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The California Emergency Response Corps (CERC) is a statewide AmeriCorps preparedness and disaster response program led by California Volunteers and administered by Bay Area Community Resources (BACR). The program’s mission is to strengthen California’s emergency readiness and disaster resilience, particularly in communities most vulnerable to wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and food insecurity.
CERC focuses on supporting communities experiencing social isolation, poverty, language barriers, and food insecurity, working to build grassroots capacity for long-term resilience and disaster response.
Fellows will report to the Senior Program Manager and regional Field Supervisor, supporting projects led by the CRDP team, including community education, urban greening, climate adaptation, and volunteer-driven disaster mitigation efforts.
This is a limited-term service opportunity totaling 1700 hours (~11 months). Fellows will gain direct experience in climate resilience, community organizing, and emergency response while serving vulnerable communities across California.
Direct Community Engagement
- Lead community outreach, education events, and distribute preparedness materials
- Facilitate workshops on disaster preparedness and climate resilience
- Collaborate with community-based organizations and residents on local projects
Program Development Support
- Co-develop content and ideas for local campaign events and community-led initiatives
- Support the implementation of urban greening, defensible space, risk assessment, emergency kit preparation, and food insecurity projects
Volunteer Coordination & Community Engagement
- This program works in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties and includes extensive driving.
- Represent CORE and AmeriCorps at community events and trainings
- Build and maintain relationships with local community-based organizations
- Recruit, train, and lead volunteers in climate and disaster preparedness projects
Data & Reporting
- Log community interactions, feedback, and resource distribution
- Submit accurate weekly reports and timekeeping through approved systems
- Participate in regular performance check-ins and team meetings
Emergency Deployment
- Be available for up to 4 deployments across California during your service term, each lasting up to 2 weeks
- Support emergency operations (e.g., wildfire relief, food bank distribution) with 24–48 hours' notice
AmeriCorps Member Expectations
- Serve ~35 hours per week to complete 1700 hours
- Participate in CERC-wide and site-specific training (virtual and in-person)
- Complete weekly reports, timekeeping, and evaluations
- Participate in State/National Days of Service (MLK Day, 9/11 Day, César Chávez Day)
- Engage in ongoing performance check-ins with site supervisors and program staff
Qualifications
- 18 years or older
- U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Reside in or willing to relocate to Los Angeles, San Diego, Bay Area, or Siskiyou County
- Spanish or other second language skills preferred
- One year of related experience (paid or volunteer) or a bachelor’s degree
- Willingness to serve evenings/weekends as needed
- Ability to deploy statewide on short notice (up to 2 weeks, 4 times per year)
- Basic computer skills (Microsoft Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom)
- Must pass background checks (DOJ, FBI, NSOPW) and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or testing
- Valid California driver’s license, automobile insurance, and access to personal vehicle
Benefits
- Monthly living stipend
- AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of up to $10,000 (upon successful completion)
- Healthcare coverage
- Childcare assistance (if eligible)
- Student loan forbearance (for eligible loans)
- Ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development
- Meaningful, mission-driven service experience
Clear pre-employment background check requirements, including local, state, and national criminal records checks, sex offender registries, employment, education verifications and child abuse registry check (if required by state regulations) are required post job offer and prior to employment.
Safeguarding
CORE is committed to keeping children and vulnerable individuals safe and has a Zero Tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse. Every CORE employee, consultant and volunteer is bound by CORE’s Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy. By applying for this position, an applicant confirms that they have not previously violated an employer’s safeguarding, sexual misconduct, (child) sexual exploitation and abuse, or human trafficking policy.
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