Available Positions

Stay up to date on our job opportunities by following us on social media.

Operations

Water and Land Protector Fellowship

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 13, 2026

Overview:

Save California Salmon (SCS) is seeking youth leaders, community organizers, and scholars with a passion for advocacy and education related to water protection, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and policy change to apply for our Water and Land Protector Fellowship.

This opportunity is for individuals who wish to lead projects that prioritize local and Tribal perspectives on water policy, environmental education, outdoor education, and environmental justice, in alignment with Save California Salmon’s mission and goals.

Eligible projects may include education-based initiatives, policy advocacy, community organizing and outdoor education programs, art and activism projects, or land and water management efforts.

Award Amount:

Up to $2,000. Both small and large scale projects will be considered. Limited additional project support may be available at SCS’s discretion to cover specific project related expenses.

Fellowship Period:

Projects should be completed within approximately 6 months of award notification.

Expectations:

Applicants must be self motivated, able to work independently, adhere to timelines, provide regular updates and deliverables, and collaborate with mentors, Tribes, or educational institutions throughout the project.

Fellows who successfully complete their projects may receive: a professional reference letter, and letter of support for scholarships and future educational or funding opportunities.

Priority will be given to projects that:

Are based in the Central Valley, North Coast, or Klamath River watersheds
Produce data-driven outcomes that may influence funders, institutions and policy makers
Are developed in collaboration with a California Tribe or educational institution (including public schools and non-federally recognized Tribes)
Include matching support or resources from partner Tribes or institutions
Include scheduled community events with direct public benefit
Advance existing Tribal or state management plans or policy goals
Contribute to water protection, land protection, and policy change

Proposal Requirements:

(Maximum Length: 4 pages)

Proposals must include the following:

Description of Project:

Provide a clear summary (300-500 words) of your proposed project, including goals and expected outcomes.

Location of Project:

Identify the primary geographic area(s) where the project will take place.

Partners:

List any partners or mentors, or organizational institutions that you will collaborate with on this project. Include letters of support if available.

Community Served:

Describe the target audience of your project and who will benefit most significantly.

Timeline:

Provide a detailed timeline of project milestones and anticipated accomplishments.

Importance:

Explain why your project is needed, the issues it addresses, and how it will make an impact.

Alignment with Save California Salmon’s Mission:

Describe how your project aligns with Save California Salmon’s mission and goals.

Qualifications:

Provide relevant qualifications, skills, or experiences that support your ability to complete the project successfully.

Budget Overview:

Provide a brief outline describing how the fellowship funds will be used.

References:

Include references or letters of support/commitment from mentors, Tribes, or community organizations.

Submission Instructions:

Submit via email to: info@californiasalmon.org

Deadline: March 6, 2026

For questions or additional information, visit: www.californiasalmon.org

or email: info@californiasalmon.org.

Our Mission:

Save California Salmon (SCS) is dedicated to policy change and community advocacy for Northern California’s salmon and fish dependent people. We support the fisheries and water protection work for the local communities, and advocate effective policy change for clean water, restored fisheries and vibrant communities.

We aim to support Tribes and the general public in engaging with public comments related to water pollution, fisheries, and beneficial use issues.

Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

Alignment with SCS’s mission and goals
Feasibility and clarity of the proposed project
Strength of the proposed work product
Potential impact on Tribal and local communities
Strength of partnerships and collaborations
Applicant qualifications and relevant experience

Operations

Legal Coordinator/Staff Attorney

Save California Salmon (SCS) is seeking a Legal Coordinator/Staff Attorney to join our Policy Team. The Staff Attorney works directly with SCS’ Executive Director and legal, education and policy teams to review, analyze, and draft comments, policies, appeals, and litigation for SCS campaigns and issues and ensure compliance with all non-profit legal requirements. The Staff Attorney is responsible for overseeing any litigation, appeals, or legal hearings that the organization engages in, and also provides legal support and analysis to assist SCS in fulfilling its purpose. The Staff Attorney may provide oral public comments, provide policy analysis, draft written comments for various existing and proposed water projects, organize and attend coalition meetings, and serve as a media spokesperson on policy or legal issues.

Reports to: Executive Director

Works from: Sacramento, CA or Northern California

Classification: Exempt, Full-Time, Hybrid (Remote/In-person)

Starting Salary: $75,000 - 88,000 annually DPE, with benefits

Responsibilities:

Legal - 40% of time

Draft, review, and file legal documents
Represent SCS in court and other related legal proceedings
Communicate with the media on relevant to legal issues with the director’s prior approval
Review and interpret water, environmental, and Tribal rights laws and policies that may affect our work, along with non-profit compliance and requirements.
Review Contracts
Stay updated on relevant changes to laws that may affect our work.
Advise partners and staff on policy issues and changes in laws or case law

Policy and Campaigns - 45% of time

Prepare NEPA and CEQA comments and retain standing on important environmental processes
Supervise contract expert witnesses, attorneys, and legal interns
Assist with action alerts on SCS campaigns and emerging threats/issues
Engage in localized issues and build capacity in Northern California
Support ED and policy staff in evaluating projects and submitting comments
Review other SCS team members’ work to ensure legal accuracy and alignment with future litigation needs

