Program Assistant Jobs in California
Program assistant jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong and consistent demand across state government agencies, public universities, healthcare systems, and nonprofit organizations at every level from entry-level coordinator to senior program specialist. Los Angeles, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area account for the largest share of openings, where institutions like the University of California system, Kaiser Permanente, and the California Department of Public Health are established, long-term employers of program assistants. The most in-demand specialties in California are grants administration, public health program support, and higher education student services. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Program Assistant JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 658+ Program Assistant jobs
Job no: 558952
Work type: Staff
Location: Pomona
Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Temporary, Full Time, Student Services, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Type of Appointment: Full-Time, Long Term Temporary (One-Year Appointment)
Job Classification: Student Services Professional IB
Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,150 - $4,482 max
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm with 1-2 days a week of adjusted schedule evening hours as needed
THE DEPARTMENT:
The Student Support and Equity Programs (SSEP) department aims to make a positive difference in the lives of students through high-quality programs and services that support student success. The department oversees various programs and service areas that support underserved populations that are primarily first-generation, low-income, underrepresented students, such as the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Project Rebound (PR), Renaissance Scholars (RS), and Undocumented Students Services (USS). Undocumented Students Services supports the holistic success (academic, personal, professional) of undocumented students at Cal Poly Pomona. Services are open to all in the Bronco undocumented community, which includes students who come from mixed-status families, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), refugee status, and undocumented with or without Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Outreach, Community Engagement, and Special Projects:
- Assist with outreach efforts for Undocumented Students Services (USS), and other departmental outreach efforts as needed (i.e., outreach events, tabling, enrollment support)
- Assist with community engagement both on and off campus with community organizations and/or donors as appropriate.
- Assist with the program/center newsletter(s), website, and social media.
- Assist with special projects as needed with event planning, coordination, and facilitation (i.e., Student Retreat(s), monthly meetings, community events, Success Seminars, mixers, graduation events, etc.)
Programming and Student Development:
- Assist students, faculty, staff, and visitors visiting the office/center and make appropriate referrals to on and off campus resources as needed.
- Help with the logistics and coordination of educational enrichment and community building activities that foster a positive learning community and leadership development for students.
- Assist with the leadership development of office student staff (Peer Mentors, Student Engagement Ambassadors, etc.); assist with onboarding and trainings, etc.
Administrative and Operational Support:
- Assist with various office and program operational tasks such as office coverage, tracking, reports (i.e., scholarship, verification tracking, etc.), assessment, etc.
- Support the administrative and logistical needs required to execute services successfully (i.e., travel, communication, RSVPs, room reservations, catering, invoices, etc.).
- Assist with hiring and payroll of student staff (Handshake postings, HR paperwork prep, and student timesheets, etc.)
Participate in meetings, committees, and professional development activities:
- Meet regularly with Lead(s); follow up on action items as appropriate.
- Participate in SSEP and unit area(s) staff meetings and assigned committee meetings.
- Participate in department in-services training, professional development activities as appropriate and needed to better serve SSEP student populations.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Combination - Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field. Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
- DL NUMBER - Driver License, Valid and in State
- Possession of these knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of one year of experience in professional Student Services work at the entry trainee level. Equivalent amounts of graduate-level job-related education may be substituted for the required experience.
- Working knowledge of the methods and problems of organization and program management; research and interviewing techniques; principles of individual and group behavior; the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge of the organization, procedures, and activities of the specific campus to which the position is assigned; and the basic principles, practices, and major trends in the Student Services field to which assigned. Ability to rapidly acquire a working knowledge of the specific objectives of the campus Student Services program and its relationship to the total campus operation; interpret and apply program rules and regulations; gather and analyze data; reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; present clear and concise information orally and in written reports; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, CSU administrators, student organizations and other private and public agencies.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge and experience working with undocumented, low-income, first-generation, and diverse student populations
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including phone and in-person, emails, texts, etc.; communicate and listen attentively
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills, ability to cultivate strong interpersonal relationships with students, faculty, and staff and work effectively with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds
- Must protect the confidentiality of student personal information and comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Must comply with all university procedures and policies; interpret CSU admissions and financial aid guidelines
- Technology savvy; proficiency in Microsoft applications
Out of State Work
The California State University (CSU) system is a network of twenty-three public universities providing access to a quality education through the support of California taxpayers. Part of CSU’s mission is to prepare educated, responsible individuals to contribute to California’s schools, economy, culture, and future. As an agency of the State of California, the CSU’s business operations almost exclusively reside within California. The CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California. For more information, go to the California State University Out-of-State Employment Policy.
Background Check
Cal Poly Pomona will make a conditional offer of employment to final job candidates, pending the satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). The conditional offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. In determining the suitability of the candidate for the position, Cal Poly Pomona will give an individualized assessment to any information that the applicant submits for consideration regarding the criminal conviction history such as the nature, gravity and recency of the conviction, the candidate’s conduct, performance or rehabilitation efforts since the conviction and the nature of the job applied for. For more information, go to the California State University Background Check Policy.
Education Code 89521 Requirements
Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
CSU Classification Salary Range
This position is part of the APC bargaining unit 4. The CSU Classification Standards for this position are located on the CSU Classification Standards website. The CSU Salary Schedule is located on the CSU Salary Schedule website. The classification salary range for this position according to the respective skill level is: minimum $4,150 and maximum $5,076 per month. Please refer to the anticipated hiring range for the appropriate salary rate for this particular position.
