Tribal Climate Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Tribal Climate Fellow at Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians

Location: Jamestown, California

Number of Positions Available: 4

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 - 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

This is a rare opportunity to support a small, rural community in advancing eco-conscious and sustainable practices. At Chicken Ranch Rancheria, efforts focus on long-term sustainability for both the Tribe and the wider Tuolumne County community. Fellows will gain hands-on experience collaborating with a Federally recognized Tribe, navigating relationships with Federal and State partners, applying California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and integrating traditional ecological knowledge where relevant. 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

Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians is located in Tuolumne County, California, and dedicated to preserving their cultural heritage while promoting community well-being and sustainable development. The Tribal Climate Fellow will play a pivotal role in co-managing diverse program elements within the Tribal Environmental and Sustainability Department. This includes leading initiatives such as organics resources and edible food recovery programs on tribal lands, facilitating environmental education classes, supporting Tribal Earth Day Celebrations, and a Transformative Community Planning Program for Health and Safety. The primary objective is to revolutionize waste management by diverting organic waste from the Casino to the Tribal Farm and Composting Program, while redirecting edible foods to local shelters and food banks. The Tribal Climate Fellows will contribute to expanding the Tribal Farm Program and delivering environmental education to youth, fostering community understanding and bolstering our composting efforts. Moreover, Fellows will coordinate and oversee Tribal Honoring Mother Earth Celebrations, a significant 2-day event—co-hosted by both Tuolumne County Me-Wuk Tribes—involving volunteer activities and community engagement. Lastly, Fellows will support the Tribe's pioneering initiative, The Jamestown Happiness Project, focusing on transformative community planning for health and safety in Tribal and Jamestown Communities. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Spearhead organics and edible food recovery (EFR) programs on tribal lands to divert organic waste from the Casino to Tribe’s Composting Program, redirect edible foods to local food banks, and cultivating partnerships with local businesses to expand EFR programming
• Cultivate and strengthen community volunteer base, coordinating volunteer activities, community engagement, and events
• Support the Jamestown Happiness Project, helping the Jamestown community identify and collaboratively develop strategies to address shared challenges related to health, safety and mitigating pollution
• Develop and facilitate a Transformative Climate Community Program and environmental education classes for Tribal youth with educational compost and gardening themes
• 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, Event Coordination & Planning, GIS / Mapping, Graphic Design, Habitat Restoration, Landscape Management, Marketing or Social Media, Native Plant Management, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Technical Writing, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, 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. 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 Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians

Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California is a federally recognized tribe residing in the foothills of the Sierras. A small but mighty tribe trying to implement more climate conscious policies and framework to enhance the sustainability of its people and community for generations to come. More info: chickenranchrancheria.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).