Environmental Justice Climate Equity Fellowship

Professional Fellowships @Fellowships posted 2 weeks ago

Job Description

The Environmental Justice Climate Equity Fellowship is a twelve-month, full-time program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Justice in partnership with national community‑based organizations. Launched in 2022, the fellowship cultivates community leaders from frontline and historically overburdened neighborhoods to co‑design and implement climate resilience, mitigation, and equity initiatives at the local level.

Role Description:
Fellows will engage in the following activities:

  • Community Resilience Projects: Lead or support a local climate action project—such as urban greening, flood mitigation, or clean energy access—in collaboration with municipal agencies and grassroots partners.
  • Policy & Advocacy Training: Participate in workshops on environmental justice policy, regulatory processes, and advocacy strategies to influence state and federal climate programs.
  • Capacity Building & Technical Assistance: Provide or coordinate technical support (e.g., mapping, vulnerability assessments, grant writing) for community organizations seeking climate funding and resources.
  • Peer Learning & Networking: Attend quarterly convenings—virtually and regionally—to share best practices, receive mentorship from EJ experts, and build a cross‑sector network.

Location:
Hybrid model: Fellows are based in their home communities across the United States, with an expectation of two days per week in fieldwork or partner meetings and quarterly travel to convenings in Washington, D.C., and regional hub cities.

Application Cycle:
Annually.

What You’ll Need:

  • U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
  • Minimum of three years of leadership or project experience in environmental justice, community organizing, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated connection to a frontline community disproportionately impacted by climate change.
  • Strong project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Ability to travel for convenings and fieldwork (up to 20% of time).

Benefits and Perks:

  • Stipend: $60,000 annual fellowship salary with health, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Professional Development: Access to EPA training, mentorship from EJ and climate experts, and funding for certification courses.
  • Resource Access: Technical toolkits, data platforms, and small‑grant funding (up to $5,000) for community pilot projects.
  • Network & Alumni: Membership in an ongoing alumni network, with opportunities for continued collaboration and leadership roles in federal EJ initiatives.

Where and How You Can Apply:

Submit your application online via the EPA Environmental Justice Fellowship portal during the open cycle. Required materials include:

  • Résumé or CV.
  • Cover letter describing your community ties and climate equity vision (500 words).
  • Project concept note (750 words) outlining a proposed resilience or mitigation initiative.
  • Two letters of recommendation (one from a community partner, one from a professional supervisor).

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