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

The Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve comprises the last remaining coastal wetlands in Los Angeles - including regionally rare saltmarsh, freshwater marsh, coastal dune, and riparian habitats - and represents the 2nd largest open space in LA. Friends of Ballona Wetlands - Climate Action Fellows will collaborate with our habitat restoration, education, and science teams to engage local students and community members throughout the Los Angeles area to restore and enhance habitat at LA 's last coastal wetland. Our projects are advancing concrete climate adaptation goals, including removing fire-prone invasive species, and cultivating climate-adapted native plants and trees in their place. Fellows will provide crucial support for public and private events at the Reserve, Freshwater Marsh, and Ballona Discovery Park, as well as critical ecological rehabilitation efforts. Engage with the diverse communities of greater Los Angeles with the support of a team that prioritizes collaboration and professional development, and together, we can restore the ecosystems of the Ballona Wetlands with climate-adaptive solutions. Duties include, but are not limited to: Spearhead habitat restoration and enhancement projects by removing fire-prone invasive species, maintaining trails, and propagating, planting, and caring for native plants and trees. Organize and lead community volunteer events, welcoming weekly visits from local schools, as well as coordinating private and public events that engage the diverse Los Angeles community. Host community outreach events to advocate for native plant gardens as part of our Grow Native program, fostering environmental stewardship and awareness.

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)