Community Engagement Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Community Engagement Fellow at Butte Environmental Council

Location: Chico, California

Number of Positions Available: 4

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, Monday - Friday, approximately 9AM - 5:30PM, 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 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

BEC has cultivated an atmosphere of camaraderie combined with service and pride in the positive impact that we make in our community as a collective organization. Fellows have the opportunity to engage and network with a wide variety of partner organizations, attend seminars, and classes that align with individual interests. Fellows will gain first-hand experience in community engagement through tabling, community events, and partner meetings with other nonprofits, government agencies, and private businesses. 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

At Butte Environmental Council (BEC), Fellows play a vital role in environmental engagement and education, mobilizing volunteers for tree-planting and promoting food-waste reduction initiatives. Through outreach efforts and collaboration with stakeholders, Fellows support BEC's efforts in edible food recovery, urban greening, and composting. Fellows will provide support for tree plantings in the community, coordinate the development of community gardens, and assist with a grassroots household food-waste pickup and composting initiatives. Our Rubbish and Recycling Education (RARE) program gives Fellows the opportunity to conduct education and outreach in Butte County schools, as well as to charter schools, after-school programs, and homeschooled students. BEC is looking for land stewards interested in vermiculture composting, education on organic waste recycling, and/or tree planting. Fellows can choose to fulfill their Fellowship training requirements in focus areas, such as watershed health, urban forestry, and edible food recovery, all while making a tangible impact on environmental sustainability in Butte County. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate and lead climate education community workshops, events, and volunteer projects focused on tree-planting and food-waste reduction
• Develop engaging climate education outreach content—including newsletter articles, brochures, and social media posts, to raise awareness and inspire climate action
• Engage with the public at community events through educational outreach and recruiting volunteers for climate action initiatives
• Cultivate partnerships with local organizations, contributing to coalition-building efforts in edible food recovery, urban greening, canopy coverage, and composting
• 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, composting, 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, Google suite, graphic design, habitat restoration, marketing & social media, multi-stakeholder collaboration, native plant management, project management, public speaking/facilitation, technical writing, 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 Hmong or 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 Butte Environmental Councils:

Butte Environmental Councils (BEC) mission is to protect and defend the land, air and water of Butte County and the surrounding region through action, advocacy and education. BECs role in the community is to provide educational outreach, community engagement and strategic partnerships between other community based organizations, community members and youth. More info: becnet.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.