Environmental Education Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Environmental Education Fellow at Food Exploration and Discovery

Location: Monrovia, California

Number of Positions Available: 8

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 - 4pm, 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

Food Ed offers a dynamic, hands-on experience in climate action, emphasizing teamwork, adaptability, and professional growth. Fellows gain practical skills in community composting, urban greening, volunteer engagement, event coordination, and environmental education. The team is guided by experts in garden, food, and compost science. Certifications like Master Gardener and Master Composter are encouraged and supported. With a culture that values individual strengths, clear expectations, and flexibility, Fellows connect with a broad network of organizations, government agencies, and institutions to explore future opportunities. 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

Food Exploration and Discovery (Food ED) is dedicated to tackling food waste recovery, urban greening, and water conservation in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County. By collaborating closely with cities, schools, and communities, we address these pressing issues while focusing on areas burdened by pollution and diverse socio-economic needs. As a member of our team, Fellows will play a pivotal role in educating and empowering K-12 students and community members about urban greening and compost through community organizing, special events, and outreach. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Facilitate K-12 programs and volunteer events at various schools, focusing on climate change education, garden science, and native pollinator habitats
• Reimagine and build urban greening projects to enhance green spaces, biodiversity, and educational programs on ecosystem stewardship, healthy living, and climate solutions
• Empower nearby communities to transform landscapes and dietary habits, fostering behavior change to minimize food waste and support native pollinator ecosystems
• Increase volunteer engagement and spearhead community projects to educate the community and enhance our impact on eco-justice, climate, and ecosystem stewardship
• 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, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Habitat Restoration, Landscape Management, Marketing or Social Media, Native Plant Management, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Tree Planting/Care, Volunteer Management & Engagement, and the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs in Diverse Outdoor Conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), Access to a reliable vehicle, and Must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Mandarin, 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 Food Exploration and Discovery

Food Exploration and Discovery (Food ED) collaborates with San Gabriel Valley communities, cities, and schools to construct and sustain environmental education gardens and compost sites hosting programs on ecosystem stewardship, healthy living, and environmental innovation. Our mission is to cultivate healthy ecosystems through education and community partnerships by nurturing sustainable spaces. We reimagine school and community programs alongside our partners and believe in training our staff towards a more hopeful future. More info: explorefooded.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).