Food Rescue Lead

CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

Food Rescue Lead at San Jose Conservation Corps

Location: San Jose, California

Number of Positions Available: 2

Time Commitment: September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027

This is a full-time, 11-month, 1700-hour program from September 21, 2026 - August 13, 2027. Fellows in this position commit to a 40-hour work week, Monday - Friday, approximately 8:00AM - 4:30PM, with occasional evening and weekend commitments based on project needs. 170-340 of these hours are dedicated to professional development. 

**Please note: Due to the full-time commitment of the Fellowship, students enrolled in undergraduate courses between Sep 21, 2026 - Aug 13, 2027 will not be eligible to participate in the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship.

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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 2026-27 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—with 170-340 dedicated hours for professional development and training, providing 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.

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Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 19.

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Program Benefits

Fellows at San Jose Conservation Corps and Charter School benefit from hands-on mentorship, meaningful leadership experience, and exposure to real-world climate and workforce development programs. The collaborative, mission-driven culture provides opportunities to build professional skills, expand local networks, and explore career pathways in environmental services and public service. Fellows may also have access to supportive resources such as transportation assistance and professional development opportunities. Other benefits include:

• Receive a $35,250 stipend (before taxes) distributed evenly over the 11-month service term
• Receive $10,000 in education awards (before taxes and upon completion of 1700 hours)
• Participation in 170-340 hours of training and professional development
• Receive $300 in professional development funds
• 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 San Jose Conservation Corps (SJCC) as a Food Rescue Lead and take a leading role in combatting climate change by addressing food waste and promoting sustainability in our community. As a Food Rescue Lead, you'll spearhead innovative initiatives, manage food rescue operations, and develop the SJCC’s Community Market into a vibrant hub of sustainability and community engagement. We’re transforming our area's food system by partnering with local grocery stores to rescue edible food and divert it to those in need, while minimizing its climate impact. Fellows will also manage composting efforts, engage the community in climate action, and foster environmental stewardship. Through zero-waste educational workshops and effective volunteer coordination, Fellows will empower our diverse community to take meaningful action towards building a more sustainable, resilient future. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead food recovery efforts, identify potential food redistribution partners, and implement programs to maximize food rescued
• Support food recovery efforts, sorting and packaging meals to support the community
• Spearhead community composting initiatives, overseeing the management and maintenance of composting facilities
• Develop and deliver engaging climate-focused workshops and presentations with educational materials and activities to engage diverse audiences in food rescue and composting initiatives
• Coordinate volunteer opportunities, managing recruitment, communications, and event support, fostering a culture of community engagement and environmental stewardship
• Craft content to promote volunteer events and programs through social media, community outreach, and marketing channels, aiming to raise awareness and engagement
• Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact

Minimum Program Eligibility Requirements

• Live in California by August 14, 2026
• Be at least 18 years of age by August 14, 2026
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate

Preferred Qualifications/Skills

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs, and experience in community outreach, composting, data/quantitative analysis, edible food recovery, engaging with K-12 students, environmental education, environmental justice/equity, event coordination & planning, public speaking/facilitation, and volunteer management & engagement. Must possess a valid driver’s license. 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 San Jose Conservation Corps

The San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School seeks to provide meaningful, paid professional development opportunities for young adults facing systemic barriers to employment. We do this by building social enterprises and operations that invest in our local environment and provide training opportunities for our corps members. Professional development is central to our workforce development program, with tailored support and autonomy for staff. SJCC+CS actively engages in environmental projects such as creek restoration, recycling, urban forestry, and tiny home construction, furthering our commitment to environmental sustainability and community impact. More info: sjcccs.org

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Apply Today!

Applications are accepted May 1 - July 31, 2026, with priority consideration given to applicants who apply and undergo a CCAC info session before June 19. Interviews will take place May-Aug, with all positions filled by September 4, 2026. 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. Applicants can select up to 5 preferred positions within the California Climate Action Corps Fellowship application.