Sustainability Projects Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Sustainability Projects Fellow at Foodbank of Santa Barbara County

Location: Goleta, 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 7am - 3:30pm, 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 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

Fellows at the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County gain access to a wide range of professional development opportunities, including training in volunteer management, media, nutrition programs, equity and inclusion, and more. Regular mentorship, organizational-wide team building, and specialized certifications like Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) and forklift operation provide valuable skills for future careers in community service and food security. 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

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is expanding its Sustainability Program to increase food recovery, reduce waste, and educate the community on the connections between food security, sustainability, and climate action. Through initiatives like Backyard Bounty, Grocery Rescue, Gardening Education, and Composting, Fellows will play a key role in strengthening food distribution, building volunteer engagement, and advancing zero-waste solutions. Our Backyard Bounty and Grocery Rescue are both volunteer-powered food recovery programs where produce and non-perishable food is rescued from backyards, orchards, or grocery stores for immediate redistribution to those in need. Our Gardening Education and Composting Programs introduce the concepts of sustainability and soil health to local youth using brand new industrial composters at each of our locations to ensure that no food goes to waste. Join us to drive awareness about our sustainability initiatives, champion zero-waste solutions, and strengthen food security for Santa Barbara communities. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Oversee volunteer activities related to the redistribution of food, ensuring efficient operations and adherence to safety and quality standards
• Coordinate the Backyard Bounty (BYB) program by managing gleaning events, recruiting and training volunteers, strengthening relationships with current donors, and identifying new properties for gleaning
• Enhance the Grocery Rescue program by refining processes, establishing a Lead Volunteer model, and training volunteers on donor engagement, food safety, and the program’s environmental benefits
• Launch the Gardening Education Program by establishing the first teaching garden at the Foodbank, maintaining soil health, growing kid-friendly crops, and managing pest control and inventory
• Manage daily composting operations by overseeing the industrial compost machines and creating volunteer roles to support ongoing compost management
• Create an education plan and outreach materials to promote sustainability programs, SB 1383, and food recovery while engaging the community at events like Earth Day and school fairs
• 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, Graphic Design, Marketing or Social Media, Project Management, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, 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 Foodbank of Santa Barbara County

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County’s mission is to end hunger and transform the health of Santa Barbara County through good nutrition. We are pushing beyond the traditional scope of a food bank by providing more than just food. With nutrition education, disaster preparedness, environmental sustainability, and community resilience at the forefront of our mission, we are aiming to solve the underlying causes of hunger in Santa Barbara County. More info: foodbanksbc.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).