Sustainability Specialist

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Sustainability Specialist at California State University, Fresno

Location: Fresno, 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 Monday - Friday, approximately 8am - 5pm, 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

Fellows can benefit from having access to the wide range of passionate faculty and staff that enable Fresno State to change the lives of those in the San Joaquin Valley. There will be many opportunities for networking, mentoring, professional development, and continued learning. Fellows will be able to engage with campus affinity groups to bolster a sense of inclusion and belonging in the campus community. 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

Fresno is home to a vibrant, culturally rich community and a proud agricultural legacy. Like many regions, it faces increasing challenges due to climate change—such as rising temperatures and air quality concerns—which disproportionately affect underserved communities. At the same time, Fresno State students and staff are rising to meet these challenges with innovation and purpose. As a Sustainability Specialist at Fresno State, you’ll support hands-on climate action projects centered on composting, edible food recovery, and urban greening. Your efforts will help redistribute surplus food to students in need and compost more than 10,000 pounds of organic waste, directly supporting the university’s 900+ acre Campus Farm and the broader Fresno community. Thrive in Fresno State’s dynamic campus environment—where sustainability, leadership, and collaboration are more than just values; they’re a way of life. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate the collection and transport of organic waste from campus entities to the Campus Farm for composting using the aerated pile method
• Facilitate the recovery of edible food from campus and community partners for redistribution through the university’s Student Cupboard
• Recruit and mobilize volunteers to participate in hands-on climate action efforts, supporting key sustainability goals and impact metrics
• Assist with the planning and execution of native plant and tree planting events on campus and in collaboration with off-campus partners
• Develop and deliver engaging educational presentations on climate change, environmental justice, and sustainable practices for campus and community audiences
• 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, Edible Food Recovery, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, Google Suite, Marketing or Social Media, 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 Hmong, Punjabi 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 California State University, Fresno

California State University, Fresno serves California’s agriculturally-rich, ethnically-diverse, and socio-economically disadvantaged San Joaquin Valley, providing critical educational pathways for high earning and fulfilling careers. Since 2022, Fresno State has been declared a R2 institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the number of doctoral degrees granted and high research spending. Fresno State also houses the largest farm in the California State University (CSU) system, which allows our students to receive a hands-on, cutting-edge education. Approximately 80% of graduates remain in California’s Central Valley to give back to their communities. More info: fresnostate.edu

——

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).