Environmental Program Assistant - Part Time

About the role

The Environmental Program Assistant supports I Love A Clean San Diego's mission by delivering environmental education, waste reduction programming, and community engagement initiatives across San Diego County. This role is highly dynamic and cross-functional, balancing responsibilities across three core program areas: Waste Recovery, Youth and Adult Education, and Community Engagement.

Responsibilities

• Staff community events often independently, including supply pick-up, set-up, public engagement and break down
• Support and lead community cleanups, corporate volunteer events, outreach booths, cigarette litter prevention activities, clothing swaps, and DIY workshops
• Provide accurate guidance on recycling, organics recycling, donation, and proper disposal options across San Diego County
• Work within ILACSD’s volunteer database Samaritan to assist volunteers and help the department with event outreach
• Independently deliver engaging, informative educational presentations to K-12 classrooms, assemblies, and adult groups throughout San Diego County on stormwater pollution prevention, watershed education, zero waste, and recycling, among others
• Teach presentations workinfo@fieldstoneleadershipsd.orging solo in classrooms, school settings and community centers. The majority of programs are held during the school day, with occasional after-school or evening programs for adult audiences.
• Support educational workshops and/or virtual webinar per month focused on community audiences
• Learn provided curriculum through independent study and presentation observations as schedule allows
• Distribute and collect teacher evaluations, student surveys, and handouts
• Perform inspections and waste assessments, taking detailed notes on waste production and management; coordinate scheduling and logistics with haulers, schools, and district faculty
• Deliver trainings on organic waste recycling, traditional recycling, and effective waste management strategies to school and district custodial staff, kitchen staff, campus supervisors, teachers, and administrative staff
• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with school and district leaders to provide guidance on recycling initiatives
• Lead and support public landfill tours, compost giveaways and public outreach booths frequently as the sole ILACSD representative on-site
• Staff the WasteFreeSD hotline by responding to calls regarding recycling and waste disposal questions from residents and businesses
• Answer volunteer emails and questions in a professional and timely manner
• Calling and emailing organizations and businesses to promote events
• Attend regular trainings and department meetings as provided to maintain working knowledge of program materials, get scheduled for hours and be involved with department planning
• In office support as needed including vehicle maintenance and car washing, program material printing or cleaning, scanning waivers, etc.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with schools, community groups, clubs, corporations, and government agencies
• Maintain, transport and care for program supplies and equipment
• Other duties as assigned to support the ILACSD team and operations

Qualifications

• Strong customer service skills and comfort interacting with the public
• Positive attitude and willingness to support a variety of programs and projects
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Flexible, organized and eager to learn
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability and willingness to educate, inspire, and empower others, particularly youth audiences
• Confident public speaking in both small and large group settings
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
• Environmental knowledge related to San Diego County preferred

Skills

• Spanish language proficiency is not a requirement for this position. Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish may be eligible for a bilingual pay differential.

Bilingual Pay Differential

• Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish may be eligible for a bilingual pay differential.
• Employees receiving the differential will be expected to use their language skills in support of ILACSD’s programs and community engagement work, which may include:
• Communicating with Spanish-speaking community members, volunteers, and partners at events and outreach activities
• Participating in Spanish language media interviews or community meetings as needed
• Reviewing and providing feedback on Spanish-language marketing, outreach, and program materials
• Providing verbal or written translation support for program communications and community correspondence

Position Requirements

• Successful background check
• Proof of TB (tuberculosis) test for school settings (ILACSD covers cost if needed)
• Reliable transportation; ability and willingness to travel to event locations (mileage reimbursed beyond home-to-office distance)
• Flexible start and end times, based on scheduled presentations and programs
• Ability to work weekend events
• Ability to work in various outdoor weather conditions and occasionally remote locations
• Responsive to phone calls, emails and communications within 24-48 hours
• Complete timecards and mileage reimbursement within due dates
• Ability to move equipment weighing up to 50 lbs to off-site locations and remain stationary for extended periods
• Frequent solo work in classrooms, public spaces and community event settings

Benefits & Perks

• Access to an on-site gym with modern equipment for training and wellness
• Access to an on-site golf simulator for recreation and team-building
• Mileage reimbursement at the current California reimbursement rate
• Paid Time Off: Accrual based on tenure
• Professional development opportunities to support continued learning and growth
• A collaborative, mission driven work environment

Equal Employment Opportunity

I Love A Clean San Diego is committed to providing equal access to the application and interview process. Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process may contact jobs@cleansd.org to request assistance.