Climate Resiliency Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Resiliency Fellow at San Diego Canyonlands

Location: San Diego, 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 Tuesday - Saturday approximately 6:30am - 3pm, 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

San Diego Canyonlands offers hands-on experience in wildfire reduction and habitat restoration while collaborating with knowledgeable mentors dedicated to professional growth. Team members benefit from a supportive and inclusive environment, networking opportunities with conservation professionals, and ongoing skill-building to advance their environmental careers. 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

San Diego Canyonlands’ Climate Resiliency Fellows play a vital role in strengthening climate adaptation efforts in San Diego’s urban canyons through habitat restoration, wildfire resilience, and community engagement. Fellows receive training in restoration techniques, safety protocols, and volunteer coordination while collaborating with professional crews to implement urban greening and fire fuel reduction projects. This hands-on experience, coupled with structured climate education, fosters long-term environmental stewardship and community participation. Key objectives include recruiting and engaging 200+ volunteers, leading climate action events, and delivering educational sessions on climate resilience topics such as fire ecology and sustainable land management. Fellows contribute to measurable climate impact by mobilizing volunteers in invasive species removal, erosion control, and native plantings to improve ecosystem health and reduce fire hazards. Through restoration, education, and outreach, this initiative builds local capacity for climate resilience while empowering communities to take an active role in conservation. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Restore native habitats by removing invasive species, managing fire-prone vegetation, implementing erosion control measures, and supporting urban greening efforts
• Recruit and engage community volunteers, coordinate outreach initiatives, and independently organize weekly climate action events
• Lead educational sessions on wildfire resilience, sustainable land management, and urban ecosystem restoration to empower communities with climate knowledge
• Coordinate volunteer events by ensuring site safety, managing logistics, and fostering inclusive participation
• Develop engaging content for social media, newsletters, and the Canyonlands website to highlight climate resilience efforts, outreach programs, and volunteer opportunities
• Support and strengthen community-based programs like Canyon Connections, ECO, and Friends of Canyons by tailoring educational materials, facilitating hands-on experiences, and coordinating with partners to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards
• 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, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Habitat Restoration, Marketing or Social Media, Native Plant Management, 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. Fluency in Spanish or Vietnamese 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 San Diego Canyonlands

San Diego Canyonlands is a nonprofit organization with 26 years of revitalizing natural areas and empowering communities. Our professional restoration crew collaborates to mitigate climate impacts and enhance ecosystems to ensure clean water, fresh air, and resiliency from floods and fires. Through outreach, education, volunteerism, and equitable workforce development, Canyonlands is breaking barriers for underserved communities, empowering residents to become environmental stewards, and leading transformational change. More info: sdcanyonlands.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).