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Job Description
CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS
Sustainability Programs Specialist at Santa Clara University, Center for
Sustainability Location :
San Jose, 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 8:30AM - 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 The Center for Sustainability is a close-knit team that values relationships built on trust/constructive feedback, mentorship, and continuous professional development in sustainability and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusive practices. As part of CFS, Specialists can access the Forge Garden's bounty (organic produce, flowers, and eggs) and clothing from Bucky's Closet, SCU's on-campus free store. SCU's campus is one block from the Santa Clara Transit Center, a hub for Caltrain, Amtrak Capitol Corridor, Altamont Corridor Express (ACE), and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA).
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 Santa Clara University's Center for Sustainability (CFS) advances collective action to build a more just, humane, and sustainable world. Rooted in a care ethic and an intersectional approach to caring for our common home, this initiative mobilizes the SCU community to become climate-positive change agents through measurable climate action in urban forestry and organic waste diversion, including edible food recovery and compost-based systems. Three Sustainability Programs Specialists will serve as mobilizers—building participation, cultivating leadership, and translating campus sustainability goals into measurable impact—with each specialist focusing on defined climate strategies to reduce landfill waste, expand urban green space, and strengthen campus food systems. 1) Urban forestry efforts center on managing the campus tree and gleaning inventory, recruiting and coordinating volunteers for campus tree maintenance, tree planting events, and expanding gleaning participation to recover surplus fruit. These actions contribute to carbon sequestration and the recovery of edible food. 2) Organic waste & edible food recovery centers on collaboration with Dining Services and campus partners to strengthen food recovery systems via weekly waste audits and food-waste training. These actions expand access to recovered food, mobilize volunteers to divert organic waste from landfills, and reduce food scarcity. 3) The composting program involves managing the Forge Garden composting system and the compost pail program to increase campus participation in organic waste collection. All Specialists will track diversion data, analyze results to quantify climate impact, and engage volunteers in compost stewardship and food recovery efforts. Duties include, but are not limited to: Mobilize volunteers for tree planting and care, gleaning, compost collection, and zero-waste initiatives that directly advance urban greening and organic waste diversion metrics Implement weekly waste audits, expand food recovery, and manage organic waste diversion systems in partnership with campus stakeholders Steward campus trees, native plants, and compost systems to strengthen carbon sequestration, soil health, and habitat resilience Expand participation in compost pail, gleaning, and edible food recovery programs to reduce landfill waste and increase food redistribution 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), environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, Google suite, graphic design, marketing & social media, project management, public speaking/facilitation, and volunteer management & engagement.
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 Center for Sustainability at
Santa Clara University:
The Center for Sustainability (CFS) at Santa Clara University (SCU) facilitates change management by bridging academics, operations, and campus life, empowering students, faculty, and staff to build a more humane, just, and sustainable world. The team comprises staff members, faculty associates, and student employees who gain professional experience while coordinating transformational campus sustainability and garden programs, as well as student research fellows who spend an academic year exploring intersectional issues surrounding the climate crisis and local climate solutions.
More info:
www.scu.edu/sustainability —— 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
