Climate Action Interpreter

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Climate Action Interpreter at California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Location: Newport Beach, California

Number of Positions Available: 2

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.

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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

CDFW is a launching pad for a career in conservation and climate action. As a Climate Action Interpreter, you'll gain invaluable experience in community engagement, climate communication, and habitat restoration, collaborating with seasoned professionals in the field. You'll build a diverse skill set while making tangible contributions to the resilience of California's ecosystems. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to network with experts in the industry, develop digital and social media campaigns to increase climate awareness and literacy, and forge connections that can shape your future career path in conservation and beyond. 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

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) offers a unique opportunity in the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve for 2 Climate Action Fellows to team up to engage communities across California, fostering connections to CDFW-managed lands through tours, volunteer events, and digital outreach. Collaborating with CDFW staff, Fellows will develop climate messaging to enhance social media campaigns and increase climate awareness and literacy. Through immersive tours, student engagement initiatives, outreach events, and digital content creation, Fellows will bridge the gap between climate action and the health of California's biodiversity and ecosystems. Fellows will recruit and mobilize volunteers for conservation activities, habitat restoration, and community science initiatives, contributing to climate-resilience and empowering communities in climate action and wildlife conservation. Join us in making a difference for California's wildlife and wild places. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead climate-focused tours of CDFW-managed lands to educate the public on climate change impacts on California's biodiversity and ecosystems and our climate-resiliency efforts
• Develop engaging digital content and climate messaging for CDFW social media platforms to increase climate awareness and literacy
• Recruit and engage volunteers for conservation activities, habitat restoration, and community science initiatives to restore ecosystems and enhance climate resilience
• Facilitate K-12 engagement on climate and biodiversity through outreach events and educational initiatives
• Coordinate climate-focused outreach events to promote community engagement in conservation efforts, with a focus on identifying locally underserved communities to provide targeted support
• Participate and assist staff in site specific fire resilience stewardship action
• 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, Engaging with K-12 students, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice/Equity, Event Coordination & Planning, Microsoft Office Suite and Teams, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Volunteer Management & Engagement, the Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, 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 California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The mission of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is to manage California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public. California is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. As such, CDFW values diverse employees and volunteers collaborating to conserve nature for all Californians. CDFW is committed to fostering an inclusive office environment where all backgrounds, cultures and personal experiences can thrive and connect others to our critical mission. More info: Newportbay.org/partners/department-of-fish-and-game

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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).