Organizational and Administrative Responsibilities - 15% of time

Maintain active California Bar Association license
Help Admin staff access and comply with non-profit legal requirements
Network and become familiar with CA decision makers
Support ED and Board in assessing and responding to other legal issues - risk assessment, insurance requirements or limitations,, referrals to other legal specialists, etc.
Conduct administrative tasks required to perform work
Attend and present at key conferences, meetings, and funder meetings
Support SCS’ Northern California operations
Stay informed of current federal, state, and local policies and legal precedent via engaging in ongoing professional development, including CLEs

Required Qualifications*:

Law degree and license to practice law from the California Bar Association, or ability to acquire CA Bar certification within a year
1-3 years of experience working in water, science and Indigenous rights policies and their implementation, preferably in California. Long-term internships can be applied.
Knowledge of California water, land, and Indigenous rights laws and related agencies
Knowledge of federal environmental and Tribal law
Experience writing scientific and policy related documents or analyzing these documents
Proficiency with Google Suite and strong computer skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
High level of attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Experience working with Tribes, Tribal organizations and people
Must be both self-motivated and a supportive team player
Must be able to lift up to 20 pound boxes and drive for long periods of time
Must be able to travel within state
Experience with public speaking and giving testimony

Desired Qualifications:

2-3 years of legal practice in a relevant field
Experience developing trainings and teaching policy advocacy
Experience with legislative procedures
Experience in community organizing
Experience working with public agencies, Tribal and non-Tribal representatives and educational institutions
Experience in communications related to science and/or policy issues
Experience in storytelling with communities of color

* We recognize that exceptional candidates may not meet every qualification. We are open to training the right candidate who demonstrates a strong commitment to SCS’s mission.

How To Apply:

Please email your cover letter, resume, two writing samples, and contact information to: Brittany Souza, Operations Manager, at brittany@californiasalmon.org. Preferred work samples will demonstrate proficiency in environmental justice and/or environmental law. Please feel free to email with any questions.

Deadline To Apply: February 23rd, 2026

Operations

Education and Communities Support Director

Save California Salmon (SCS) seeks an Education and Communities Support Director to join our team. This is a leadership-level position responsible for Education Department staff and program management that engages, mentors, and empowers youth, families, and educators within our Northern California communities. The position oversees program development, implementation, and evaluation, including: staff supervision, training, and evaluation; grants, budget, and data management; curriculum creation and review; creating systems of community support and care; providing training to youth, staff and partners; collaboration with Tribal, educational, and community partners; and facilitating analysis of, and advocacy for, environmental restoration as a key community wellness component.

Classification: Exempt, Full-Time

Location: Hybrid Remote/In-person (Northern California)

Starting Salary: $70,000 - 78,000 annually DPE, with full health benefits

Key Responsibilities

Program Development and Implementation: Design and implement programs and events that support the educational and wellness needs of Indigenous youth and families, along with Tribal governments, community service providers, and educators in Northern California.
Budget and Grants Management: Oversee program financial resources and support grant proposal writing, reporting, and deliverables fulfillment.
Staff and Volunteer Management: Train and manage Education Department staff, contractors, interns, and volunteers involved in youth support and public relations. Build staff capacity to deliver trauma-informed care and training.
Collaboration and Outreach: Build and sustain partnerships with Tribes, school districts, educators, community organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance support for youth. Represent SCS at public events and meetings.
Mentorship and Support: Provide guidance, encouragement, and support for youth and families involved in SCS programming.
Policy and Procedure Development: Help establish and implement youth program policies and procedures. Ensure programming aligns with community and cultural values.
Communications and Advocacy: Engage the public in our programming, curricula, and informing findings on youth and family health and best practices to partners and decision makers.
Monitoring, Study Management, and Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of programs and make adjustments as needed. Manage any education and wellness studies SCS engages in.
Curriculum Development: Develop, review, and implement curricula.

Required Skills and Qualifications*

Education: Bachelor's Degree in education, social work, psychology, outdoor recreation, or a related field.
Experience in youth development or teaching: Minimum 3-5 years experience working in programs for underserved youth or as an educator.
Leadership and supervisory experience: Particularly in managing teams and departments.
Strong experience in curriculum development, training, and culturally relevant education.
Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Grant and budget management experience, including grant proposal development and reporting.
Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks, grants, and projects.
Professional educator or youth counselor with State or Tribal certifications or extensive experience in trauma-informed, culturally-responsive programming, and/or mental health counseling for underserved Native American/BIPOC youth.
Experience working with Tribes and/or in rural communities.
Experience in program evaluation and problem-solving.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with advocacy and policy work related to education and environmental justice.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Psychologist, or other counseling degree or accreditation.
Experience in creating and communicating about professional-level reports.
Experience in data analysis, program evaluation, and systems building.
Experience conducting and managing long-term studies on education, health, or community wellness.

* We recognize that exceptional candidates may not meet every qualification. We are open to training the right candidate who demonstrates a strong commitment to SCS’s mission.

How To Apply

Please email your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to: Brittany Souza, Operations Manager, at brittany@californiasalmon.org. Preferred work samples will demonstrate proficiency in Indigenous/BIPOC youth education and environmental justice. Please feel free to email with any clarifying questions.

Deadline To Apply: February 23rd, 2026