Climate Action Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Fellow at Outdoor Outreach

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 Monday - Friday, approximately 9am - 5:30pm, 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

San Diego’s parks, beaches, and open space areas play a critical role in the region’s climate resilience and adaptation strategies. However, many residents of San Diego’s low-income communities face social, historical, and physical barriers to outdoor access. As climate change impacts increase, the health and quality of life benefits from these natural spaces are more important than ever. Climate Action Fellows have the opportunity to join Outdoor Outreach’s diverse and energetic staff team in our efforts to build and strengthen meaningful outdoor access for youth and communities through ongoing recreation, outdoor education, and climate action activities. 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

Outdoor Outreach is seeking Climate Action Fellows to inspire direct climate action in San Diegoʼs most climate-vulnerable communities by engaging them in meaningful restoration, resiliency, outreach, and education efforts. The project supports Californiaʼs Climate Adaptation Strategy and Governor Newsomʼs Outdoors for All Initiative, aiming to increase equitable access to urban green spaces, parks, and beaches. Fellows will support the integration of youth-focused climate education, outreach, and action into outdoor education programs, ultimately helping to build resilience in historically under-resourced communities. By mobilizing youth, families, and adult volunteers, Fellows will raise awareness of climate change impacts, and inspire action, while enhancing community connection to natural spaces for all. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate with local partners, such as California State Parks, to execute hands-on climate action events including invasive species removal, native plant restoration, and urban gardening
• Implement an organic waste diversion program, embedding sustainable practices throughout all Outdoor Outreach operations
• Facilitate climate education experiences for youth and community members through hikes, workshops, and outreach initiatives focused on wildfire impacts, native species, and greenhouse gas reduction
• Recruit and engage youth and adult volunteers in climate-focused service activities that promote equitable access to green spaces and support ongoing restoration and diversion 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, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Event Coordination & Planning, Habitat Restoration, Marketing or Social Media, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, and Must possess a valid driver’s license. Fluency in Arabic, Farsi, Hmong, 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 Outdoor Outreach

Outdoor Outreach is a San Diego-based nonprofit that connects youth to the transformative power of the outdoors as a space to explore their world, cultivate belonging, and discover what they are capable of. Since 1999, Outdoor Outreach has connected more than 20,000 young people with the transformative power of the outdoors. We emphasize positive youth development, outdoor recreation, civic engagement, environmental education, climate action, and workforce development. More info: outdooroutreach.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).