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

At UC Riverside's Office of Sustainability, we're dedicated to addressing the urgent challenges of climate change, particularly in the underserved communities surrounding our campus. We're seeking 7 Climate Action Fellows to join us in advancing sustainability efforts on campus and beyond. Our Climate Solutions Project is a collaborative effort that brings together various stakeholders to take proactive steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change and empower our community. Through strategic engagement, we aim to create lasting change and opportunities for students to thrive in the Inland Empire. As a Climate Action Fellow, you'll be at the forefront of our efforts, leading volunteer engagement, implementing tree planting initiatives, and diverting food waste from landfills. Your service will directly contribute to increasing the number of trees planted and maintained, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering community resilience. Additionally, Fellows will aid in our Green Labs program, providing resources and support to labs to improve energy and water efficiency and waste reduction in over 300 campus labs. Join us as we move towards a more sustainable future for UC Riverside and beyond. Duties include, but are not limited to: Recruit and engage student volunteers for various activities, including tree planting, habitat restoration, food recovery, garden maintenance, and composting, fostering a sense of community engagement and environmental stewardship on campus. Develop and facilitate climate action events and initiatives - on campus and within the community - sharing volunteer opportunities with 10,000+ students, and conducting educational workshops on climate-related topics, such as food recovery, waste diversion, Green Labs education, and sustainable transportation programs Expand the garden's fresh produce capacity to support on and off-campus food pantries, enhance garden programs to educate students and local youth on sustainable agriculture practices, and engage in outreach at campus and community events to raise awareness and foster engagement. Organize and implement zero waste and food recovery efforts in collaboration with campus departments, coordinate waste diversion and composting initiatives, and identify labs for emission reduction assessment and certification to promote sustainable practices. Collaborate with partners to implement tree planting, maintenance, and food diversion projects in the community, develop networks among local and regional governments and community organizations, and facilitate Steering Committee meetings. Craft outreach materials to keep collaborators updated on scientific findings, policy mechanisms, funding opportunities, and climate data and for outreach events and programs, including tabling and social media campaigns to improve awareness and community engagement.

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)