Climate Resiliency 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

Climate Resiliency Fellows with San Diego Canyonlands have an immersive opportunity to enhance wildfire resilience coupled with community engagement. Fellows will undergo comprehensive training in restoration methods, safety protocols, and field logistics while collaborating with the Canyonlands' professional restoration crew to assess and elevate ongoing efforts. Through urban greening projects and outreach initiatives, Fellows will empower communities to support habitat restoration while fostering youth mentorship and volunteer opportunities. Fellows will recruit community volunteers and plan events to protect important riparian habitats, promote wildfire reduction efforts, and support educational initiatives and community outreach to foster community climate resilience in San Diego's City Heights neighborhood and surrounding area. Duties include, but are not limited to: Coordinate volunteer efforts for projects and climate action events, including recruitment, engagement, and support during field days, ensuring program sites are safe and maintained. Design, promote, and lead volunteer events, fostering relationships with lead volunteers and expanding Canyon Friends Groups. Identify tasks and assist in creating project plans and agendas for events and support in setup and breakdown of supplies and tools, including loading/unloading trucks, preparing safety equipment, collecting waivers, and cleaning tools. Assist with educational training, interpretative hikes, and tabling at community events. Craft engaging content and assist in managing and contributing to Canyonlands' social media platforms, website, and newsletters to support climate resiliency projects. Contribute to habitat restoration through invasive species removal, restoration site maintenance, fire fuel reduction, brush management activities, trail maintenance, and erosion control measures.

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)