You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.
Email

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Zero Waste Fellow at Agricultural Institute of Marin

Location: San Rafael, California

Number of Positions Available: 3

Time Commitment: September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 15, 2025 - August 14, 2026. Fellows commit to a 40-hour work week, typically Sunday - Thursday, approximately 8am - 4:30pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 175+ of these hours are dedicated to professional development.  This is a hybrid position, onsite 4 days per week.

**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Program, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 15, 2025 - Aug 14, 2026 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 400 positions available across California for the 2025-26 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—but with over 175 dedicated hours for professional development and training while receiving 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 and edible food recovery.

———

Applications are accepted May 1 - July  31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025.

———

Program Benefits

As a Zero Waste Fellow with AIM, you’ll gain hands-on experience in climate action, food systems, and sustainability, while collaborating directly with farmers, food vendors, and community stakeholders. Fellows will receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development training in waste reduction policies, environmental education, and program implementation. Additionally, Fellows will have access to career-building workshops, volunteer leadership training, and connections with sustainability professionals to support their growth in the climate and food systems sectors. (Oh, and did we mention the dog-friendly office?!) Other benefits include:

  • Receive up to $33,600 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 175+ hours of training and professional development
  • 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

Join the Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) as a Zero Waste Fellow and play a pivotal role in advancing sustainability within Bay Area food systems. This position offers a unique opportunity to drive climate action by reducing organic waste, diverting surplus food from landfills, and minimizing single-use plastics at farmers markets across Alameda, San Francisco, and Marin Counties. Fellows will collaborate closely with farmers, food vendors, and the community to implement zero-waste initiatives, conduct food recovery efforts, and develop long-term waste reduction strategies. Through direct engagement, education, and policy development, this role contributes to AIM’s vision of sustainable, community-driven food systems and long-lasting environmental impact. Duties include but are not limited to:

  • Conduct waste audits and track food donations at AIM’s farmers markets to identify opportunities for organic waste diversion and enhance food recovery efforts
  • Educate market vendors, shoppers, and volunteers on sustainable waste practices, food waste reduction, and reusable foodware solutions through structured workshops and outreach campaigns
  • Recruit, train, and manage volunteers to support food recovery efforts, zero-waste strategies, and climate education initiatives, fostering strong community engagement
  • Develop and implement community-informed zero-waste policies and programs to reduce single-use plastics and establish sustainable practices at AIM’s farmers markets
  • Organize and lead climate-focused volunteer events and register events on Golden Volunteer to actively engage the community in food waste diversion and sustainable market practices
  • Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

  • Live in California by August 15, 2025
  • Be at least 18 years of age by August 15, 2025
  • Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

Preferred Qualifications/Skills

Experience in Community Outreach, Composting, Data/Quantitative Analysis, Edible Food Recovery, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs in Diverse Outdoor Conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), and Must possess a valid driver’s license. Fluency in Cantonese, Mandarin, 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 Agricultural Institute of Marin

Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) proudly supports over 430+ small-to-midsize farmers, food purveyors, and artisans from 44 California counties who participate in our 9 Certified Farmers Markets, attracting 2 million visitors annually across the San Francisco Bay Area. AIM provides hands-on agricultural education programs to thousands of children and adults, operates a farm audit program, runs a mobile market for older adults and underserved communities, organizes a beginning farmers market incubator program, and operates CalFresh/EBT and Market Match services to create a healthier, equitable food system across the San Francisco Bay Area. More info: agriculturalinstitute.org

——

Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2025, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 20, 2025. Interviews will take place May - August, with all positions filled by September 2025. 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 5 preferred organizations and positions within the application.

*Program structure, fellow benefits, and final participation are subject to approved grant award(s).