CALPIRG is hiring a Zero Waste Associate to help drive our campaigns to break the waste cycle and move us towards a circular or zero waste economy in which less is consumed and all materials are reused, recycled or composted.
Our country has a waste problem. Natural resources are continually extracted to produce goods that are used – often just once – before they are thrown into landfills, incinerators or left to litter our communities and the environment. This system of consumption and disposal results in the waste of precious resources and in pollution that threatens our health and our environment.
Our Zero Waste Campaign Associate will work on campaigns to phase out fast fashion, reduce needless plastic waste, and protect us from microplastics, among other zero waste efforts. A key campaign will be working to build support to reduce single-use plastic waste in the upcoming LA28 Olympics. With millions of people coming to Los Angeles for the Olympics, we could see a surge in plastic pollution, but if we take steps now to set up reusable foodware systems, we can prevent that waste. This position requires exercising discretion and independent judgment in making decisions in matters of significance. Key responsibilities include:
- Educate and mobilize public support: Conduct online and in-person outreach to educate the public on our issues and ways to get involved.
- Build powerful coalitions: Reach out to a broad range of organizations and affected constituency groups across the political spectrum to demonstrate support for our campaign goals.
- Earn traditional media and social media attention: Organize news conferences and write opinion pieces. Build a following on social media for your campaign.
- Organize events and work with volunteers. Organize webinars, community events and public meetings. Recruit organizations and members of the public to attend and participate.
- Direct Advocacy: Meet directly with decision-makers to make the case for our campaign goals.
- Research and write reports: Catalog and analyze data relevant to the issue and our policy proposals to help influence public debate and earn media attention for our cause.
- Recruit new people to your team: Help build your team by recruiting volunteers, interns and full-time staff.
- Run a grassroots campaign office each summer: Run a campaign office for the summer, knocking on doors to raise money to support our campaigns, build our organization and membership, and help build critical and timely grassroots support to win key campaigns. Your responsibilities will include meeting your own fundraising goals and managing a team of paid staff. You may be assigned to a different office location for the summer and should be flexible to move.
- Take part in organizational projects and trainings: Beyond your own campaign, you may be called on to help other teams on priority campaigns and tactics, ranging from clean energy to clean water to right to repair. You may travel and participate in regional and national trainings and other in-person or virtual projects as needed. This is not a standard “9-5” or “clock in, clock out” position.
Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply. Though we expect you to take your campaign and run with it, we provide training on advocacy and organizing skills, as well as oversight by an experienced advocate. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience, top-notch writing and public speaking skills, an eagerness to learn, and be ready for a challenge. We value organizing experience, including building campus or community groups. Candidates must be able to travel regularly and be motivated to work when needed, which may sometimes be in the evenings and on weekends.
Compensation and Benefits
The target annual compensation for this entry-level position is $40,000 in the first year. CALPIRG offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, time off, a commuter benefit program, 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long term disability insurance, and may include needs-based student loan assistance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Our Mission and Values
CALPIRG is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a new future and a strategic approach to change. Visit
https://calpirg.org/core-values/ for things you should know about our network when you apply.
Please do not use AI to help draft your cover letter or responses to our application questions. We want to know how you think and write.
CALPIRG is an equal opportunity employer and will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
