Climate Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Opportunity 

Start Date: September 1st, 2026

Length of Fellowship: 10 months

Location Type: Hybrid

Are you passionate about tackling climate challenges and driving sustainability solutions? As an Environmental Educator in the Climate Corps Fellowship program, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful climate resiliency initiatives with Climate Action Pathways for Schools. This is a hybrid position with the expectation of onsite work 2-3 days per week. This position requires frequent travel between 3 school locations. Candidates must possess a valid driver's license and have consistent access to a reliable vehicle.

We seek a program coordinator who is passionate about advancing public education, environmental sustainability, and developing the sustainability workforce of the future to join our team and will lead a work-based learning program in Los Angeles and remotely support work-based learning programs in other CA regions. CAPS programs include a high school internship program that meets 2-3 hours/week during the school year and up to two weeks in the summer and a high school Sustainability Specialist apprenticeship program that meets 2-3 hours/week during the school year and 5-6 weeks in the summer. Both programs use a similar CAPS curriculum and work on sustainability projects for their school district. The apprenticeship program is a 2.5-4 year program that includes on-the-job training with CAPS working on district and community sustainability projects. 

About Our Partner: Climate Action Pathways for Schools

Climate Action Pathways for Schools (CAPS) is an innovative and growing California-based nonprofit organization. They partner with school communities to provide inspiring climate education programs and implement local projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while saving money for school districts. CAPS provides paid internships and youth apprenticeships for high school students that help them prepare for highly skilled college and career pathways and support them in the development of projects that mitigate climate change. CAPS climate action programs serve under-resourced schools and communities that are impacted by environmental injustices.

What You'll Do

• Lead the development and implementation of school projects related to climate action, which will include, but are not limited to, building decarbonization (energy efficiency & solar), waste management, and water conservation.
• Collaborate with CAPS and industry experts, local community stakeholders, key school personnel and staff, and school communities to gather input and data to inform recommendations for improving sustainability projects, including refining and developing learning modules that interns will teach to elementary or middle school students.
• Gather and interpret data on the district's electricity, natural gas, and other measures that are relevant to reducing greenhouse gas emissions; utilize data to create graphs, graphics, presentations, and reports that articulate recommendations on greenhouse gas reductions
• Lead and expand CAPS programs for high school internships and the Sustainability Specialist apprenticeship program, initially targeting 1-2 schools in the Los Angeles/Lawndale area and up to 15 apprentices across 2-3 school districts.
• Recruit, select, and mentor high school interns, ensuring their overall success, learning, and skill development.
• Guide interns on sustainability initiatives, including the planning of school-based climate action projects, tracking district sustainability data, and developing project management plans in collaboration with school staff and stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary case manager for registered apprentices by maintaining individualized success plans, conducting regular progress reviews, and supporting scheduling needs.
• Coordinate training delivery alongside CAPS managers and instructors to ensure seamless alignment between On-the-Job Training (OJT) and classroom instruction.
• Maintain regulatory compliance by registering new apprentices with state/federal agencies and ensuring all program operations align with official apprenticeship standards.
• Track and document participant progress, accurately logging apprentice hours, competencies, evaluations, and OJT milestones using CAPS competency frameworks and reporting tools.

What We Provide

• A fixed, monthly stipend of $4000.
• $1000 end-of-program financial award.
• Health care coverage with 100% of health care insurance premiums covered by SEI.
• 10 Personal Days (for a standard 10-month Fellowship), in addition to all holidays off that are observed as closure days by the partner placement site.
• Comprehensive career-readiness training, including interview prep, salary negotiation, and resume building.
• Panels, workshops, and networking with climate resilience industry professionals.
• Professional networking and learning opportunities.
• The University of California Climate Stewards Certification equips you to lead community and ecosystem resilience initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• Two years of applicable teaching experience in formal or after-K-12 school settings or equivalent experience in managing and developing climate, environment, or sustainability education programs for youth. Skilled educator with experience delivering results in workforce development.
• A bachelor's degree, preferably in education, environmental science, engineering, or an equivalent field of study.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment and travel periodically within the Central Valley and the LA regions.
• Outstanding project manager with experience planning, tracking, and reporting on the performance of multiple ongoing projects.
• Excellent data analysis skills with the ability to distill disparate and complex data sets into tangible recommendations.
• Proven ability to facilitate, manage, collaborate, and communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including students, district administrators, curriculum and instruction personnel, and facilities staff.
• Proficiency with Google Docs and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• The ability to work onsite on a hybrid basis. Only candidates currently residing within commuting distance of the site address will be considered.
• Commitment to a fair workplace that honors the experiences, voices, viewpoints, and values of all individuals.
• Authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship (SEI is unable to sponsor visas).
• May require occasional moving about to accomplish tasks, moving from one worksite to another, or adjusting or moving objects under 25-50 pounds in all directions.
• Must be 18 years or older to apply.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in workforce development, apprenticeship, case management, education, youth development, or related fields.
• Experience in green careers, climate action, environmental sustainability, or environmental justice.
• Familiarity with career pathways, work-based learning, or postsecondary transition programs.
• Experience with California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) paperwork or similar systems.
• Understanding of green careers or sustainability sectors (energy efficiency, environmental services, zero-emission transportation, etc.).

We encourage everyone interested in this position to apply, even if you don't meet every qualification. We value all perspectives and believe that a unique background can bring significant strengths to this role, even if some qualifications are not fully met.

Climate Corps Fellowships are classified under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as temporary, educational internships that emphasize training and career development, and thus no employment relationship exists, nor is compensation required. However, while not considered traditional employment, Fellows receive a living stipend and professional development support throughout the program.

Recruiting Timeline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage early submissions, as we may stop accepting new applications once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates is identified.