Environmental Outreach Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Environmental Outreach Fellow at John Muir Charter Schools

Location: Salinas, California

Number of Positions Available: 3

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 8am - 4:30pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 175+ of these hours are dedicated to professional development. 

**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

Fellows in the JMCS/Rancho Cielo program play a vital role in supporting underserved students while actively contributing to climate resilience. Through hands-on sustainability initiatives, they help improve food security, educate youth on environmental stewardship, and implement projects that mitigate carbon emissions, such as regenerative gardening and waste reduction efforts. 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

John Muir Charter Schools (JMCS) in Salinas, CA are bridging climate education with hands-on environmental service. Fellows will help integrate JMCS academic and vocational training programs with community-focused urban greening, food waste reduction, and organic waste diversion efforts. By engaging directly with students, families, and local organizations, Fellows will support meaningful climate action that uplifts communities while advancing ecological sustainability. Fellows will gain real-world experience in native gardening, composting infrastructure, and food redistribution systems—all while inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Educate students on the historical, social, and environmental roots of the climate crisis while connecting these lessons to local solutions such as composting, native planting, and food waste prevention
• Implement on-site gardening, composting systems, and pollinator corridors that serve as living classrooms for students to engage with native plant species, horticultural practices, and sustainable land management
• Facilitate weekly climate education activities, designing hands-on events and take-home assignments that empower students to share what they’ve learned with their families and communities
• Mobilize student, family, and volunteer participation by planning at least three annual engagement events focused on urban greening, organic waste diversion, and food waste reduction
• Cultivate partnerships with local organizations and agencies to deepen the impact of JMCS climate-focused programs and align them with community needs
• 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/Skills

Experience in Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Native Plant Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation 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 John Muir Charter Schools

The mission of John Muir Charter School (JMCS) is to meet the unique educational, social, and emotional needs of our diverse student population in safe and nurturing environments that foster personal, professional, and academic growth. Employers today are placing more emphasis on education when hiring entry-level workers; JMCS wants its students to enter the professional world or post-secondary education with the skills they need to be successful, and our climate-focused educational program is designed with that in mind. More info: johnmuircs.com

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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).