Climate Action Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Fellow at City of Oakland

Location: Oakland, California

Number of Positions Available: 12

Time Commitment: September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026. Fellows commit to a 40-hour work week, typically Monday - Friday, approximately 9am - 5pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 175+ of these hours are dedicated to professional development.  This is a hybrid position, onsite 4 days per week.

**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Program, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 15, 2025 - Aug 14, 2026 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Program.

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About the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship

The California Climate Action Corps has over 400 positions available across California for the 2025-26 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—but with over 175 dedicated hours for professional development and training while receiving 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 and edible food recovery.

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Applications are accepted May 1 - July  31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025.

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Program Benefits

The City of Oakland fosters leadership skills and cultivates collaborative learning experiences. Integrating within teams embedded in City departments offers an invaluable opportunity to gain insight into municipal operations while establishing connections that can lead to future employment prospects within our extensive network. Through this service, Oakland Fellows will build critical relationships within the City and with the County, regional agencies, and community-based organizations. Other benefits include:

• Receive up to $35,000 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
• Earn up to $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
• Participation in 175+ hours of training and professional development
• 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 City of Oakland's cohort of 12 Climate Action Fellows and contribute to meaningful climate justice and resiliency efforts in one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the country. Fellows will engage in hands-on projects that address the climate crisis through food waste recovery and redistribution, urban greening, and wildfire resiliency. Embedded within one of three City departments, Fellows will play a key role in implementing Oakland's Equitable Climate Action Plan. This large cohort model fosters leadership development, collaboration, and lasting connections. If you're passionate about equity, sustainability, and making a tangible difference in Oakland, apply today! Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Expand outreach on commercial and multifamily compost and recycling services to increase participation and improve waste diversion efforts
• Strengthen food recovery initiatives by establishing distribution facilities and engaging local food producers in sustainable waste reduction practices
• Organize and lead community engagement efforts supporting the City’s Equitable Climate Action Plan, including urban greening and emissions reduction from organic waste
• Restore and revitalize community gardens to promote food sovereignty and provide residents with opportunities to grow food crops
• Coordinate volunteer-driven habitat restoration projects in Oakland’s parks, including large-scale events like MLK Day of Service and Earth Day celebrations
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

• Live in California by August 15, 2025
• Be at least 18 years of age by August 15, 2025
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in Community Outreach, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, Graphic Design, Habitat Restoration, Native Plant Management, Volunteer Management & Engagement, and the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. Fluency in Arabic, Cantonese, Spanish, or Vietnamese 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 City of Oakland

The City of Oakland is committed to becoming a more sustainable city – a community in which all people have the opportunity to pursue safe, happy, healthy and fulfilling lives, now and into the future. Protecting a clean and healthy natural environment; growing a strong local economy brimming with opportunity; and fostering a safe, equitable, and vibrant community are all critical components of this vision. Oakland’s 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan (ECAP) details the City’s pathway to decarbonize our buildings and transportation, strengthen our local economy, and empower a community resilient against climate change. More info: oaklandca.gov

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Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025. Interviews will take place May - August, with all positions filled by September 2025. 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. Applications are for the California Climate Action Corps Program in general, but applicants can select up to 5 preferred organizations and positions within the application.

*Program structure, fellow benefits, and final participation are subject to approved grant award(s).