Climate Action Lead

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Lead at Sustainable Marin Schools

Location: Novato, California

Number of Positions Available: 6

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 8:30AM - 5PM 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

Our inclusive, innovative, and collaborative workplace culture propels us toward our goal of nurturing the next generation of sustainability experts who leave the program excited about their future careers. We operate as a team, holding weekly meetings to celebrate successes, address challenges, and devise solutions, while collaborating on larger projects. SMS also provides excellent mentoring tailored to fellows' needs and offers the flexibility to pursue individual interests. Fellows will expand their sustainability network by engaging directly with a wide range of SMS stakeholders, including elected officials, zero-waste programs, county and school district sustainability coordinators, local environmental groups, and nonprofits. 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

Sustainable Marin Schools is on a mission to help schools take meaningful climate action while empowering the next generation of environmental leaders. We provide Marin County K-12 public schools with the people power, resources, and expertise needed to build a culture of sustainability. Through our 4 key programs: Zero Waste, Environmental Literacy, Urban Greening, and Decarbonization, we help schools reduce their environmental impact while fostering climate resilience. Climate Action Leads play a pivotal role in this transformation, collaborating with students, teachers, and staff to implement sustainability initiatives and train young climate leaders to create greener, more resilient campuses. As a Climate Action Lead, you’ll inspire students, lead campus greening projects, and support waste reduction. Fellows have already made a major impact, diverting 300,000+ pounds of organic waste from landfills, training thousands of students in zero waste, and expanding environmental education. For the 2026-2027 school year, we’re looking for passionate individuals to grow this impact within the Novato Unified School District. If you’re ready to gain hands-on experience, develop leadership skills, and make a real difference in the fight against climate change, this is your chance. Join us in shaping a future where schools lead the way in sustainability - apply today! Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Spearhead the Zero Waste Program in teams of two across two elementary schools, while identifying opportunities to expand campus greening, environmental education, climate resiliency, and carbon emissions reduction initiatives
• Deliver engaging environmental education for students, staff, and families on the importance of native tree and plant installation, organic waste composting, and wildfire prevention—through classroom lessons, after-school trainings, climate action events, and Earth Month programming
• Coordinate campus greening and resilience projects that engage volunteers in native plantings and hands-on climate action
• Recruit, mobilize, and lead students, families, educators, and community volunteers to strengthen school-based sustainability initiatives—including composting systems, native tree and plant installation, fire-prone invasive species removal, defensible space creation, and community wildfire resilience education
• 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), edible food recovery, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, Google suite, graphic design, habitat restoration, home hardening/defensible space, landscape management, marketing & social media, multi-stakeholder collaboration, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. Access to a reliable vehicle and 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 Sustainable Marin Schools

Sustainable Marin Schools (SMS) is on a mission to ignite climate action and resilience in Marin County’s K-12 public schools. By weaving sustainability into the fabric of education—from students to the County Office of Education—SMS provides the tools, funding, and expertise needed to drive real change. Through hands-on programs like Organic Waste Diversion, Campus Greening, Environmental Literacy, and Energy Efficiency, SMS empowers schools to build a greener future. With people power and innovative support, we’re not just teaching sustainability, we’re making it a way of life for the next generation. More info: www.sustainablemarinschools.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.