Collective Impact Fellow

ABOUT CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

(CCAC): California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) is a Governorʼs initiative national service program led by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor and implemented by Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) dedicated to advancing climate actions that engage community members, cultivate change, and leave a lasting impact. CCAC is part of a larger statewide initiative to address the climate crisis by placing emerging leaders with public agencies, nonprofits, tribal communities, and educational institutions to mobilize communities through volunteer engagement, climate action, and education service projects focused on urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery, and wildfire resiliency. Selected Fellows will serve 1700+ hours as AmeriCorps members over approximately eleven months, supporting community volunteer engagement, climate action, or education projects in vulnerable communities across the state. CCAC meets Californians where they are and provides meaningful opportunities for everyone to take climate action. For more information, please visit: caclimateactioncorps.org/ (https://www.caclimateactioncorps.org/)

ABOUT HOST PARTNER

The mission and function of the Sierra Resource Conservation District (Sierra RCD) is to take available technical, financial, and educational resources, whatever their source, and focus or coordinate them at the local level to meet the present and future natural resource needs of local land users. The District covers 3,063 square miles in Eastern Fresno County, California, and faces climate challenges like wildfires, drought, extreme heat, storms, and pollution. To address these challenges, the Collective Impact Program coordinates District resources and activities to effectively meet the regionʼs diverse needs.

More info:

sierrarcd.com

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

(https://sierrarcd.com) Sierra RCD's Collective Impact Fellow position provides hands-on experience in wildfire resiliency, urban greening, habitat restoration, and sustainable land, water, and air management. As part of the Collective Impact Program, fellows will support volunteer-driven climate action initiatives, collaborating across the Foresty and Watershed Program and Agriculture and Rangeland Program. Their service will contribute to wildfire mitigation, ecological restoration, community education, and climate action, helping to build more sustainable and climate-resilient landscapes. Fellows will specialize in one of 3 focus areas—forestry wildfire resiliency, climate resiliency, or urban greening—while still engaging in cross-program collaboration. Responsibilities include conducting Fire Risk Evaluations (FREs), implementing fuel reduction projects, leading Firewise USA outreach, and restoring native habitats. This role provides extensive opportunities for fieldwork, community engagement, and technical training—including the Forestry Apprenticeship Program, S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw training, and First Aid/CPR certification. Fellows will develop specialized expertise while contributing to broader climate action initiatives, making this an ideal opportunity for those passionate about wildfire prevention, conservation, and environmental sustainability. Duties include, but are not limited to: Implement fuel reduction, habitat restoration, and habitat restoration projects that enhance wildfire resilience, restore native ecosystems, and promote sustainable land stewardship Lead Firewise USA outreach, emergency preparedness education, and environmental workshops that equip communities with practical strategies for wildfire mitigation, habitat conservation, and soil health Mobilize volunteers through community-driven climate action initiatives and stewardship days focused on wildfire preparedness and habitat restoration Deliver technical assistance through Fire Risk Evaluations (FREs), Firewise USA community development, and soil health assessments— empowering landowners and residents with actionable tools for long-term climate resilience Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact Participation in training not to exceed 20% (340-hours) of total service hours Fellow duties will not include any prohibited or unallowable activities per 45 CFR § 2520.65 Fellow duties will not supplant, duplicate, or displace staff as outlined in 45 CFR § 2540.100 (e)-(f)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Live in California by August 14, 2026 Must be age 18 or older by August 14, 2026 Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, and experience in community outreach, composting, data/quantitative analysis, diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, Google suite, graphic design, habitat restoration, home hardening/defensible space, landscape management, marketing & social media, Microsoft Office Suite & Teams, multi-stakeholder collaboration, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, technical writing, traditional ecological knowledge, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. Access to a reliable vehicle and must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Hmong, Punjabi, 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

BENEFITS OF SERVICE

Fellows will gain hands-on field experience, technical training, and professional development while collaborating with experts in forestry, conservation, and sustainable agriculture. Through mentorship, networking, and cross-program collaboration, fellows will develop valuable skills in wildfire mitigation, habitat restoration, and community engagement. They will also have access to specialized training, including participation in the Forestry Apprenticeship Program, S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws training (where applicable), and First Aid/CPR certification, preparing them for careers in natural resource management, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship. Fellows will benefit from a supportive and flexible service environment, with opportunities for both independent and team-driven projects in diverse landscapes—from wildfire-impacted areas to riparian corridors.

Other benefits include:

Receive up to $35,250 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 170-340 hours of training and professional development Receive $300 in professional development funds 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)

ABOUT BACR

: As the program implementation lead, Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) oversees the recruitment, placement, payroll, and benefits administration for fellows serving at the Host Partner Site listed above. We cultivate an organizational culture that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all employees and National Service members. We are firmly committed to fostering an environment where individuals, regardless of their experiences and lifestyles, can thrive personally and professionally. Therefore, we enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual or personal identity, genetic information, national origin, marital standing, medical condition, impairment, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classifications protected by law. Our leadership ensures that these principles guide all aspects of the Fellowship experience during a Fellow's term of service.

Pay:

$35,250.00 per year

Work Location:

In person