resourced communities, this initiative not only enhances ecosystems but also builds long-term environmental resilience. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Organize volunteer events focused on planting native species, removing invasive plants, and restoring degraded habitats
• Support wildfire mitigation by clearing fire-prone invasives like mustard and eucalyptus and replacing them with native oak and sage scrub
• Sustain EDI’s native milkweed farm to generate seeds for urban greening projects and pollinator habitat creation
• Establish monarch butterfly gardens in underserved communities to build waystations and increase climate resilience through native plantings
• Facilitate community outreach that inspires stewardship, educates residents, and mobilizes local climate action 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, Environmental Education, Event Coordination & Planning, Habitat Restoration, Landscape Management, Native Plant Management, Tree Planting/Care, 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 Arabic 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 Earth Discovery Institute

Earth Discovery Institute (EDI) connects communities with nature through conservation, education, and stewardship in San Diego County. EDI restores native habitats, protects wildlife, and engages volunteers in hands-on conservation, particularly in under-resourced areas. The organization also provides field trips for schools, offering students the opportunity to learn about San Diego’s environment firsthand. Through science-based education and community involvement, EDI empowers individuals to protect local ecosystems, fostering a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship. More info: earthdiscovery.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).