Habitat Restoration Fellow

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Habitat Restoration Fellow at Grassroots Ecology

Location: Palo Alto, California

Number of Positions Available: 6

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 Monday - Friday, approximately 9am - 5:30pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 175+ of these hours are dedicated to professional development. 

**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.

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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 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.

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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.

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Program Benefits

Fellows at Grassroots Ecology gain hands-on experience in ecological restoration across 20+ diverse sites while receiving mentorship and training. Opportunities include informational interviews with environmental professionals, resume and interview workshops, and a professional development stipend. Serving on a small, collaborative team, Fellows will build skills, grow their network, and make a meaningful impact on local ecosystems and communities. Other benefits include:

• Receive up to $35,000 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

Grassroots Ecology engages and educates the public to restore local ecosystems. We collaborate with communities at 25 sites spanning from the the Santa Cruz Mountains to the San Francisco Bay salt marshes. As a Habitat Restoration Fellow, you'll be a part of a team to drive hands-on habitat restoration and volunteer engagement, playing a pivotal role in advancing our conservation efforts. From removing invasive weeds to nurturing native plants, you'll conduct ecological restoration at parks and public open spaces. You will also learn about and assist with native plant propagation at our Native Plant Nursery. Additionally, you'll lead and coordinate volunteer events, fostering community engagement and a deeper connection to nature. Beyond restoration, you'll have the opportunity to mentor middle and high school students through our Youth Stewards Program, igniting a passion for environmental stewardship in the next generation. Join us in cultivating a more resilient future for our communities and ecosystems. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct regular field assignments at restoration sites, performing tasks such as invasive weed removal, native plant care, and site maintenance
• Coordinate and lead volunteer events, guide participants in restoration activities and nature walks, and ensure the safety and satisfaction of volunteers
• Facilitate Grassroots Ecology's Youth Stewards Program, mentoring middle and high school students in environmental stewardship
• Develop interpretive materials for volunteers and park visitors, enhancing their understanding of local ecosystems through signage, blog posts, and social media content
• Engage in staff meetings, training sessions, and site-sharing days to advance projects and climate mitigation strategies
• 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, Data/Quantitative Analysis, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, Google Suite, Habitat Restoration, Native Plant Management, Project Management, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs in Diverse Outdoor Conditions (rain, wind, heat, steep or uneven terrain), 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 Grassroots Ecology

Grassroots Ecology is a nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for public lands and waters in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. In collaboration with landowners, governments, schools, and businesses, they engage the community in hands-on education and service to improve the local environment. Grassroots Ecology’s core programs are Land Stewardship, Volunteer Workdays and Community Events, Workforce Development, Naturalist Education and a Native Plant Nursery. Grassroots Ecology's efforts lead to cleaner public lands and waterways, diverse ecosystems, thriving wildlife habitats, and more climate-resilient landscapes. More info: grassrootsecology.org

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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).