Coastal Programs Coordinator

Northcoast Environmental Center; Arcata (CA); Hybrid; USD 25,003 - 35,610; Part time

Job summary

The Northcoast Environmental Center is looking for a Coastal Programs Coordinator to oversee daily operations related to coastal initiatives. Responsibilities include managing volunteers, coordinating cleanup events, and community outreach.

This part-time position, offering flexible hours up to 20 hrs/week and starting pay at $22/hour, plays a critical role in advancing environmental justice and stewardship in the community.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or at least 3 years of hands‑on planning.
• Experience desired in policy development and environmental justice.
• A scientific background is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee CP operations including volunteer management and data collection.
• Coordinate Coastal Cleanup Month and manage outreach to the community.
• Collaborate with the Operations Manager on grants and reports.

Skills

Volunteer organizing

Data collection

Community organizing

Policy development

Fundraising

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

3+ years of relevant experience

Job description

The NEC is hiring a Coastal Programs Coordinator! Below is the position overview and details.

Coastal Programs Coordinator – Job Description

Updated 05/2026

The Northcoast Environmental Center is a mission-driven organization founded in 1971 dedicated to protecting the environment and advancing environmental justice through research, advocacy, public education and hands‑on hard work. Coastal Cleanup Day (and now month) is a time‑honored tradition here on the North Coast, having begun right here in Humboldt County with the NEC, the coastal commission and the Oceans Conservancy. Over time this became a huge international volunteer event and global clean up.

Under the direction of the Operations Manager, the Coastal Programs Coordinator is responsible for overseeing day‑to‑day operations related to NEC’s Coastal Programs (CP) and other events or projects as requested. Coastal Programs include: Coastal Cleanup Month, Trash Trackers, Adopt‑a‑Block and Adopt‑A‑Beach, Trash‑a‑Thon, and other coastal stewardship and advocacy projects. The coordinator is the main organizer of Coastal Cleanup Month and is responsible for coordinating volunteers and data collection, as well as interpreting the data collected to effectively advocate for local waste‑reduction policies.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or at least 3 years of hands‑on planning, volunteer organizing and data collection.
• Experience desired in policy development, community organizing, environmental justice and non‑profit work.
• A scientific background and fundraising experience is a plus.

Hours and Pay

Flexible up to 20 hrs/week, to not exceed 8 hours/day without prior approval. In‑person with some remote hours available. This position may require more hours during the months of August, September and October. Pay is $22 an hour to start.

Responsibilities

1. Oversee and manage CP operations, such as correspondence, volunteer management, data collection, and supplies. Supervise Coastal Programs intern.
2. Coordinate Coastal Cleanup Month as well as a monthly staff and volunteer cleanup.
3. Collect, compile, and present data from NOAA Marine Debris Tracker app.
4. Stay up to date with relevant, local coastal issues by attending local government and community meetings and/or training(s) when possible.
5. Responsible for outreach to the general community through print and social media about NEC Coastal Programs events and related issues, including producing monthly program‑specific content for EcoNews. Conduct in‑person outreach such as tabling and events.
6. Responsible for providing weekly CP updates for website & social media.
7. Attend working groups and sub‑committee meetings as needed.
8. Work with the Operations Manager to seek out, apply for and administer appropriate grants.
9. Collaborate with the Operations Manager to provide written reports to the NEC Board of Directors and the Board President on a monthly basis outlining completed tasks, timelines and objectives, and any other pertinent information.

Coastal Cleanup Month

1. Solicit sponsors for the event with a minimum fundraising goal of $5,000. Manage communications with sponsors.
2. Recruit volunteers to participate in the event(s).
3. Work with local schools, businesses and organizations to encourage participation in the event(s).
4. Manage outreach, communication, and coordination of participants leading up to and during Coastal Cleanup Month events.
5. Responsible for determining the most appropriate disposal method of all collected materials.
6. Give out needed supplies to participants prior to event.
7. Collect, compile and present data from NOAA Marine Debris Tracker app.

Trash Trackers/Adopt‑A‑Beach/Adopt‑A‑Block

• Recruit participants.
• Coordinate and stay in communication with all participants.
• Collect, compile and present data from NOAA Marine Debris Tracker app.
• Responsible for outreach to the general community through published material and social media.
• Organize a yearly volunteer thank‑you event along with other NEC Staff.

Finance and Administration

• Work with the Operations Manager and Treasurer to develop and update project budgets.
• Remain informed and up‑to‑date on all grant expenditures as well as all grant budget balances.
• Provide receipts/invoices for all expenses.
• Assist with administrative tasks like data entry, filing and as needed.

ECONEWS

• Produce programs‑specific content for EcoNews each month and attend weekly meetings.
• Assist in review of EcoNews articles prior to publication.

Staff & Volunteer Relations

• Manage, motivate and inspire CP volunteers.
• Assist with events, fundraisers and tabling as needed.
• Supervise interns as needed (CP intern, CCM intern, etc.) along with Operations Manager.

Strategic Planning

• Review past year’s campaigns and projects.
• Participate in the annual NEC strategic plan meeting to plan future organizational goals.
• Help guide the organizational direction and goals.

Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Statement

The Northcoast Environmental Center is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all people feel valued and supported. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including people of color, Indigenous people, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from historically underrepresented or marginalized communities.

We recognize that not all candidates meet every listed qualification. If you are excited about this role and believe your skills and lived experience would contribute to our mission, we encourage you to apply.