Environmental Justice Program Assistant

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE PROGRAM ASSISTANT (Part-Time)

Our Mission

We exist to uplift Latinx families in East Palo Alto and the mid-peninsula through community education, leadership development, and advocacy. 

Our Vision

Nuestra Casa envisions a vibrant East Palo Alto community united around shared values, a multicultural community working together to ensure that all its residents are integrated and have access to the American Dream. Our families pave the road for other generations to follow through their participation in civic engagement activities and collaborative community actions.  

Who we are

Nuestra Casa has been serving the needs of the immigrant Latinx population of East Palo Alto and surrounding communities since 2002. Our organization rose out of a community assessment conducted by a group of local activists who were concerned about the growing needs of the rising immigrant population. Today, Nuestra Casa is positioned as the premier Latinx serving nonprofit in our community. Over the past five years, our growth has allowed us to expand our services and programming into neighboring communities like Menlo Park (Belle Haven region), North Fair Oaks, and Redwood City. Through our advocacy efforts, we also reach other communities in San Mateo County.

At Nuestra Casa, we welcome our community to a place that feels like home. We stand by their side to help them navigate institutions, build people’s power, and use their voice to shape a new, more equitable community. Our programs transform our leaders into advocates actively engaged in our local economy, school district, and civic life. Together, we will build a community that leaves no one behind.

About the Position 

Nuestra Casa seeks a motivated, community-centered Environmental Justice (EJ) Program Assistant to support and strengthen our environmental justice initiatives in East Palo Alto and surrounding communities. This role is ideal for someone who is collaborative, proactive, and committed to advancing environmental and social equity.

The EJ Program Assistant will support program implementation, community engagement, and outreach efforts, with a strong focus on culturally responsive communication and grassroots organizing. This position offers meaningful opportunities for professional development, leadership growth, and hands-on experience in environmental justice work.

What We Offer

• A collaborative and supportive team environment 
• Accrued paid sick leave in accordance with California labor laws. Employees may accrue and use up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year, based on hours worked
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match: 100% match on the first 3% you contribute, then 50% on contributions from 3%–5%. Eligible after 90 days of employment

Responsibilities and tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Support and participate in community workshops, meetings, and events across South San Mateo County and surrounding areas.
• Conduct outreach activities such as canvassing, tabling, and event promotion.
• Build and maintain trusting relationships with community members, partners, and stakeholders.
• Represent Nuestra Casa at community events and partner spaces.
• Assist with planning, coordination, and logistics for events, including setup, facilitation, and breakdown.
• Participate in outdoor and field-based activities.

• Provide Spanish/English facilitation at meetings, workshops, and events.
• Translate written materials (e.g., flyers, brochures, resource guides) ensuring cultural and linguistic appropriateness.
• Assist in developing outreach and educational materials, including social media content.
• Contribute to multimedia and public awareness campaigns.
• Support dissemination of materials through community channels.

• Support implementation of Environmental Justice programming, including EJ Academy and Bay Clean-Up events and assist with Water Justice and other environmental justice initiatives.
• Collaborate with staff and partners to execute program goals and timelines.
• Provide support across programs and participate in organizational activities as needed.

• Collect program data including participation, surveys, and community feedback.
• Support community-driven data efforts (e.g., tap water quality initiatives).
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry, tracking, and reporting aligned with program outcomes and funder requirements.

• Document program activities, meetings, and outcomes in a timely manner.
• Maintain organized and thorough records of work performed.
• Support administrative and program operations as needed.
• Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and values.
• Attend team meetings, trainings, and organizational events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be passionate about Nuestra Casa’s mission.
• Bilingual/bicultural in English/Spanish. 
• A Bachelors degree in Environmental Justice or a closely related field is highly desirable. Consideration will also be given to those who are currently working towards obtaining a degree. 
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental justice, social justice, or community-based work aligned with Nuestra Casa’s mission
• Experience working with or strong understanding of immigrant, low-income, and historically underrepresented communities
• Ability to build relationships and engage diverse communities with cultural humility and respect
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging to different audiences
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently when needed
• Comfort navigating ambiguity and adapting to changing priorities in a dynamic environment
• Basic to intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and the ability to troubleshoot common technical issues

• Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Ability to participate in outdoor activities and community-based events
• Valid California Driver’s License and access to a reliable, insured vehicle for work-related travel

Physical Demands

The physical requirements described below represent the essential functions of this position. Nuestra Casa is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

This role involves a combination of office-based and community-based work. Duties may include:

• Moving between indoor and outdoor settings, including attending community events and meetings
• Remaining in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods during meetings, trainings, or events
• Operating standard office equipment such as a computer, keyboard, mouse, and telephone
• Communicating with others in person, over the phone, and via virtual platforms
• Traveling locally to attend meetings, events, and program activities

Occasionally, this position may require:

• Bending, reaching, or lifting materials related to events or program activities (typically up to 25 pounds)
• Navigating environments such as community sites, outdoor spaces, and locations with stairs

This role also requires the ability to observe and interpret information in a variety of environments (e.g., reading written materials, using a computer, navigating community spaces).

Position Title

Environmental Justice Assistance 

Reports to:

Environmental Justice Program Director

Location:

East Palo Alto, CA (Hybrid, this role requires in-office work 1-2 days per week, with additional days as needed based on program demands, and includes occasional evening and weekend hours)

Salary Range:

$26.10-$34.80

Position Classification: 

Hourly, Non- Exempt 

Application Instructions:

Please submit a cover letter and resume (ideally combined into a single PDF) via email to Maricela Garcia, mgarcia@nuestracasa.org with the subject line:

“Your Name – Environmental Justice Assistant”

In your cover letter, please:

1. Indicate where you learned about this position.
2. Highlight the skills, experiences, and competencies that will enable you to succeed in this role.

Priority will be given to applications received by Wednesday, April 22, 2026; however, submissions will be accepted until the position is filled.

Nuestra Casa is an Equal Opportunity Employer.