CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS
Climate Action Fellow at California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Location: Friant, California
Number of Positions Available: 1
Time Commitment: January 21, 2026 - September 11, 2026
This is a full-time, 7.5-month, 1200-hour program from January 21 - September 11, 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. 120-240 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 Jan 21, 2026 - Sep 11, 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 20 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 120-240 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 Nov 12 - Dec 17, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before Dec 3, 2025.
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Program Benefits
CDFW is a launching pad for a career in conservation and climate action. As a Climate Action Interpreter, you'll gain invaluable experience in community engagement, climate communication, and habitat restoration, collaborating with seasoned professionals in the field. You'll build a diverse skill set while making tangible contributions to the resilience of California's ecosystems. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to network with experts in the industry, develop digital and social media campaigns to increase climate awareness and literacy, and forge connections that can shape your future career path in conservation and beyond. Other benefits include:
- Receive up to $24,882.35 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 7.5-month service term
- Receive $5,176.50 Segal Education Award (before taxes and upon completion of 1200 hours)
- Participation in 120-240 hours of training and professional development
- $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
Climate Action Interpreters at the California Department of Fish & Wildlife play a vital role in connecting everyday climate actions to the health of California’s incredible biodiversity and ecosystems. Through guided climate-focused tours of CDFW-managed lands, hands-on engagement with K–12 students, and classroom support for underserved schools through the Classroom Aquatic Education Program (CAEPs), Interpreters help bring climate education to life. This role blends on-the-ground experiences—like monthly fire resiliency and urban greening efforts at the San Joaquin River Hatchery—with creative outreach, including designing digital content and leading community science initiatives. Interpreters will also spark volunteer action and build public awareness around conservation, climate change, and ecosystem restoration. Duties include but are not limited to:
- Guide interpretive tours on CDFW-managed lands to help students and community members explore the connection between biodiversity and climate action
- Create compelling climate-focused digital content for CDFW social media that brings conservation and climate stories to a broader audience
- Inspire the next generation by facilitating classroom-based aquatic education experiences and climate literacy opportunities for underserved schools
- Mobilize volunteers through monthly events that support fire resiliency and urban greening efforts at the San Joaquin River Hatchery
- Foster public engagement through community science initiatives that build awareness around climate change and ecosystem health
- Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact