CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS
Climate Resiliency Fellow at San Diego Canyonlands
Location: San Diego, California
Number of Positions Available: 8
Time Commitment: September 21, 2026 – August 13, 2027
This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 21, 2026 – August 13, 2027. Fellows in this position commit to a 40-hour work week, Tuesday – Saturday, approximately 7AM – 3:30PM, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 170-340 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 Fellowship, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 21, 2026 – Aug 13, 2027 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship.
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About the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship
The California Climate Action Corps has over 400 positions available across California for the 2026-27 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—with 170-340 dedicated hours for professional development and training, providing 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.
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Applications are accepted May 1 – July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 19.
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Program Benefits
San Diego Canyonlands offers hands-on experience in wildfire reduction and habitat restoration while collaborating with knowledgeable mentors dedicated to professional growth. Team members benefit from a supportive and inclusive environment, networking opportunities with conservation professionals, and ongoing skill-building to advance their environmental careers. Other benefits include:
- Receive a $35,250 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
- Receive $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
- Participation in 170-340 hours of training and professional development
- Receive $300 in professional development funds
- 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
San Diego Canyonlands’ Climate Resiliency Fellows play a vital role in strengthening climate adaptation efforts in San Diego’s urban canyons through habitat restoration, wildfire resilience, and community engagement. Fellows receive training in restoration techniques, safety protocols, and volunteer coordination, and collaborate with professional crews to implement urban greening and fire-fuel reduction projects. This hands-on experience, coupled with structured climate education, fosters long-term environmental stewardship and community participation. Key objectives include recruiting and engaging 800+ volunteers, leading climate action events, and delivering educational sessions on climate resilience topics, including fire ecology and sustainable land management to reduce wildfire risk. Fellows contribute to measurable climate impact by mobilizing volunteers for fire-prone invasive-species removal, erosion control, and native plantings to improve ecosystem health and reduce fire hazards. Through restoration, education, and outreach, this initiative builds local capacity for climate resilience while empowering communities to take an active role in conservation. Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Restore native habitats by managing fire-prone vegetation, implementing erosion control measures, and supporting urban greening efforts
- Recruit and engage community volunteers, coordinate outreach initiatives, and independently organize weekly climate action events
- Lead educational sessions on wildfire-resilient sustainable land management and urban ecosystem restoration to empower communities with climate knowledge
- Coordinate volunteer events by ensuring site safety, managing logistics, and fostering inclusive participation
- Develop engaging content for social media, newsletters, and the Canyonlands website to highlight climate resilience efforts, outreach programs, and volunteer opportunities
- Support and strengthen Canyon Connections, ECO, and Friends of Canyons programs by tailoring educational materials and facilitating hands-on habitat restoration and wildfire resilience activities in coordination with partners
- Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact
Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements
- Live in California by August 14, 2026
- Be at least 18 years of age by August 14, 2026
- Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate
Preferred Qualifications/Skills
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs in diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), and experience in community outreach, data/quantitative analysis, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, Google suite, graphic design, habitat restoration, home hardening/defensible space, marketing & social media, multi-stakeholder collaboration, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, technical writing, traditional ecological knowledge, and volunteer management & engagement. Access to a reliable vehicle and must possess a valid driver’s license. Fluency in Spanish 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 San Diego Canyonlands:
San Diego Canyonlands is a nonprofit organization with 26 years of revitalizing natural areas and empowering communities. Our professional restoration crew collaborates to mitigate climate impacts and enhance ecosystems to ensure clean water, fresh air, and resiliency from floods and fires. Through outreach, education, volunteerism, and equitable workforce development, Canyonlands is breaking barriers for underserved communities, empowering residents to become environmental stewards, and leading transformational change. More info: sdcanyonlands.org
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Apply Today!
Applications are accepted May 1 – July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 19. Interviews will take place May-Aug, with all positions filled by September 4, 2026. 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. Applicants can select up to 5 preferred positions within the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship application.
