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Zero Waste Fellow

1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 210, San Rafael CA (Hybrid)

Launch your Sustainability Career with the Climate Corps Fellowship program!

SEI’s Climate Corps Fellowship program offers the chance to lead impactful climate and community resilience projects while gaining paid, hands-on experience. This full-time, bridge-to-career opportunity pairs fellows with host organizations, from local governments to nonprofits and businesses, to drive real-world change.

About the Opportunity 

Start Date: September 2nd, 2025

Length of Fellowship: 10 months

Are you motivated by tackling climate challenges and advancing zero waste initiatives? As a Zero Waste Fellow in the Climate Corps Fellowship program, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful climate resiliency & sustainability initiatives with Zero Waste Marin. If you’re passionate about helping local governments reduce landfill waste and supporting community outreach to raise waste reduction awareness, then this could be an opportunity for you!

This is a hybrid position with the expectation of onsite work 3 days per week and remote work 2 days per week.  Some community events may happen outside of normal working hours, with the ability to flex the equivalent amount of time off on a normal working day. This position requires the employee to be physically located  within commuting distance of San Rafael, CA, at the time of hire. Only candidates currently residing within commuting distance of the onsite location will be considered.

The principles of zero waste that Zero Waste Marin works to promote are closely related to fighting climate change and advancing climate resiliency. Reducing fossil-fuel-based plastics, encouraging mindfulness surrounding consumption, reducing natural resource depletion through recycling, and avoiding landfill methane emissions while improving soil health through composting are just some examples of this intersection. The Fellow will coordinate with local city and town governments to complete community outreach and messaging related to reducing landfill waste, correct recycling and composting, and complying with laws such as the Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Act, SB 1383. Examples of possible projects could include, but are not limited to: supporting outreach campaigns related to proper waste sorting, developing communications about reducing overall waste by switching to reusables, completing on-site trainings at businesses to help them comply with waste laws and ordinances, inspecting sites for compliance with waste laws and ordinances, and supporting other Zero Waste Marin programs. Community outreach could include occasional weekend work, such as tabling at events. 

Projects you will be working on include:

  • Community-wide outreach: Including but not limited to tabling at grocery stores to encourage shoppers to use reusable bags, visiting businesses to hand out materials about reusable cups, creating social media and newsletter blurbs, or attending events throughout Marin to educate attendees on zero waste.
  • SB 1383 compliance: Supporting the ZWM team to create outreach materials, identify non-compliant generators, provide on-site training and support, and record keeping.

This position offers a unique opportunity to develop your professional skills, grow your network, and contribute to Zero Waste Marin’s sustainability goals.

About Our Partner: Zero Waste Marin

Zero Waste Marin, otherwise known as the Marin County Hazardous and Solid Waste Joint Powers Authority (JPA), is a governmental agency comprised of the County and the 11 cities and towns of Marin. Our mission is to protect natural resources by promoting source reduction of waste through reuse, repair, and more mindful purchasing. To make recycling and composting easy, we offer a variety of programs, including the Household Hazardous Waste Program, the Zero Waste Schools Program, and public outreach and education programs. These programs align with County-wide goals to act on climate change and promote healthy, safe, and sustainable communities.

What You’ll Do

  • Work with ZWM and city/town employees to identify and implement outreach opportunities for educating communities on proper waste sorting and waste reduction.
  • Conduct zero waste trainings, presentations, and inspections for SB 1383 compliance at various sites in Marin.
  • In coordination with ZWM staff and software systems, assist jurisdictions with documenting the required Implementation Record of compliance activities for SB 1383 (Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Act).
  • Work with ZWM staff to analyze program metrics in connection with the JPA’s goals and Work Plan.

What We’re Looking For

  • Knowledge of zero waste principles, including but not limited to: recycling, composting, source reduction of waste, reuse, and repair, etc.
  • Experience with outreach and communications.
  • Experience and/or comfort with presenting in front of a variety of stakeholders and groups.
  • Ability to communicate with diverse groups of people and help them understand the main takeaways or desired actions.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, such as Excel, Word, and Outlook.
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license (this position will require driving to sites for training).
  • The ability to work onsite on a hybrid basis, onsite work 3 days per week, and remote work 2 days per week.  Some community events may happen outside of normal working hours. The Fellow is then able to flex the equivalent amount of time off on a normal working day.
  • Coursework or related experience in environmental fields (e.g., internships, volunteer work) is preferred.
  • 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.

Nice-to-haves

  • Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is a plus.

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.

What We Provide and Why This is a Game-Changer for Your Career

  • A fixed, monthly stipend of $4415.
  • $1000 end-of-program financial award.​
  • Health care coverage with 100% of health care insurance premiums covered by the employer.
  • 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.
  • University of California Climate Stewards Certification equips you to lead community and ecosystem resilience initiatives.

Join the Climate Corps Movement

Climate Corps, a program of SEI, is an award-winning fellowship designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in sustainability and climate action. Our fellows work on cutting-edge sustainability and resiliency projects with local governments, nonprofits, and businesses, building essential skills and creating real-world impact. Since 2010, Climate Corps has empowered over 800 Fellows to work with 500+ partners on 1,350 transformative projects. With nearly 99% of Fellows continuing careers in sustainability—many hired by their host organizations—you could be the next environmental leader shaping a better future!

Our Hiring Values

SEI is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to uplifting the experiences, voices, viewpoints, and values of all individuals. We believe that a wide array of perspectives contributes to creative climate solutions where all communities can thrive. We strive for a workforce that reflects the communities we partner with and serve, especially those most impacted by climate change and environmental, social, and economic injustice. We welcome candidates who share SEI’s commitment to cultivating a people-centered work environment. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

How to Apply

By applying to the Climate Corps Fellowship, you'll automatically be considered for all relevant positions. Apply only once to the position in your geographic region that best matches your background.

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