Fire Adaptation Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Fire Adaptation Fellow at Tahoe Resource Conservation District

Location: South Lake Tahoe, California

Number of Positions Available: 2

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, Monday - Friday, approximately 8:00AM - 5:00PM, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 170-340 of these hours are dedicated to professional development. 

**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

The Tahoe RCD houses several programs. Fellows will be provided opportunities to serve alongside Tahoe RCD teams in Forestry, Aquatic Invasive Species, Storm Water, and Restoration. This will help build a broad skill set across related fields. Fellows will also benefit from strong networking and mentoring opportunities through the Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities, connecting with partners from nonprofits, local counties, fire protection districts, the U.S. Forest Service, and other regional organizations. 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

Join the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) as a Fire Adaptation Fellow and contribute to building a safer, more sustainable future. This is a unique opportunity to build wildfire resilience through hands-on community engagement and education. Fellows will collaborate closely with the Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities (FAC) partners to expand wildfire resilience efforts in the region. Successful candidates will deliver public outreach critical to mobilizing residents in home hardening, defensible space, and fire prevention strategies. This multi-agency and community collaboration helps residents take individual action to collectively reduce their neighborhood’s wildfire risk. FAC collaborates with local groups to spearhead a robust wildfire awareness campaign in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Fellows will deliver wildfire resilience outreach through community events, school lessons, webinars, workshops, social media, community group meetings, and other exciting community engagement activities. Fellows will have opportunities to assist with tree plantings and gain exposure to meadow restoration activities. If you are passionate about climate action, community resilience, and environmental education, we encourage you to apply! Duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Conduct Fire Defensible Space Assessments and educate residents on defensible space, home hardening, and fire prevention strategies to strengthen Fire Adapted Communities and Firewise USA neighborhoods
• Recruit community members to become Fire Adapted Community leaders who represent their neighborhoods
• Develop outreach and education materials, including social media content, newsletter articles, and website updates, and lead public engagement at community events such as Earth Day, FireFest, Wildfire Expo, Fire Adapted Community workshops, and local farmers' markets
• Deliver climate education in schools and community workshops with a focus on wildfire safety, home hardening, forest health, and fuels management
• Assist with meadow restoration activities and partner with local groups to assist with a tree planting event and forest health activities
• Organize and facilitate meetings with partner agencies and community stakeholders to advance climate change mitigation efforts while coordinating outreach and volunteer opportunities
• 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, and experience in community outreach, diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, Google suite, home hardening/defensible space, marketing & social media, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, multi stakeholder collaboration, native plant management, public speaking/facilitation, and volunteer management & engagement. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Fluency in Spanish 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 Tahoe Resource Conservation District

Tahoe Resource Conservation District’s (Tahoe RCD) mission is to promote the conservation, stewardship, and knowledge of the Lake Tahoe Region’s natural resources by providing leadership and innovative environmental services to all stakeholders. Tahoe RCD is helping people to protect land, water, forests, wildlife, and related natural resources. The California State Legislature formed Tahoe RCD in 1974 as a non-regulatory, grant-funded, local agency serving the Lake Tahoe Basin. The Tahoe RCD’s Fire Adapted Communities Program is designed to support community members and visitors in preparing for wildfire. More info: www.tahoercd.org/fire-adapted-communities-program

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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.