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Job Description
CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS
Tribal Climate Fellow at
Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California Location :
Jamestown, California Number of Positions Available :
3
Time Commitment :
September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027 This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027. Fellows in this position commit to a 40-hour work week, Monday - Friday, approximately 8AM - 4:30PM, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 170-340 of these hours are dedicated to professional development. •Please note : Due to the full-time commitment of the Fellowship, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 21, 2026 - Aug 13, 2027 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship. —— About the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship The California Climate Action Corps has over 400 positions available across California for the 2026-27 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—with 170-340 dedicated hours for professional development and training, providing 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. ——— Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 19. ——— Program Benefits This is a unique opportunity to help a small, rural community move towards eco-conscious and sustainable ways of living. Often, change starts with providing an example of what is possible and accompanying others towards that same goal. At Chicken Ranch Rancheria, we are striving to do that, not only for the long-term sustainability of the Tribe but also for the greater Tuolumne County community. The opportunity to collaborate with a federally recognized Tribe is unique, especially given the important relationships we maintain with our Federal and State partners. The Tribal Climate Fellow will gain experience serving in this unique space among Tribal, Federal, and State entities, apply the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and learn to incorporate traditional cultural ecological knowledge where relevant.
Other benefits include:
Receive a $35,250 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term Receive $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) Description of Duties The Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians reside in Tuolumne County, California, and are dedicated to preserving their cultural heritage while advancing community well-being and sustainable development. The Tribal Climate Fellow will play a pivotal role in co-managing key initiatives within the Tribe's Environmental, Community, and Sustainability Department. Fellows will lead organic waste reduction and edible food recovery efforts on Tribal lands, supporting circular waste systems from the Casino to the Tribal Farm and Composting Program and redirecting edible food to local shelters and food banks. They will also advance wildfire resilience through cultural fire practices and support Tribal Earth Day celebrations. In partnership with the Tribal Suchumumu Farm Program and Cultural Center, Fellows will expand native species restoration efforts by planting native plants and assisting with cultural fire planning and implementation. They will facilitate environmental education classes focused on revitalizing green spaces, composting and edible food recovery, and protecting native ecosystems. Fellows will also steward the community education garden alongside students, teaching the fundamentals of plant care, community garden development, and the importance of pollinators. Finally, Tribal Climate Fellows will coordinate and oversee the Honoring Mother Earth Celebration, a significant 2-day event co-hosted by the Tuolumne County Me-Wuk Tribes. This event includes a large volunteer effort to remove invasive species from historically significant waterways and plant native species, centering community engagement, land stewardship, traditional ecological knowledge, and green space restoration. Duties include, but aren't limited to: Spearhead organics and edible food recovery (EFR) programs on Tribal lands by diverting organic waste from the Casino to the Tribe's Composting Program and redirecting edible food to local food banks, while cultivating partnerships with local businesses to expand EFR programming Enhance and expand green spaces on Tribal lands by planting and maintaining trees at Suchumumu Tribal Farm and Cultural Center, restoring native ecosystems, expanding community gardens at Little Peeps, and supporting the Restoration Specialist, Farm Lead, and Cultural Coordinator to steward the land and reduce wildfire risk Strengthen and grow the Tribe's volunteer base by coordinating community engagement and organizing monthly volunteer climate action events focused on wildfire resiliency, organic waste diversion, edible food recovery, invasive species removal, cultural fire, and native plant restoration Develop and facilitate environmental education workshops and youth programming centered on wildfire resiliency—including cultural burn events and invasive species removal, composting, edible food recovery, and green space expansion—connecting participants to hands-on climate action opportunities through the Jamestown Happiness Project, a Tribal initiative. Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements Live in California by August 14, 2026 Be at least 18 years of age 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/Skills 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), edible food recovery, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, 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.
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 of California 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 frameworks to enhance the sustainability of its people and community for generations to come.
More info:
chickenranchrancheria.org —— Apply Today! Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply undergo a CCAC info session before June 19. Interviews will take place May-Aug, with all positions filled by September 4, 2026. 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. Applicants can select up to 5 preferred positions within the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship application.
Job Types:
Full-time, Temporary Pay:
$3,204.00 per month
Benefits:
Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Tuition reimbursement People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
