CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS
Urban Greening Fellow at Our City Forest
Location: San Jose, California
Number of Positions Available: 5
Time Commitment: September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026
This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026. Fellows commit to a 40-hour work week, typically Tuesday - Saturday, approximately 7:30am - 4pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 175+ of these hours are dedicated to professional development. This is a hybrid position, onsite 4 days per week.
**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Program, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 15, 2025 - Aug 14, 2026 will be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Program.
——
About the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship
The California Climate Action Corps has over 400 positions available across California for the 2025-26 CCAC Fellowship. This is a climate-focused, workforce development program for emerging climate and environmental leaders. These are paid, full-time fellowships—similar to internships—but with over 175 dedicated hours for professional development and training while receiving hands-on experience in the climate field.
CCAC Fellows are matched with organizations across California to mobilize communities to take direct climate action and lead projects focused on wildfire resiliency, urban greening, and organic waste diversion and edible food recovery.
———
Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025.
———
Program Benefits
Fellows will take an important first step into the world of environmental activism here in the Bay Area. The community engagement and practical fieldwork skills they gain are highly valued by local municipalities, environmental companies, and nonprofits, and are well regarded on graduate school applications. Other benefits include:
- Receive up to $35,000 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
- Earn up to $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
- Participation in 175+ hours of training and professional development
- Receive food assistance via CalFresh (for those eligible)
- Forbearance on existing qualifying student loans and interest payments accrued during the service term*
- Minimum essential healthcare coverage
- Childcare assistance* (for those eligible)
Description of Duties
Fellows serving with Our City Forest will play a key role in engaging and supporting underrepresented and disadvantaged communities in urban forestry efforts. Through hands-on field experience and meaningful community interactions, Fellows will contribute to the success of Our City Forest’s Free Tree programs by planting, maintaining, and ensuring the long-term health of trees and shrubs. Fellows will also take part in significant volunteer engagement and environmental education initiatives, helping to mobilize community members and inspire local climate action. Beyond fieldwork, Fellows will collaborate with community stakeholders, coordinate events, deliver presentations, and develop outreach materials that support the mission of Our City Forest. Duties include but are not limited to:
- Facilitate volunteer engagement efforts by coordinating events, recruiting participants through email and social media, checking in volunteers, and ensuring a positive and productive experience
- Organize Free Tree residential plantings by identifying potential sites, attending site visits, engaging with neighborhood associations, and promoting the program to community groups
- Cultivate strong, resilient nursery stock by assisting in propagation, seed collection, pruning, stake adjusting, and general tree care to support high survival rates
- Lead educational initiatives by developing and delivering presentations for schools, youth groups, and community members, as well as organizing workshops at the Nursery and Urban Forestry Education Center
- Coordinate seasonal and special events, such as Fall Fest, Spring Fest, Earth Day celebrations, and monthly LawnBust classes, to promote urban greening and community participation
- Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact
Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements
- Live in California by August 15, 2025
- Be at least 18 years of age by August 15, 2025
- Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate
Preferred Qualifications/Skills
Experience in community outreach, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, Google suite, graphic design, habitat restoration, marketing or social media, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, tree planting/care, volunteer management & engagement, and the ability to lift up to 30 lbs in diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain). Fluency in Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, or Vietnamese is a plus. Other valuable contributions include:
- 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
About Our City Forest
For 30+ years Our City Forest has cultivated a green and healthy Silicon Valley by engaging community members in the appreciation, protection, growth, and maintenance of our urban ecosystem, especially our urban forest. In pursuit of this mission, Our City Forest has set up 5 main teams—Planting, Tree Care, Nursery, LawnBusters, and Volunteer & Outreach. More info: ourcityforest.org
——
Apply Today!
Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025. Interviews will take place May - August, with all positions filled by September 2025. This is a competitive program and interviews are not guaranteed. CCAC is an equal opportunity Fellowship with a preference for candidates already living in the communities they will serve. Applications are for the California Climate Action Corps Program in general, but applicants can select up to 5 preferred organizations and positions within the application.
*Program structure, fellow benefits, and final participation are subject to approved grant award(s).
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: $3,182.00 per month
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Weekends as needed
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: Hybrid remote in San Jose, CA 95125
