Zero Waste Fellow

Zero Waste Fellow 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars Buena Park, CA 90621 $3,204 a month

• Temporary, Full-time California Climate Action Corps 8 reviews $3,204 a month
• Temporary, Full-time

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Zero Waste Fellow at

City of Buena Park Location :

Buena Park, California Number of Positions Available :

2

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
• Thursday, approximately 7AM
• 6PM, 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 Fellows can translate their sustainability education from the classroom into real-world impact, gaining hands-on experience in climate action, volunteer coordination, and community engagement. They will leave with concrete accomplishments to highlight on their resumes, receive ongoing mentorship and resume support, and professional references from the City's Sustainability Manager. The City of Buena Park is dedicated to the long-term success and career growth of all its fellows.

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 City of Buena Park is launching an exciting Zero Waste Schools Initiative to reduce food waste, increase organic waste diversion, and empower the next generation of climate leaders—and we need your help! As a Zero Waste Fellow, you'll play a pivotal role in mobilizing students, educators, and community volunteers to help K-12 schools comply with SB 1383's organic waste requirements. Fellows will lead hands-on "Weigh Your Waste" events, recruit and coordinate Waste Sorting Ambassadors, deliver interactive climate education workshops, and help expand edible food recovery efforts in partnership with schools and the City's food pantry. You'll be on the frontlines of measurable climate action—tracking pounds of organics diverted from landfill, improving sorting accuracy, and documenting increases in student knowledge and behavior change through surveys and data tools, including the City's AI-powered waste tracking platform. From transforming cafeterias into climate action hubs to inspiring youth to take ownership of everyday solutions, you'll help create lasting environmental and community impact. If you're passionate about climate justice, enjoy working with young people, and want real-world public-sector experience, this position offers a powerful opportunity to turn small actions into big change. Duties include, but are not limited to: Lead hands-on climate education workshops and cafeteria outreach at K-12 schools to teach proper three-bin sorting, food waste prevention, and the climate impacts of organic waste Coordinate volunteers and student eco-clubs to serve as Waste Sorting Ambassadors, supporting food recovery activities such as bin monitoring and "Weigh Your Waste" events Conduct baseline waste assessments, waste audits, and data collection using surveys and the City's AI-powered waste tracking tool to measure diversion, contamination, and behavior change Implement school-based improvements such as three-bin system setup, signage placement, and organics service enrollment in collaboration with school staff and custodians Engage community partners, Climate Action Commissioners, and the City food pantry to expand edible food recovery and youth-centered climate action opportunities 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 Experience in community outreach, composting, data/quantitative analysis, edible food recovery, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, event coordination & planning, graphic design, marketing & social media, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, multi-stakeholder collaboration, project management, public speaking/facilitation, and volunteer management & engagement. Access to a reliable vehicle and must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Korean 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 The City of Buena Park The City of Buena Park is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through responsible governance, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Its Office of Sustainability and Climate Action Commission advances the City's climate mitigation and adaptation strategies through energy efficiency, electrification, waste reduction, water conservation, and education projects. Buena Park is implementing its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan while developing innovative tools, partnerships, and community programs to achieve long-term sustainability goals.

More info:

www.buenapark.com —— 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

Work Location:

In person