Climate Action Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Fellow at UC Riverside, Office of Sustainability

Location: Riverside, California

Number of Positions Available: 5

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 3 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

With over 26,000 enrolled students and more than 4,500 staff and faculty, UC Riverside offers a rich environment of cultural and perspective diversity. Fellows will gain valuable skills in project planning and implementation, communication, volunteer management, and coordination with multiple partner organizations. Guided by a dedicated site supervisor and mentor, Fellows are supported, given educational and career advancement opportunities, and connected with valuable resources such as the UC Learning Center. Additionally, collaborating with a variety of environmental organizations on campus and within the local community offers invaluable networking opportunities. These connections will allow for exploration into diverse approaches to climate action and insights into various career paths in the field. 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

At UC Riverside’s Office of Sustainability, we are dedicated to addressing the climate crisis while uplifting the underserved communities surrounding our campus. As a Climate Action Fellow, you will be at the forefront of our Climate Solutions Project, a collaborative initiative designed to mitigate climate impacts and empower the Inland Empire community. Through hands-on involvement, you will help enhance urban greening efforts, reduce food waste, and distribute fresh produce to those in need. Your efforts will directly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fostering environmental stewardship, and strengthening community resilience. If you are passionate about sustainability and eager to make a lasting impact, this is an opportunity to lead meaningful change. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Facilitate at least 2 volunteer engagement opportunities per quarter—including tree planting, food recovery, and habitat restoration—to build a culture of environmental action on campus and in the community
• Organize educational workshops each quarter, focusing on Urban Greening and Organic Waste & Edible Food Recovery to promote sustainable practices
• Develop outreach materials—such as social media content, tabling resources, and recorded webinars—and participate in climate-focused events and activities to increase volunteer engagement and awareness of sustainability initiatives
• Coordinate tree planting and maintenance efforts, ensuring long-term benefits for air quality, shade equity, and climate resilience
• Support food diversion initiatives by recovering surplus food, reducing waste, and distributing nutritious meals to students, faculty, and local residents
• Maintain strong, consistent relationships with scope leads and designated departments to understand priorities and effectively advance climate deliverables
• 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 Community Outreach, Composting, Edible Food Recovery, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, Google Suite, Habitat Restoration, Marketing or Social Media, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Native Plant Management, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Tree Planting/Care, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, and 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 UC Riverside, Office of Sustainability

The UC Riverside Office of Sustainability focuses on 3 key tenets. Economic Sustainability emphasizes making decisions that foster secure livelihoods, promote social justice, and create a better world for present and future generations. Academic and Policy Integration advances ecological health through research and investments that examine the connections between the economy, social well-being, and the environment while considering historical legacies, present challenges, and future needs. Environmental Justice reflects a commitment to addressing environmental racism, promoting equity, and ensuring transparency and democratic participation in institutions responsible for balancing the costs and benefits of environmental decisions. More info: sustainability.ucr.edu

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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).