Environmental Sustainability Fellow

As an Environmental Sustainability Fellow, you will be at the forefront of driving change by empowering students to green campuses and transform food waste systems across the county. You will inspire and equip youth leaders to take action, collaborate with schools and local organizations, and engage communities in environmental sustainability. Your efforts will spark lasting, positive change by guiding schools toward greener futures. 

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Recruit and guide student volunteers to lead their peers in transforming school waste systems and creating native plant gardens on campuses
• Empower student leaders to organize and execute student-led waste audits and native planting projects, collecting data for tracking positive climate impacts
• Lead a community awareness campaign alongside students, highlighting the impact of food waste and urban greening for schools and communities
• Provide technical support and resources to school leadership teams and work toward Green School Certification
• Build and strengthen partnerships with local organizations and school districts to add biodiversity to campuses and drive food waste reduction and diversion efforts
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact
   

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Live in California by August 16, 2025
• Must be age 18 or older by August 16, 2025
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate
• Must commit to a full term of service (8 hrs/day, 5 days/wk, 11 months in person)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience in Community Outreach, Composting, Data/Quantitative Analysis, Edible Food Recovery, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, Google Suite, Graphic Design, Marketing or Social Media, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, and Access to a reliable vehicle and must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Spanish is a plus. 

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
   

BENEFITS OF SERVICE:

Santa Cruz COE offers you the opportunity to change lives while also gaining valuable skills and contacts for your future career. Our organization supports a dynamic network of inspired educators, over 30 local community-based partner organizations, and Youth for Environmental Action student leaders. Santa Cruz COE is a statewide leader for environmental literacy offering Fellows the opportunity to gain first hand experiences in successful community building, youth development, and systemic change initiatives that center youth voices in decision making and foster collaboration for a sustainable future. 

Other benefits include:

• Earn a $35,250 stipends and up to $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
• Receive $300 for use for professional development and participate in 170-340 hours of training and professional development as part of service.
• 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)

APPLY THROUGH THE CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS WEBSITE https://www.caclimateactioncorps.org/positions BY SELECTING THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY POSITION AT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION. You must attend an information session (register through the CCAC website) to qualify for interviews.