Environmental Action Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Environmental Action Fellow at Sonoma State University

Location: Rohnert Park, 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 9AM - 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

Fellows are immersed in a vibrant campus community that offers dynamic professional and recreational opportunities. On-campus housing rentals are available (subject to availability). Professional development is embedded throughout the experience—strengthening outreach, branding, professional communication, and expanding professional networks with faculty, partners, community-based organizations, and regional experts. Fellows receive a complimentary one-year membership to the U.S. Green Building Council resource library, with access to webinars and specialized training. Training includes Naturalist Training and Land Management, along with opportunities to connect with regional leaders at events and trainings. Dedicated mentorship from SSU staff and the Campus Sustainability Manager at the CSUChancellor’s Office further supports fellows’ growth and impact. 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

Sonoma State University (SSU), located in the heart of California’s wine country, serves as a living laboratory where ecological restoration, climate action, and community engagement intersect. This project advances urban greening across campus landscapes and SSU’s 3 preserves, with a focus on pollinator habitat expansion, native plant restoration, and wildfire resiliency. Centered along the Copeland Creek corridor, the Native Plant Garden, and surrounding natural areas, Environmental Action Fellows train alongside student restoration crews and the Center for Environmental Inquiry (CEI) to expand natural habitats and strengthen biodiversity. Efforts prioritize improving pollinator habitat, creating pollinator corridors, and planting native species that enhance ecosystem connectivity and climate resilience. In partnership with SSU Preserve staff, fellows also contribute to wildfire resiliency initiatives, including transitioning trees to fire-resistant endemic species, protecting oak woodlands from Douglas-fir invasion at Galbreath Wildlands Preserve, and strengthening fire resilience along the campus creek corridor. Through volunteer engagement, fellows advance environmental stewardship and support measurable outcomes, such as restored habitats and improved fire-adapted landscapes. This experience builds practical skills in land management, regenerative landscape practices, naturalist education, and sustainability. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Recruit and facilitate volunteers for urban greening projects focused on creek restoration, invasive species removal, and planting native species to expand pollinator habitat, strengthen biodiversity, and support climate adaptation in the Copeland Creek Corridor
• Restore native plant ecosystems by removing invasive trees to restore functional ecosystems in the rural campus preserves, and support wildfire resiliency by planting endemic species to create drought-tolerantand fire-resistant pollinator corridors in urban areas of the campus
• Conduct fuel reduction and vegetation management along Copeland Creek Corridor by building controlled burn piles within Preserve boundaries to improve fire resiliency
• Coordinate engaging educational activities to promote pollinator habitat restoration and native plant landscaping to restore ecosystem health for urban greening and wildfire resilience efforts
• Cultivate and expand partnerships with student groups, campus departments, and community champions to mobilize sustained volunteer engagement in the Native Plant Garden and SSU Preserves, driving measurable impact through native plantings and acres of wildfire resiliency
• Organize and lead campus fruit tree gleaning events to recover produce for food rescue
• 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 oruneven terrain), edible food recovery, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmentaljustice/equity, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, Google suite, graphic design, habitat restoration, homehardening/defensible space, landscape management, marketing & social media, multi-stakeholder collaboration, nativeplant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, technical writing, tree planting/care, and volunteermanagement & 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 Sonoma State University

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, Sonoma State University (SSU) is committed to serving the diverse population of the State of California through high-quality, accessible, and affordable higher education. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), SSU is a regionally serving public university committed to educational access and excellence. Driven by a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, SSU delivers high-quality education through innovative programs that leverage the North Bay's economic, cultural, and natural resources. More info: www.sonoma.edu

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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.