Tribal Climate Fellow

Opportunity summary

Term length

09/16/2024 - 08/15/2025

Application window

05/01/2024 - 08/16/2024

Location

Jamestown, California

Hourly pay equivalent

$19.76

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

Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians is located in Tuolumne County, California, and dedicated to preserving their cultural heritage while promoting community well-being and sustainable development. The Tribal Climate Fellow will play a pivotal role in co-managing diverse program elements within the Tribal Environmental and Sustainability Department. This includes leading initiatives such as organics resources and edible food recovery programs on tribal lands, facilitating environmental education classes, supporting Tribal Earth Day Celebrations, and a Transformative Community Planning Program for Health and Safety. The primary objective is to revolutionize waste management by diverting organic waste from the Casino to the Tribal Farm and Composting Program, while redirecting edible foods to local shelters and food banks. The Tribal Climate Fellows will contribute to expanding the Tribal Farm Program and delivering environmental education to youth, fostering community understanding and bolstering our composting efforts. Moreover, Fellows will coordinate and oversee Tribal Honoring Mother Earth Celebrations, a significant 2-day event - co-hosted by both Tuolumne County Me-Wuk Tribes - involving volunteer activities and community engagement. Lastly, Fellows will support the Tribe's pioneering initiative, The Jamestown Happiness Project, focusing on transformative community planning for health and safety in Tribal and Jamestown Communities. Duties include, but are not limited to: Spearhead organics and edible food recovery (EFR) programs on tribal lands to divert organic waste from the Casino to Tribe's Composting Program, redirect edible foods to local food banks, and cultivating partnerships with local businesses to expand EFR programming. Cultivate and strengthen community volunteer base, coordinating volunteer activities, community engagement, and events. Support the Jamestown Happiness Project, helping the Jamestown community identify and collaboratively develop strategies to address shared challenges related to health, safety and mitigating pollution. Develop and facilitate a Transformative Climate Community Program and environmental education classes for Tribal youth with educational compost and gardening themes.

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)

Requirements and qualifications

Requirements

Live in California by August 16, 2024. Must be age 18 or older by August 16, 2024. Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate.

Preferred qualifications

An interest in climate change mitigation, volunteerism, or public service. Experience with outreach, education, training, or community behavior change. Fundamental understanding of climate change science, environmental policies in California, and/or environmental priorities. Excellent organizational, writing, interpersonal, and speaking skills.