Climate Action Fellow

Project summary

The California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) is part of a statewide initiative to address and mitigate the effects of climate change. CCAC matches Fellows with organizations to mobilize community members to take direct climate action through education, volunteer mobilization, and assessment focused on urban greening, organic waste diversion and edible food recovery, and wildfire resiliency. This is a climate-focused, workforce development program for emerging climate and environmental leaders.

Opportunity description

California leads the nation in environmental stewardship and climate change mitigation. At CalRecycle, as a vital state department, we confront the challenges surrounding resource utilization, management, and disposal, with a keen eye on their environmental impacts. CalRecycle is at the forefront of implementing groundbreaking statewide initiatives to combat climate change. Under SB 1383, every community is mandated to ensure organic waste collection services for all, diverting edible food from landfills to feed those in need, and meticulously tracking and reporting these vital activities. K-12 school districts are pivotal players in this game-changing effort, and Fellows will actively support CalRecycle in empowering school districts to embrace the transformative SB 1383 regulations, spearheading efforts to revolutionize recycling practices and unlock the potential of edible food recovery initiatives. This is an exciting time to join our team. Over the next few years, CalRecycle will implement pioneering recycling initiatives statewide, reshaping our approach to material management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and landfill waste. Duties include, but are not limited to: Research successful food waste management programs in school districts to establish best practices and lay the foundation for comprehensive food waste and recovery initiatives Cultivate peer-to-peer relationships with school districts statewide to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration on sustainable waste management strategies. Provide technical assistance to school districts to ensure compliance with SB 1383 regulations and support the implementation of effective food waste reduction programs. Assist school districts in developing and implementing institutionalized food waste and recovery programs, driving adoption across educational institutions throughout California. Ensure district-wide compliance with waste management regulations and sustainability goals by monitoring progress and providing ongoing support and guidance.

Benefits

• $33,600 stipend
• $10,000 education award
• 340 hours of professional development
• Minimum essential healthcare
• Loan forbearance
• Food and childcare assistance (for those eligible)