JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Valley Improvement Projects (VIP), a fiscally-sponsored project of Social and Environmental
Entrepreneurs (SEE), is accepting applications from motivated individuals to fill a part-time
Community Organizer position in Stanislaus County.
VIP seeks to preserve the natural resources of the San Joaquin Valley by working towards minimizing or eliminating environmental degradation within our communities. Rural communities in California’s Central Valley suffers a disproportionate amount of negative health, social, and economic impacts due to disproportionate environmental degradation. VIP upholds the principles of environmental justice through direct action, movement building, advocacy, and resident engagement in all of its efforts. VIP is looking for candidates who share our organizational values and are interested in working in the field of Environmental Justice Issues in Stanislaus County.
Job Description:
The part-time Community Organizer position is responsible for conducting outreach in disadvantaged communities in Stanislaus County and building community capacity by educating and engaging residents in current initiatives aimed at advancing environmental justice. The organizer will work closely with ally organizations to address disparate environmental impacts on low-income communities of color caused by pollution associated with pesticide applications, the local waste incinerator, as well as other stationery and mobile polluting sources. The Community Organizer will report directly to the VIP Project Directors.
This is a non-exempt part-time position. It is expected that this person will work approximately 20-25 hours per week, with the possibility of evolving into a full-time position depending on funding availability.
Specific Responsibilities include (but not limited to):
• Educate community members on basic environmental literacy concepts and methods to
identify and report environmental problems
• Educate and engage residents and community groups in disadvantaged communities in the development of Community Air Monitoring Networks and other community science projects aimed at documenting various types of pollution. This will be accomplished by organizing community meetings, doing door-to-door canvassing, and using other community organizing methods as needed.
• Develop and maintain a central database of all data collected through air monitoring networks and other community science projects
• Engage residents and youth leaders in environmental justice advocacy campaigns at the local, regional, and state levels that focus on equitable policies that protect overburdened communities
• Work with regulatory agencies to understand the policies and programs (i.e., Community Air Protection Program, Methane Rule) that are created to reduce pollution and monitor its proper implementation
• Attend meetings
• Maintain social media accounts
General Responsibilities
• Attend meetings on behalf of VIP or tend to other duties related to the organization as assigned
• Collaborate with other local organizations and across the state to advance environmental justice issues affecting Stanislaus County residents
• Other duties as assigned by VIP Project Directors
Required Qualifications
• 1-2 years of community organizing experience
• Strong communication skills both oral and written
• Bilingual English and Spanish. Ability to do basic translations of materials and to provide interpretation during meetings
• Ability to work well with diverse groups
• Must work with limited supervision—create sound work style and be able to develop his/her own schedule in order to complete project tasks
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google products and applications
• Strong commitment to social/environmental justice and the mission of VIP
• Ability and willingness to travel within the county and other parts of California and to have a flexible schedule as needed
• Current driver’s license and fully-insured personal vehicle
Preferred Qualifications
• Completed courses in an accredited college or university on Environmental Science, Social or Health Sciences
• Experience doing advocacy work
Working Environment & Travel
This position is based out of VIP’s office in downtown Modesto, and regular travel within the county is required. Occasional travel outside of the local area may be required to attend coalition events across the state. Due to the nature of community organizing, the organizer will be required to work some nights/weekends.
Evaluation
Project Directors will conduct a formal review at the end of the first three months and thereafter annually.
Starting Date: Open until filled
Compensation: $20/hourly
How to Apply
Interested candidates must send an email that includes a cover letter, resume, and 3 work and/or school references to valleyimprovementprojects@gmail.com with “VIP-Stanislaus County Community Organizer” as the subject line.
In Solidarity,
Valley Improvement Projects
Valley Improvement Projects (VIP) 