Join the Fire Safe Sonoma Team as a California Climate Action Corps Full-Time Wildfire Resiliency Fellow
ABOUT CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION CORPS (CCAC):
California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) is a Governorʼs initiative national service program led by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor and implemented by Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) dedicated to advancing climate actions that engage community members, cultivate change, and leave a lasting impact.
CCAC is part of a larger statewide initiative to address the climate crisis by placing emerging leaders with public agencies, nonprofits, tribal communities, and educational institutions to mobilize communities through volunteer engagement, climate action, and education service projects focused on urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery, and wildfire resiliency.
Selected Fellows will serve 1700+ hours as AmeriCorps members over approximately eleven months, supporting community volunteer engagement, climate action, or education projects in vulnerable communities across the state. CCAC meets Californians where they are and provides meaningful opportunities for everyone to take climate action. For more information, please visit: https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/about-california-climate-action-corps (https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/about-california- climate-action-corps)
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
Become a vital part of Fire Safe Sonoma (FSS), the countywide Fire Safe Council dedicated to wildfire safety and risk reduction for over 25 years. As a Wildfire Resiliency Fellow, you’ll champion crucial initiatives focusing on underserved populations in high-risk wildfire zones, assisting in proactive wildfire preparedness efforts. Participate in our Wildland Fire Assessment Program, where you’ll receive comprehensive training to conduct home assessments. Fellows will then educate and empower the community on topics, such as home hardening, defensible space, resilient landscaping, and other wildfire preparedness. Collaborating closely with community groups, local government, and fire departments, Fellows will help establish fuel breaks and foster Firewise Communities. Fellows will also play a pivotal role in organizing community events, facilitating workshops, and coordinating volunteer efforts. Be a part of engaging with a vast network of fire professionals, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to mitigating wildfire risks and promoting resilient landscapes. Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Coordinate workshops, volunteer days, and public outreach content for the Resilient Landscapes Coalition and recruitment and support for monthly virtual presentations for FSS’s Speaker Series.
- Spearhead and promote community events, including the annual Wildfire Mitigation Leadership Summit, to promote community engagement and wildfire preparedness and prevention.
- Collaborate in creating and delivering public awareness campaigns through social media and public presentations to reinforce wildfire risks and resilience measures.
- Support Firewise meetings helping communities navigate the Firewise application process to enhance wildfire resilience.
- Manage the Listos Tool Trailer, ensuring availability for community work parties, maintaining inventory, and assisting with at least 5 work party events.
- Track program data and analyze results to quantify climate impact.
- Participation in training not to exceed 20% (340-hours) of total service hours.
- Fellow duties will not include any prohibited or unallowable activities per 45 CFR § 2520.65.
- Fellow duties will not supplant, duplicate, or displace staff as outlined in 45 CFR § 2540.100 (e)-(f)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Live in California by August 16, 2024.
- Must be age 18 or older by September 16, 2024.
- Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful US resident to participate
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience in Volunteer Engagement, Event Coordination, Community Outreach, Environmental Education, Public Speaking/Facilitation, Home Hardening/ Defensible Space, Volunteer Management, Environmental Justice/ Equity, Event Planning, GIS / Mapping, Technical Writing, Marketing or Social Media, and Google suite. We’re looking for a self-starter with the ability to perform independently and as a part of the FSS team. 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
BENEFITS OF SERVICE:
Fellows serving with Fire Safe Sonoma will develop skills needed for the Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) and have access to the resources and training needed to receive a certificate. Fellow will develop their knowledge of wildland fire safety and best practices as well as expand their networks with fire service professionals, local governmental representatives, and partner organizations within the field (i.e. UCANR, RCDʼs, UC Master Gardens and more) Other benefits include:
- Receive up to $33,000 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 170-340 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)
ABOUT BACR:
As the program implementation lead, Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) is responsible for the member’s (Fellow’s) recruitment and placement at the Host Partner Site listed above. BACR is the Implementing Agency that manages the Fellows’ payroll and benefits. We cultivate an environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all employees and National Service members.
BACR is firmly committed to maintaining an atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. Therefore, they enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
The BACR management team is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this equal opportunity policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during a Fellow’s term of service.
