Climate Action Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Fellow at Watsonville Wetlands Watch

Location: Watsonville, 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 8am - 5pm, 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

Our staff is committed to environmental and climate justice, and we collaborate with local students and community volunteers from our coastal community to increase our our collective climate resilience. Fellows will have the opportunity to develop environmental restoration and urban forestry skills, receive training on related tools and techniques, participate in environmental data collection and surveys, and develop their skills in education, outreach, and volunteer engagement. Gain hands-on leadership development opportunities, with staff support, to deliver environmental and climate education to local students and residents, lead workshops, and plan climate events. 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 Watsonville Wetlands Watch as a Climate Action Fellow and become a key player in advancing climate resilience in the Pajaro Valley. This position provides an opportunity to engage students, community volunteers, and youth interns in transformative environmental education and climate action. You will support vital urban greening, wetland restoration, and tree canopy expansion initiatives that enhance the environmental sustainability of this low-income, disadvantaged community. By fostering community involvement and providing hands-on opportunities, you'll contribute to building a more climate-resilient and equitable future for Watsonville. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate community tree plantings, school-based greening projects, and wetlands restoration efforts to enhance the urban landscape and expand the tree canopy
• Develop and implement neighborhood tree adoption campaigns, habitat restoration initiatives, and outreach strategies that foster climate action and engage diverse community members in local sustainability efforts
• Create and lead educational programs on school campuses to engage youth in composting, recycling, waste reduction, and climate advocacy, empowering students to become environmental stewards
• Plan and execute wetlands restoration activities, improving habitat quality and increasing the area’s climate resilience through direct hands-on efforts
• Manage outreach campaigns and promotional materials to increase awareness about climate action and inspire greater participation in sustainability programs across the Pajaro Valley
• Lead a 6-week internship program for high school students, guiding youth-driven environmental education, projects, and community outreach as part of the countywide initiative
• 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, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, GIS / Mapping, Google Suite, Habitat Restoration, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, 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), 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 Watsonville Wetlands Watch

Watsonville Wetlands Watch (WWW) is a non-profit organization, established in 1991, that preserves, restores, and stewards the Watsonville wetlands, a system of 6 interlinked sloughs comprising about 800 acres. Since 2018, WWW has increased the local tree canopy through our Watsonville Community Forest initiative, planting and adopting out over 2,000 trees in the surrounding Pajaro Valley. On the Pajaro Valley High School campus, WWW staff advises the Green Grizzlies environmental club, supporting the students in diverting over 1,000 pounds of food waste annually and planting shade trees and edible & pollinator gardens. More info: watsonvillewetlandswatch.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).