Climate Action Fellow

Job Description

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Fellow at Sustainable Marin Schools

Location: Novato, California

Number of Positions Available: 6

Time Commitment: September 16, 2024 – August 15, 2025

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 16, 2024 – August 15, 2025. Fellows commit to a 40-hour work week, typically Monday – Friday, approximately 8am – 5pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 170-340 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 16, 2024 – Aug 14, 2025 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Program.

About the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship

The California Climate Action Corps has over 350 positions available across California for the 2024-25 CCAC Fellowship. This is a climate-focused, workforce development program for emerging climate and environmental leaders. These are paid, full-time fellowshipssimilar to internshipsbut with 170-340 dedicated hours for professional development and training while receiving hands-on experience in the climate field.

CCAC Fellows serve as AmeriCorps members and 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.

Applications are accepted May 1 – August 16, 2024, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 21, 2024.

Program Benefits

Sustainable Marin Schools offers a dynamic office culture fostering personal and professional growth, with opportunities to directly impact greenhouse gas emissions and waste reduction alongside children. Fellows receive tailored mentoring, flexibility to pursue individual interests, and access to a broad sustainability network, all within the vibrant and diverse community of Novato, renowned for its stunning scenery and commitment to sustainability. Other benefits include:

• Receive up to a $33,600 stipend (pre-tax) spread evenly over 11 months
• Earn up to $10,000 (pre-tax) education award upon completion of 1700 hours
• Participate in 170-340 hours of professional development & training
• Minimum essential healthcare coverage
• Forbearance on qualifying student loans and interest payments accrued during term
• Food assistance and child care assistance (for those eligible)

Description of Duties

The Decarbonization and Zero Waste Program, led by Sustainable Marin Schools (SMS) in collaboration with the Novato Unified School District (NUSD), is committed to empowering students to address climate change challenges while fostering resilience. Fellows will actively engage in recruiting, training, and managing volunteers, providing environmental literacy across K-12, and spearheading direct climate action efforts. By prioritizing carbon emission reduction, this program ensures equitable access to environmental education, empowering students to advocate for their future while reducing their schools’ environmental impact. SMS is seeking 6 dynamic Fellows to form a collaborative team across 6 Novato schools. Each Fellows will spearhead initiatives at their focus school, but Fellows can meet each afternoon to coordinate joint projects such as tours, events, and social media strategy. Through initiatives like the Zero Waste Program and Environmental Literacy, SMS aims to create a healthier school environment and prepare students to become leaders in the green economy, providing essential resources to tackle climate change and promote sustainability within Marin County and beyond. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Implement and sustain a Zero Waste Program at an elementary school, including establishing and overseeing waste stations, teaching recycling and composting in classrooms, training student and parent compost monitors, and identifying opportunities to reduce waste
• Establish essential infrastructure to ensure longevity of sustainability initiatives, including enlisting students for the Green Team, recruiting parents and teachers for the School Site Sustainable Committee, and serving as a liaison among various stakeholders
• Enhance environmental literacy (EL) opportunities within schools by crafting curriculum and activities, delivering EL courses for grades K-5, and integrating EL with climate action initiatives in schools
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers to actively engage in climate action efforts and support sustainability initiatives across K-12 schools
• Craft compelling content for social media campaigns to empower sustainable choices to tackle climate change challenges for students and the broader community
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

• Live in California by August 16, 2024
• Be at least 18 years of age by September 16, 2024
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

Desired Qualifications/Skills

Experience in Volunteer Engagement, Event Coordination, Community Outreach, Environmental Education, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Organic Waste/ Edible Food Recovery, Tree Planting/Care, Volunteer Management, Environmental Justice/ Equity, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Graphic Design, Event Planning, Policy Analysis/ Development, Marketing or Social Media, Experience with students K-12, and Proficiency in Spanish language is preferredbut not required. 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 Sustainable Marin Schools

Sustainable Marin Schools (SMS) is dedicated to empowering Marin County K-12 public schools to lead the charge in climate action and resilience. With a proactive and collaborative approach, SMS focuses on reducing carbon emissions, decreasing waste, and greening campuses. Through initiatives like Zero Waste programs, energy efficiency improvements, and environmental education, SMS envisions a generation of environmentally literate students equipped to tackle climate challenges head-on and build a carbon-free future.

Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 – August 16, 2024, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 21, 2024. Interviews will take place May – August, with all positions filled by August 2024. 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 3 preferred organizations and positions within the application.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $3,055.00 per month

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person