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Job Description
CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS
School Sustainability Coordinator at
Elysian School Garden Location :
Los Angeles, 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 - Friday, approximately 8AM - 2PM, 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 for fellows to educate and inspire young students, equipping them with the knowledge and habits to lead sustainably. Fellows will also build valuable connections in native landscaping, organic gardening, and urban greening initiatives by working alongside community volunteers who specialize in these fields. We want the fellow experience to be one of unlimited potential—a supportive, open-minded campus where big ideas are welcomed, collaboration is central, and meaningful change is achieved together.
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 Elysian School Garden is launching a new food waste diversion program at its elementary school campus—and we're looking for a passionate leader to help bring it to life. As a School Sustainability Coordinator, you will design and implement a comprehensive system to sort nearly all school meal waste into compost and recycling streams, while strengthening food recovery efforts for families in need. You'll conduct a baseline waste audit, establish daily student-led sorting systems, manage compost operations, track diversion progress, and return finished compost to nourish the school garden—creating a full-circle model of sustainability in action. Beyond waste reduction, you'll engage students through interactive classroom lessons on composting, three-bin systems, soil health, and practical waste-reduction strategies. You will also launch an after-school Green Team club to expand schoolwide sustainability efforts—developing zero-waste event toolkits, organizing community engagement programs with local residents and businesses for food-waste collection and compost giveaways, and supporting native plant restoration on campus. We're seeking proactive, creative individuals who enjoy engaging elementary-aged students and are excited to bring fresh ideas forward. This is an opportunity to design hands-on environmental learning experiences, build meaningful community partnerships, receive mentorship from leaders in nonprofit, education, and landscape professions, and help cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards. Duties include, but are not limited to: Conduct a baseline waste audit and design a comprehensive, student-led daily food waste diversion program to sort meal waste into compost and recycling streams Lead an after-school campus greening club focused on compost management, native plant cultivation, waste audits, and student-driven sustainability initiatives Develop zero-waste event toolkits with guidelines and strategies, and oversee volunteer teams at weekend school events to divert food waste into proper sorting streams Recruit and mentor student leaders to implement a peer-to-peer meal-time maintenance plan, rotating "waste challenge" monitors and building a self-perpetuating diversion model Coordinate community sustainability projects—including a neighborhood Citrus Swap, food-waste collection and compost giveaways, and installation of a native "test plot" in Elysian Park through organized student and community service days 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 Engagement with youth aged 4 to 12 is a primary responsibility of this position. Other qualifications necessary for service include the ability to lift up to 30 lbs, and experience in community outreach, composting, edible food recovery, environmental education, event coordination & planning, marketing & social media, and native plant management.
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 Elysian School Garden Elysian School Garden is an organic learning garden located at Elysian Heights Arts Magnet Elementary in Los Angeles, CA. Our mission is to educate and promote the benefits of organic permaculture gardening, native plant landscaping, and organic waste regeneration, while also combating food insecurity within our community. This 0.25-acre garden serves as an outdoor classroom and learning lab for students and the local school community. Featuring 10 raised beds, multiple native pollinator gardens, a flock of chickens, an outdoor kitchen, and a year-round composting hub, it's entirely run and managed by parent and community volunteers.
More info:
www.ehartsmagnet.com/garden —— 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
