Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in learning more about becoming a Climate Corps Fellow? Read through these frequently asked questions. 

What is Climate Corps?

• The Climate Corps fellowship program offers emerging and transitioning professionals a 10-month, hands-on sustainability work and learning experience with organizations leading environmental initiatives.
• Approximately 80% of a Fellow’s time is spent at their assigned partner site working on sustainability initiatives and projects, and the remaining time is dedicated to professional development, including bi-monthly virtual training conferences featuring guest speakers, skill-building workshops, networking opportunities, and self-directed development.

What benefits are offered to Climate Corps Fellows?

• A monthly living wage stipend, starting at $3,150/month.
• $1,000 end-of-program financial award​.
• Health care coverage with 100% of monthly premiums covered by SEI.
• Generous allotment of paid time for Vacation, Sick time, and Holidays.
• Extensive professional and personal development training, including:
  • ​Career-readiness training in interview preparation, salary negotiation, and developing a professional resume and cover letter.
  • Attending panels, workshops, and presentations by climate resilience industry professionals.
  • Professional networking opportunities.
• University of California Climate Stewards Certification: The acclaimed UC California Naturalist Program prepares UC Climate Stewards to engage in and lead local solutions that advance community and ecosystem resilience through the University of California, School of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

What are the requirements for applying for a fellowship?

• Coursework or related experience in environmental fields (e.g., work, internships, volunteer work) is preferred.
• Be authorized to work for any employer in the United States for the duration of the fellowship (SEI is unable to sponsor fellowships). You may check here to verify if you qualify.
• Experience and/or the drive to create race equity with team members and programmatically.
• Further Requirements are posted per position opening. ​

How Can I Apply?

1. Review the fellowship opportunities on the Climate Corps Careers Page. 
2. Apply to the one in your geographic region that excites you and aligns with your goals and experience/education.
3. Submit one application (you’ll be considered for other suitable positions during the interview process).

We’ll review your application and reach out to let you know if you have been selected for the next steps.

Is there a deadline for applications?

• Our recruitment cycles typically begin 3 months before the scheduled start date of the fellowship. Candidates should apply as early as they can to give our recruitment team ample time to consider their candidacy.
• Check the start date of the position and ensure you apply to the cycle that aligns with your ability to commit to a full-time schedule (Monday to Friday, typically 9:00am to 5:00pm).

What Does the Interview Process Look Like?

• For each position, SEI’s Recruiting Team screens and interviews applicants to determine the top candidates based on interests and experience alignment. The entire process can take between 2 and 6 weeks. Here are the steps:
  • Step 1: First Interview
    
    • ​In this initial video interview, we’ll ask questions to assess your fit for both the fellowship program and the Partner organization. Toward the end, you’ll have the chance to ask us one or two questions. If you’re interested in another fellowship opportunity, feel free to share that during the interview. We may even suggest a role that could be a better match! 
  • Step 2: Reference Collection
    
    • ​Within approximately 2 weeks of your first interview, we’ll notify you if you’re moving forward as a finalist. If selected, we’ll request your references to complete this step. Being chosen as a finalist means you’re one of the top candidates for the fellowship!
  • Step 3: Partner Meeting
    
    • ​As a final step, all finalists virtually meet with the partner organization. These meetings typically last 30 minutes and are an opportunity for the partner to learn more about you and for you to explore the role in greater detail. 
      
  • Step 4: Offer! 
    • In this initial video interview, we’ll ask questions to assess your fit for both the fellowship program and the Partner organ. ​​Once we hear back from the partner, we will contact you to make an offer. ​

Can I apply for more than one fellowship in the same cycle?

• You should only apply to one position: the one in your geographic region that excites you and aligns with your goals.
• When reviewing applications, the SEI Recruitment Team assesses whether your application might align with other positions and will notify you if we identify a potential match.
• If you're selected for an interview, you’ll have the opportunity to express interest in other fellowship opportunities during the conversation.

Is the stipend for the fellowship negotiable?

• The stipend for each fellowship is carefully determined in collaboration with our partners during the development of the position. As a result, the stipend amount is set prior to posting and remains fixed throughout the fellowship opportunity.

How often are open Climate Corps positions posted?

• Climate Corps offers four start dates per year (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall) on the first business day of January, March, June, and September. We start posting for each new cycle about 3 months before the start date. ​

How can I prepare for my interview?

• Always revisit the job post before any interview.  All job postings for the upcoming cycle can be found on our Climate Corps careers page. 
• Want to be sure you ace your interview? Check out these great resources!
  • How to Ace Your Next Interview

Video Interview Guide: Tips for a Successful Job Interview ​

 What do Fellows do after their fellowships?

• Fellows have found incredible opportunities following their program experience. Within four months of completing the program, 98.6% of alumni secure a position in sustainability or are accepted to a graduate or doctoral program.
  • Many seamlessly transition into positions within their hosting organizations, contributing their skills and expertise to make a lasting impact. 
  • Alternatively, Fellows utilize the final months of their fellowship to embark on a fulfilling job search, successfully securing roles in sustainability with different organizations. 
  • Furthermore, some Fellows choose to pursue graduate programs after completing their fellowship. This range of post-fellowship paths showcases the versatility of our program and the multitude of avenues it opens up for our talented participants. ​

When will I hear back on my application status? Or how can I check my application status/progress?

• The SEI Recruiting Team consistently reviews applications for the coming cycle. If you apply for the upcoming cycle, we will respond to advise you of any next steps.   We do get a decision to all candidates, regardless of whether they are selected for an interview.
• Following the initial interview, you can expect to receive an email typically within one week.

Is the position I applied for still open? ​

If the role is posted on the Climate Corps website, it is still open.

Can current students apply for a Climate Corps fellowship?

• Fellows are generally expected to commit to a full-time, 40-hour workweek, with availability between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. For this reason, we recommend that students apply only if the fellowship start date falls after their graduation date.​

Can international students apply for Climate Corps? ​

If you are eligible to work in the United States, can commit to a full-time position, and possess valid I-9 documentation for the duration of the fellowship, then you are eligible for the Climate Corps program! Please note that SEI cannot sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. ​

Can candidates apply if they are authorized to work under optional practical training (OPT) or curriculum practicum training (CPT)?

As long as you can commit to a full-time position and possess the necessary documents listed for an I-9 (valid for the duration of the fellowship), we are delighted to have you on board! Please note that SEI is currently unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. ​

How much in-person/remote work is expected for a fellowship?

• Specific details depend on the needs of each partner organization.
• The job post for each fellowship opportunity will indicate whether the position is remote, hybrid, or in-person. For hybrid-specific positions, the days on-site are indicated in the job post. ​

What does a typical day/week look like in the fellowship?

Specific details depend on the partner organization with which a Fellow is placed; however, generally speaking, the Fellow will spend approximately 80% of their time working on projects and deliverables, and the remaining 20% (usually Fridays) in training sessions and participating in professional development activities.

Can I do a fellowship while holding a second job?

SEI’s Climate Corps program is a full-time, immersive experience involving project work, training, professional development, and community building. Fellows are expected to commit to a 40-hour workweek, typically Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., although specific scheduling flexibility may be arranged with site supervisors. We encourage Fellows to fully engage in the program's professional development and community-building aspects. While uncommon, some past Fellows have managed second jobs by working evenings, weekends, or on a flexible schedule.

I’ve accepted a Climate Corps fellowship offer and have turned in all my hiring paperwork. What’s next?

• Kudos for completing your hiring paperwork! Your SEI Regional Supervisor will contact you on or near the first day of your fellowship with the next steps and instructions.