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 Climate Action Fellow role at Watsonville Wetlands Watch presents an exciting opportunity to spearhead transformative urban greening and climate action projects throughout the vibrant Pajaro Valley. With a focus on expanding the urban tree canopy, implementing nature-based solutions for climate resilience, and restoring vital wetlands, this position is at the forefront of building a more sustainable and resilient community. Through extensive community outreach, education, and engagement efforts, Fellows will drive positive change by planting and distributing hundreds of shade and fruit trees, developing culturally relevant outreach and programs, and fostering a deeper understanding of climate action among youth and community members in Watsonville. At Watsonville Wetlands Watch, we prioritize cultural relevance in our environmental initiatives to ensure we effectively serve and empower our diverse community. Duties include, but are not limited to: Spearhead urban forestry and greening initiatives, organizing community tree plantings, school-based greening projects, and wetlands restoration efforts. Drive education and outreach efforts to increase climate resilience in the Pajaro Valley, including launching neighborhood tree adoption campaigns and engaging in native habitat restoration projects. Lead youth education initiatives on school campuses, fostering youth engagement in climate action through lessons on composting, recycling, waste reduction, advocacy, and peer-to-peer learning. Recruit and mobilize volunteers for community climate action events, fostering a sense of collective community responsibility and engagement in environmental stewardship.

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)