Zero Waste Lead

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Zero Waste Lead at Farm Discovery at Live Earth

Location: Watsonville, 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 Monday - Friday, approximately 8:30am - 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

Benefits of serving with Farm Discovery at Live Earth include weekly farm-fresh produce from Live Earth Farm, spending most days outdoors in a beautiful agricultural setting, and being part of a compassionate, mission-driven team that prioritizes well-being and supports a healthy life balance. 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

Farm Discovery at Live Earth is seeking passionate and community-minded Zero Waste Leads to help advance local food security and sustainability. Leads will play a central role in rescuing surplus farm produce, transforming organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, and strengthening connections between local farms and urban communities. Through hands-on engagement with food producers, volunteers, and community partners, Leads will reduce food waste, lower methane emissions, and build community resilience. This is an opportunity to take part in a collaborative initiative that supports both people and planet, while gaining practical experience in sustainable food systems, composting, and environmental outreach. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate food recovery efforts by identifying local producers, contacting farms and distributors, and organizing volunteers for food collection and distribution
• Manage composting operations by transporting organic waste, maintaining compost systems, and producing high-quality compost for community gardening efforts
• Recruit and engage 300+ volunteers through community outreach, social media, and onsite events and activities to mobilize the community to actively support food rescue and composting projects
• Develop and lead educational programming for youth, families, and community groups focused on food waste reduction, composting, and sustainable living
• 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/Skills

Experience in Community Outreach, Composting, Edible Food Recovery, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Project Management, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, 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 Farm Discovery at Live Earth

Farm Discovery at Live Earth is a nonprofit organization in the Pajaro Valley community empowering youth and families to build and sustain healthy food, farming, social and natural systems. Live Earth Farm, is a 150 acre patchwork of organic farms, riparian corridor, oak and redwood forests in the Pajaro Valley of Santa Cruz County. More info: farmdiscovery.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).