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Job Description
CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS
Climate Action Fellow at
Watsonville Wetlands Watch Location :
Watsonville, 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 9AM - 5PM, 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 Our staff is committed to environmental and climate justice, and we collaborate with local students and volunteers from our coastal community to increase our collective climate resilience. Fellows will have the opportunity to develop skills in environmental restoration and urban forestry, receive training in related tools and techniques, participate in environmental data collection and surveys, and build their skills in education, outreach, and volunteer engagement. Fellows will receive hands-on leadership development opportunities, with staff support, to deliver environmental and climate education to local students and residents, lead workshops, and plan events.
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 Watsonville Wetlands Watch's Climate Action Fellow will plan, design, and implement climate action and environmental restoration projects across the Pajaro Valley. This role strengthens major initiatives advancing nature-based solutions for a community resilient to climate change, wetlands restoration, green school campuses, and culturally relevant community education and engagement. Fellows will help divert food waste, expand composting education, restore native habitats, and support restoration projects that enhance local climate resilience. Through school-based waste audits, hands-on restoration, and engaging students in Green Club initiatives across the Pajaro Valley School District, fellows contribute directly to measurable climate resilience outcomes while supporting student leadership and building capacity for long-term community impact. Program design centers cultural relevance in environmental programming to best serve the Watsonville community. Success in this role includes expanded youth engagement in climate action, increased community participation in local climate solutions, strengthened edible food recovery systems, and greater awareness of how waste reduction and habitat restoration advance climate resilience in the Pajaro Valley. Duties include, but are not limited to: Lead native habitat restoration projects that advance wetlands restoration and nature-based climate solutions Design and deliver culturally relevant education and outreach campaigns that increase awareness and engagement in local climate action Coordinate hands-on youth education initiatives on school campuses, including compost and waste reduction education and the expansion of the Green Grizzlies (student environmental leadership) program into elementary and middle schools in the Pajaro Valley USD Facilitate school-based waste audits, guiding students in analyzing campus waste streams and connecting edible food recovery and waste diversion to broader climate resilience Recruit, train, and support volunteers for monthly restoration events and community days of action 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, diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), edible food recovery, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, habitat restoration, marketing & social media, Microsoft Office Suite & Teams, public speaking/facilitation, and volunteer management & engagement. Must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in 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 Watsonville Wetlands Watch Watsonville Wetlands Watch is a community-based environmental organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and fostering appreciation of the wetlands in the Pajaro Valley. Through hands-on education, youth leadership programs, and habitat restoration, the organization advances climate resilience by improving water quality, restoring native ecosystems, and fostering environmental stewardship. Fellows serve in a dynamic, outdoor-focused setting where they gain real-world experience in climate action, community engagement, and environmental justice while collaborating with youth, educators, and local partners.
More info:
www.watsonvillewetlandswatch.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
