Tribal Program Assistant

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Tribal Program Assistant at Sierra Nevada Alliance

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 8:30AM - 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

Serving as a Tribal Program Assistant with the Sierra Nevada Alliance offers hands-on experience in climate resilience, wildfire preparedness, forest and watershed restoration, and supporting tribal communities. Fellows will build professional skills through structured training and mentorship from experienced staff, including project management, volunteer coordination, community engagement, and applied conservation techniques. By contributing to community- and tribal-led projects—such as cultural burn workshops, and community climate education—fellows support meaningful, place-based efforts while building a strong professional network and preparing for future careers in environmental stewardship, climate adaptation, and community resilience. 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

The Sierra Nevada Alliance (SNA) seeks Tribal Program Assistants to advance tribal climate resilience and wildfire stewardship across the Sierra Nevada–Cascade region. In partnership with Tribal communities, Assistants will support wildfire preparedness, community education, and volunteer engagement rooted in established local priorities. Key efforts include mobilizing volunteers for cultural burning and fire stewardship activities, removing fire-prone invasive species, reducing forest encroachment and ladder fuels, and strengthening community preparedness through home hardening and defensible space education. All activities are grounded in respect for tribal sovereignty, knowledge systems, and cultural practices. Through outreach and convening, Assistants will help gather community input, expand participation, and ensure education and engagement efforts reflect cultural context while advancing measurable wildfire resiliency outcomes. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to support Tribal-led land stewardship, restore ecosystem health, and strengthen long-term community resilience in fire-adapted landscapes. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Engage with Tribal partners to understand and support community-identified priorities related to wildfire resilience, stewardship, and community preparedness
• Coordinate volunteer engagement for tribal-led wildfire resilience activities, including trainings, community workshops, and stewardship events, aligned with Tribal-identified priorities
• Provide on-the-ground support for Tribal-led climate and stewardship projects, including forest and meadow restoration, cultural burning, fuels reduction, and land stewardship practices such as native plant restoration, invasive species removal, and forest encroachment removal
• Support the development and delivery of community-based climate education workshops in home hardening, defensible space, cultural burning and fire stewardship, wildfire preparedness, and climate adaptation strategies
• Conduct in-person outreach and relationship-based engagement with tribal communities to identify priorities and opportunities for collaboration
• 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

Experience collaborating with tribal communities, or demonstrated commitment to respectful, relationship-based community engagement. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs, and experience in community outreach, can physically navigate diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep, disturbed soil and environments or uneven terrain), environmental education, event coordination & planning, Google suite, home hardening/defensible space, 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. 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 Sierra Nevada Alliance

Sierra Nevada Alliance (SNA) protects and restores lands, water, wildlife, and communities by uniting people and organizations. SNA envisions every ecosystem and community being healthy, resilient, and collectively cared for through thriving partnerships. Projects and initiatives involve community engagement, partnership building, collaboration, workforce development, technical assistance, watershed and forestry restoration, and project management, all aimed at improving community resilience amid climate and wildfire impacts. Sierra Nevada Alliance to expand tribal assistance related to climate and wildfire resilience by providing capacity building for tribes and tribal organizations across the Sierra Nevada–Cascade region. More info: sierranevadaalliance.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.