Climate Action Educator

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Educator at Groundwork San Diego•

Chollas Creek Location :

San Diego, 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
• 4PM, 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 educational and volunteer programming at the EarthLab is incredibly special. A 4-acre outdoor classroom in the middle of the city gives endless opportunities to learn and connect with youth, community members, nature and climate action projects.

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 Join the EarthLab Climate Action Education Team and inspire youth to lead meaningful climate solutions in their own neighborhoods. Climate Action Educator Fellows will serve within Groundwork's K-12 Climate Action Pathway—a place-based initiative advancing climate literacy, youth leadership, and community participation through hands-on, community-based learning. Embedded across 7 schools in Southeastern San Diego, Groundwork delivers climate action education units in classroom and outdoor settings, connecting students to real-world blue-green infrastructure and climate-safe neighborhood projects across the watershed. Service centers on the High School Climate Careers and a Project-Based Learning (PBL) program at Lincoln High School, where fellows bridge Groundwork-led urban greening and habitat restoration initiatives into student-driven climate projects. At the 4-acre EarthLab Climate Action Park—featuring chaparral and oak woodland habitats alongside sustainable farming demonstrations—fellows guide youth in urban greening efforts, climate-careers exploration, and applied climate action. Additional initiatives include expanding food waste diversion through on-site composting, advancing urban greening through tree planting and habitat restoration, and facilitating monthly volunteer climate action events. Through topics such as urban heat island solutions, blue-green infrastructure, wildfire prevention, and carbon sequestration, fellows mentor students as they design and showcase semester

• or week-long projects—ranging from irrigation system design and urban greening advocacy to engineering tools that support long-term tree care.

Student projects culminate in public exhibitions at Lincoln High School's BIG Night events, amplifying youth voice and climate leadership. Duties include, but are not limited to: Deliver climate action education focused on urban heat island solutions (tree planting and native plants), blue-green infrastructure for climate resilience, sustainable food recovery and compost systems, and habitat restoration for wildfire prevention Mentor high school students through Climate Careers and PBL projects, integrating climate career exploration into hands-on climate solutions Facilitate outdoor learning experiences at EarthLab Climate Action Park Advance urban greening, composting, and food waste diversion initiatives that strengthen climate impact Lead monthly volunteer climate action events and support student project exhibitions at Lincoln BIG Night showcases 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, diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), edible food recovery, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, Google suite, graphic design, habitat restoration, landscape management, native plant management, and public speaking/facilitation. 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 Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek:

Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek's efforts are at the intersection of social, environmental, and climate justice, grounded in strong university and community partnerships, to deliver education, green infrastructure, and climate-safe neighborhoods. A cornerstone of our efforts is the K-12 Climate Action Pathway delivered at Title I schools in Southeastern San Diego.

More info:

groundworksandiego.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

Work Location:

In person