Urban Conservation Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Urban Conservation Fellow at Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy

Location: Los Angeles, California

Number of Positions Available: 2

Time Commitment: September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027. Fellows in this position commit to a 40-hour work week, Tuesday - Saturday, approximately 8:30AM - 5:00PM, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 170-340 of these hours are dedicated to professional development.  This is a hyrbid position, onsite 4 days per week.

**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Fellowship, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 21, 2026 - Aug 13, 2027 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship.

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About the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship

The California Climate Action Corps has over 400 positions available across California for the 2026-27 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—with 170-340 dedicated hours for professional development and training, providing 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.

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Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 19.

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Program Benefits

As a rapidly growing organization, we offer plenty of hands-on experience across all facets of conservation. From land acquisition and wildlife camera research to land management and grant writing, you will work alongside a team of expert advisors who are leaders in the field of local conservation. Other benefits include:

• Receive a $35,250 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
• Receive $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)

Description of Duties

Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy’s Hahamongna to Tujunga Wildlife Corridor Project integrates land acquisition, community-driven land stewardship, and climate education and advocacy to create vital pathways for wildlife movement. This corridor network supports urban greening initiatives, native habitat health, and wildfire resiliency in response to climate change. Beyond ecological benefits, the project fosters connections among communities, empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to biodiversity conservation. As part of our dynamic team, Urban Conservation Fellows have the opportunity to become leaders in protecting our local lands. They will build professional skills in volunteer engagement and management, youth education, land management, and community outreach, and be connected to a wide network of professionals within conservation. AFC staff and advisors offer mentorship across a wide range of career paths, equipping Fellows with the skills and connections to advance their professional goals. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate weekly restoration events for groups of 20+ volunteers, leading hands-on land management activities including invasive species removal, native plantings, tree maintenance, and wildfire resiliency practices
• Lead ~10 field trips per month for groups of 40+ K-12 students focused on Southern California Ecosystems to foster youth stewardship, integrate hands-on activities, such as invasive species removal and native planting, and engage volunteer field trip leaders to support restoration efforts
• Develop and implement targeted outreach strategies to recruit and engage volunteers in urban greening and wildfire resiliency initiatives, fostering long-term stewardship through AFC’s Friends Groups and sustained participation in habitat restoration and land management
• Execute direct climate-action projects on AFC preserves, including native planting, invasive-species removal, and fire-fuel-load reduction, to improve ecosystem health and enhance landscape resilience to climate impacts
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

• Live in California by August 14, 2026
• Be at least 18 years of age 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/Skills

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, and experience in community outreach, diverse outdoor conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, event coordination & planning, GIS/mapping, Google suite, habitat restoration, landscape management, native plant management, public speaking/facilitation, traditional ecological knowledge, tree planting/care, and volunteer management & engagement. Access to a reliable vehicle and must possess a valid driver's license. Fluency in Spanish 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

About Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy:

Formed in 2000, Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy (AFC) is dedicated to identifying, conserving, enhancing, and stewarding critical natural habitats and wildlife corridors across the San Rafael Hills, Verdugo Mountains, and the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains between Tujunga Wash and Altadena, connecting them to the Santa Monica Mountains at Griffith Park. Through collaboration with diverse communities, the organization aims to restore biodiversity, create safe pathways for wildlife, and inspire Angelenos to become environmental stewards across the region. More info: arroyosfoothills.org

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Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 19. Interviews will take place May-Aug, with all positions filled by September 4, 2026. 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. Applicants can select up to 5 preferred positions within the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship application.