Climate Action Interpreter

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is a vital state agency dedicated to managing California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources alongside the habitats they depend on. Located in Watsonville, California, CDFW operates in one of the world’s most biodiverse environments, working to balance ecological conservation with public use and enjoyment. The Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve, one of CDFW's key sites, serves as a hub for education, stewardship, and research focused on the preservation and restoration of the local watershed. This reserve exemplifies the agency’s commitment to blending scientific research with community engagement through recreation, volunteerism, and interpretative programs.

The California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) Fellowship is an 11-month, full-time program from September 21, 2026, to August 13, 2027, designed to empower emerging leaders in climate and environmental fields. Serving through a workforce development approach, the CCAC Fellowship offers hands-on experience combined with professional training and development for a comprehensive career launch in climate action and conservation. The fellowship requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week, primarily Wednesday through Sunday, with occasional evening and weekend tasks. It provides fellows with a stipend of $35,250 before taxes, distributed over the 11 months, as well as a $10,000 educational award upon completion of the service hours.

As a Climate Action Interpreter within the CDFW’s Interpretation, Education, and Outreach (IEO) Services at the Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve, fellows engage directly in climate resilience activities. This position places fellows at the forefront of community education on climate change impacts, wildfire resiliency, urban greening, and habitat restoration. It involves leading climate-focused tours and events that foster deeper connections between Californians and natural lands managed by CDFW. These activities emphasize restoration efforts, such as creating wildfire-resilient habitats and native plant landscapes that are crucial for ecosystem health and climate mitigation.

Fellows develop innovative climate messaging to enhance social media campaigns and public outreach efforts, increasing public awareness and literacy around critical climate topics. Recruiting and managing volunteers for on-the-ground activities like invasive species removal and native plant restoration is also a core component of the role. Engaging with K-12 education audiences through interactive programs, fellows support educational objectives that promote understanding of climate solutions and ecosystems' resilience. The position requires diligent tracking and analysis of project outcomes to quantify and communicate the climate impact effectively.

Beyond the stipend and educational award, the fellowship offers invaluable benefits such as healthcare coverage, forbearance on qualifying student loans during the service period, childcare assistance where eligible, and CalFresh food benefits. The fellowship also includes 170-340 hours of dedicated professional development and training, along with $300 in professional development funds to support fellows’ career advancement. This combination of financial support, practical experience, and professional growth opportunities makes the CCAC Fellowship a unique stepping stone for those committed to making a tangible difference in climate action and conservation.

Participation in the fellowship provides an opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals, gain skills in climate communication, volunteer management, and habitat restoration, and expand your network in California's environmental sector. This program is especially ideal for those passionate about climate change mitigation, community outreach, and environmental education. Preference is given to candidates already living in the communities they will serve, fostering deeper local engagement and impact. This full-time, temporary position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, valid US residency status, and a commitment to work primarily Wednesdays through Sundays. Applicants must not be concurrently enrolled in undergraduate courses during the fellowship period. This fellowship represents a rare chance to blend meaningful climate action with professional development in an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those with a criminal record.