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Job Description
CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS
Environmental Outreach Fellow at
CalRecycle Location :
Sacramento, California Number of Positions Available :
4
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 - 5PM, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 170-340 of these hours are dedicated to professional development. T his is a hybrid position, onsite 3 days per week. •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 We have a great mentoring program, and many of our past fellows have joined CalRecycle as staff after their fellowship. There are many networking opportunities within the department and across the state, as well as many professional development opportunities.
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 California leads the nation in protecting the environment and minimizing the effects of climate change. As a state department, CalRecycle addresses how Californians use, manage, and dispose of resources—and the environmental impacts of those actions. This is an exciting time to join the team. Over the next several years, CalRecycle is implementing new recycling programs statewide that will revolutionize how materials are managed, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the volume of materials discarded in landfills. A key priority is equipping Local Education Agencies (LEA) and Non-Local Entities (NLE) with the guidance needed to implement and strengthen organic waste and edible food recovery (EFR) programs in accordance with SB 1383. These efforts are critical to meeting California's mandate to reduce methane emissions and other short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) by diverting organic material from landfills. Through education and outreach on preventing organic waste generation, recycling organic waste, composting, and edible food recovery, participants will help establish and strengthen compliant programs statewide. Responsibilities include leading waste-sorting school events to educate future generations on climate action, collaborating with CalRecycle staff to identify areas of need, and helping customize technical assistance tools and resources. Engagement in peer-matching and statewide technical assistance efforts will support LEAs and NLEs in building strong foundations for organic waste and EFR programs grounded in best management practices. This experience provides valuable insight into state government operations and positions participants to pursue careers within state service, local government, recycling haulers, and non-profits. Mentorship and professional connections are integral components of the experience, supporting pathways into long-term environmental careers. Duties include, but are not limited to: Research successful organic waste management programs in LEAs and NLEs to establish best practices to lay the foundation for comprehensive organic waste and EFR initiatives Cultivate peer-to-peer relationships with LEAs and NLEs statewide to foster knowledge exchange on the importance of climate action, volunteerism, and collaboration on sustainable waste management strategies Provide outreach and education to LEAs and NLEs on organic waste management and EFR programs, and support the implementation of effective organic waste reduction and EFR programs Assist LEAs and NLEs in developing and implementing institutionalized organic waste management and EFR programs, driving adoption in educational institutions throughout California Develop, plan, organize, and attend waste-sort school events 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 edible food recovery, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, Microsoft Office Suite & Teams, project management, public speaking/facilitation, and technical writing. 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 CalRecycle:
CalRecycle's mission is to protect California's environment and climate for the health and prosperity of future generations through the reduction, reuse, and recycling of California resources, environmental education, disaster recovery, and the transition from a disposable to a fully circular economy.
More info:
calrecycle.ca.gov —— 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
