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ABOUT CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS (CCAC): California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) is a Governor’s initiative national service program led by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor and implemented by Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) dedicated to advancing climate actions that engage community members, cultivate change, and leave a lasting impact. CCAC is part of a larger statewide initiative to address the climate crisis by placing emerging leaders with public agencies, nonprofits, tribal communities, and educational institutions to mobilize communities through volunteer engagement, climate action, and education service projects focused on urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery, and wildfire resiliency. Selected Fellows will serve 1700+ hours as AmeriCorps members over approximately eleven months, supporting community volunteer engagement, climate action, or education projects in vulnerable communities across the state. CCAC meets Californians where they are and provides meaningful opportunities for everyone to take climate action. For more information, please visit: caclimateactioncorps.org/ (https://www.caclimateactioncorps.org/)


ABOUT HOST PARTNER: The Center for Accessibility and Essential Needs at California State University, Bakersfield, advances student well-being, equity, and sustainability by addressing basic needs, including food security. Through the CSUB Food Pantry and Edible Garden, the Center reduces food insecurity while engaging students in climate-positive practices, including food recovery, waste diversion, composting, and sustainable food production. These programs serve students and the broader Kern County community by redistributing rescued food, supporting local partnerships, and cultivating resilient garden spaces. The Center provides a handson, mission-driven environment where fellows can support climate action, community resilience, and environmental stewardship. More info: csub.edu/caen (https://csub.edu/caen)


DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: The Climate Action Coordinator will support California State University, Bakersfield’s Food Pantry and Edible Garden in advancing climate action, food recovery, and community resilience. This project focuses on organic waste reduction, edible food recovery, and urban greening. Climate Action Coordinators will engage students and community members in hands-on climate action by mobilizing volunteers to divert food waste from landfills through composting and food recovery, redistributing surplus edible food to those experiencing food insecurity, and expanding climate-resilient green spaces through native plantings and garden expansion. In this role, coordinators will recruit and lead volunteers in composting, edible food recovery, native and drought tolerant planting, and the development of a 1-acre edible garden expansion. This role offers hands-on experience in communitybased environmental action and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on climate resilience and food security in Kern County. Duties include, but are not limited to: Recruit and mobilize volunteers to participate in climate action activities focused on organic waste diversion, edible food recovery, and urban greening Coordinate and lead volunteer events that support composting, food scrap diversion, native plantings, and edible food recovered from restaurants, farmers’ markets, and grocery stores Support the development and implementation of climate action initiatives by leading and engaging volunteers in composting systems, surplus food recovery and redistribution, and the expansion of climate-resilient green spaces Facilitate structured climate education sessions on composting, food waste reduction, cover cropping, soil health, irrigation practices, urban heat effect, and urban greening Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact Participation in training not to exceed 20% (340-hours) of total service hours Fellow duties will not include any prohibited or unallowable activities per 45 CFR § 2520.65 Fellow duties will not supplant, duplicate, or displace staff as outlined in 45 CFR § 2540.100 (e)-(f) 


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Live in California by August 14, 2026 Must be age 18 or older by August 14, 2026 Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, and experience in community outreach, composting, data/quantitative analysis, diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), edible food recovery, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, habitat restoration, landscape management, marketing & social media, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, multi-stakeholder collaboration, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Fluency in Spanish or Tagalog 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


BENEFITS OF SERVICE: Gain hands-on experience in community-based environmental action while working in a collaborative, mission-driven campus environment. The position offers opportunities for mentorship, networking with campus and community sustainability partners, and professional development through university resources and training. Fellows will also benefit from working in an applied learning setting that supports career pathways in climate, food systems, and public service. Other benefits include: Receive up to $35,250 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 170-340 hours of training and professional development Receive $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) ABOUT BACR: As the program implementation lead, Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) oversees the recruitment, placement, payroll, and benefits administration for fellows serving at the Host Partner Site listed above. We cultivate an organizational culture that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all employees and National Service members. We are firmly committed to fostering an environment where individuals, regardless of their experiences and lifestyles, can thrive personally and professionally. Therefore, we enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual or personal identity, genetic information, national origin, marital standing, medical condition, impairment, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classifications protected by law. Our leadership ensures that these principles guide all aspects of the Fellowship experience during a Fellow's term of service.


APPLY HERE: https://bacr.tfaforms.net/f/ccac-member-app


QUESTIONS: Email jkirksey@csub.edu for more information