Community Compost Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Community Compost Fellow at LA Compost

Location: Los Angeles, California

Number of Positions Available: 3

Time Commitment: September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026. Fellows commit to a 40-hour work week, typically Tuesday - Saturday, approximately 9am - 5pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 175+ of these hours are dedicated to professional development. 

**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Program, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 15, 2025 - Aug 14, 2026 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Program.

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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 2025-26 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—but with over 175 dedicated hours for professional development and training while receiving 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 and edible food recovery.

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Applications are accepted May 1 - July  31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025.

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Program Benefits

LA Compost Fellows thrive in a supportive, people-first environment that prioritizes personal growth and community impact. Our beautiful Northeast LA office features a courtyard garden and nearby hiking trails for a refreshing breaks. Throughout the term, Fellows gain professional skills in the sustainability field, participate in partner meetings and community events to expand their networks, and receive benefits like mileage reimbursement, public transit subsidies, a boot stipend, and access to wellness activities. Other benefits include:

• Receive up to $35,000 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
• Earn up to $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
• Participation in 175+ hours of training and professional development
• 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

Forget sitting at a desk all day! As a Community Compost Fellow with LA Compost, you'll be in the field transforming food waste into nutrient-rich compost, leading volunteers, and empowering communities to take climate action. From bustling farmers’ markets to thriving compost hubs, you’ll be at the center of LA’s sustainability movement, ensuring historically underserved communities have access to composting education and resources. With hands-on training in composting operations, community outreach, and sustainability leadership, fellows will gain real-world experience in environmental education, volunteer engagement, and climate action—building skills for a future in sustainability while making a lasting impact on Los Angeles. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Process food scraps into compost, reducing organic waste in landfills and supporting soil health initiatives across LA
• Lead composting workshops and outreach events, engaging diverse communities in hands-on climate solutions
• Recruit and train volunteers in composting techniques, fostering a network of sustainability advocates
• Deliver educational sessions on soil health and composting to schools and community groups, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards
• Represent LA Compost at farmers’ markets and community events, building partnerships and expanding access to composting education
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

• Live in California by August 15, 2025
• Be at least 18 years of age by August 15, 2025
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in Community Outreach, Engaging with K-12 students, Event Coordination & Planning, Google Suite, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, 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 LA Compost

LA Compost restores lost connections to the soil and one another. Cooperatively with a diverse network of partners within LA County, we co-create spaces for local compost access and engagement, restorative practices, and community empowerment. We support a healthy transition where food is never wasted but returned to the soil for the next cycle of life. More info: lacompost.org

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Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025. Interviews will take place May - August, with all positions filled by September 2025. 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. Applications are for the California Climate Action Corps Program in general, but applicants can select up to 5 preferred organizations and positions within the application.

*Program structure, fellow benefits, and final participation are subject to approved grant award(s).