Wildfire Resilience 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

Residents of Butte County's Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) communities face heightened wildfire risks, with 31 "communities at risk" identified. To address this pressing need for wildfire education and preparedness, Fellows will implement diverse wildfire safety practices and community engagement strategies. This includes supporting local fire safe councils, expanding the Firewise USA program, hosting community events, leading wildfire education programs, and facilitating volunteer fuels reduction activities. Anticipated benefits include a more fire-prepared community, reduced fuels, and increased Firewise USA participation. Fellows play a crucial role in fostering fire-safe communities, inspiring action, and supporting wildfire resilience efforts in Butte County. We are mitigating catastrophic wildfires through forest health practices, creating defensible spaces, hardening homes, and supporting communities in wildfire recovery. We also have fun! It's not everyday that you get a chance to spend time with baby goats, dress up as a raccoon mascot, and host memorable community events. Duties include, but are not limited to: Support local fire safe councils and Firewise USA communities with education initiatives, fuels reduction projects, volunteer activities, and community meetings and events. Lead volunteer activities to remove invasive species and improve wildfire safety. Deliver youth wildfire education programs - including classroom presentations and assemblies, youth service days, library reading programs, after-school and special events. Craft educational and outreach materials for events, workshops, social media content, tabling, flyers, and newsletters to provide education and resources for community wildfire resilience. Expand the Firewise USA program by recruiting new community leaders, assisting residents with the application process, completing community risk assessments, and supporting certified communities with activities in their community action plan.

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)