Employment Eligibility Verification
Cal Poly Pomona hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. For more information, go to the I-9 Acceptable Documents website.
University Driving Requirement
Positions that require driving for university business by using a personal or state vehicle must comply with the Authorized University Driver Policy. Driving records are monitored and evaluated by the Risk Management Department. The Risk Management Department evaluates a good driving report based on the following criteria. The driver must: 1. Have a valid California or other State Driver’s license. 2. Have no more than 3 motor vehicle violations or been the cause of 3 accidents in a 12-month period (or any combination of 3 thereof) 3. Not have more than 3 DMV Points, if their license is Class C or, 4. Not have more than 5 DMV Points, if their license is Class A, B, or C with endorsements. For more information, go to the Authorized University Driver Policy.
Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA)
The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Read more at the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act policy.
Security & Fire Safety
In compliance with state and federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, California Education Code section 67380, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), Cal Poly Pomona’s Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report are available for viewing at Cal Poly Pomona’s Annual Security Report and Cal Poly Pomona’s Annual Fire Safety Report.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination
As a federal contractor, Cal Poly Pomona will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. For more information, see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision poster.
Reasonable Accommodation
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the ADA Coordinator by email at ADACoordinator@cpp.edu. For more information, go to Employment Notices.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Pomona provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Pomona complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
As a federal contractor, Cal Poly Pomona complies with the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and requests priority referral of protected veterans for our job openings.
Other Notices
Advertised: June 11, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: June 25, 2026 (11:55 PM) Pacific Daylight Time
Job no: 558952
Work type: Staff
Location: Pomona
Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Temporary, Full Time, Student Services, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Type of Appointment: Full-Time, Long Term Temporary (One-Year Appointment)
Job Classification: Student Services Professional IB
Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,150 - $4,482 max
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm with 1-2 days a week of adjusted schedule evening hours as needed
THE DEPARTMENT:
The Student Support and Equity Programs (SSEP) department aims to make a positive difference in the lives of students through high-quality programs and services that support student success. The department oversees various programs and service areas that support underserved populations that are primarily first-generation, low-income, underrepresented students, such as the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Project Rebound (PR), Renaissance Scholars (RS), and Undocumented Students Services (USS). Undocumented Students Services supports the holistic success (academic, personal, professional) of undocumented students at Cal Poly Pomona. Services are open to all in the Bronco undocumented community, which includes students who come from mixed-status families, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), refugee status, and undocumented with or without Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Outreach, Community Engagement, and Special Projects:
- Assist with outreach efforts for Undocumented Students Services (USS), and other departmental outreach efforts as needed (i.e., outreach events, tabling, enrollment support)
- Assist with community engagement both on and off campus with community organizations and/or donors as appropriate.
- Assist with the program/center newsletter(s), website, and social media.
- Assist with special projects as needed with event planning, coordination, and facilitation (i.e., Student Retreat(s), monthly meetings, community events, Success Seminars, mixers, graduation events, etc.)
Programming and Student Development:
- Assist students, faculty, staff, and visitors visiting the office/center and make appropriate referrals to on and off campus resources as needed.
- Help with the logistics and coordination of educational enrichment and community building activities that foster a positive learning community and leadership development for students.
- Assist with the leadership development of office student staff (Peer Mentors, Student Engagement Ambassadors, etc.); assist with onboarding and trainings, etc.
Administrative and Operational Support:
- Assist with various office and program operational tasks such as office coverage, tracking, reports (i.e., scholarship, verification tracking, etc.), assessment, etc.
- Support the administrative and logistical needs required to execute services successfully (i.e., travel, communication, RSVPs, room reservations, catering, invoices, etc.).
- Assist with hiring and payroll of student staff (Handshake postings, HR paperwork prep, and student timesheets, etc.)
Participate in meetings, committees, and professional development activities:
- Meet regularly with Lead(s); follow up on action items as appropriate.
- Participate in SSEP and unit area(s) staff meetings and assigned committee meetings.
- Participate in department in-services training, professional development activities as appropriate and needed to better serve SSEP student populations.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Combination - Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field. Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
- DL NUMBER - Driver License, Valid and in State
- Possession of these knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of one year of experience in professional Student Services work at the entry trainee level. Equivalent amounts of graduate-level job-related education may be substituted for the required experience.
- Working knowledge of the methods and problems of organization and program management; research and interviewing techniques; principles of individual and group behavior; the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge of the organization, procedures, and activities of the specific campus to which the position is assigned; and the basic principles, practices, and major trends in the Student Services field to which assigned. Ability to rapidly acquire a working knowledge of the specific objectives of the campus Student Services program and its relationship to the total campus operation; interpret and apply program rules and regulations; gather and analyze data; reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; present clear and concise information orally and in written reports; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, CSU administrators, student organizations and other private and public agencies.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge and experience working with undocumented, low-income, first-generation, and diverse student populations
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including phone and in-person, emails, texts, etc.; communicate and listen attentively
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills, ability to cultivate strong interpersonal relationships with students, faculty, and staff and work effectively with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds
- Must protect the confidentiality of student personal information and comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Must comply with all university procedures and policies; interpret CSU admissions and financial aid guidelines
- Technology savvy; proficiency in Microsoft applications
Out of State Work
The California State University (CSU) system is a network of twenty-three public universities providing access to a quality education through the support of California taxpayers. Part of CSU’s mission is to prepare educated, responsible individuals to contribute to California’s schools, economy, culture, and future. As an agency of the State of California, the CSU’s business operations almost exclusively reside within California. The CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California. For more information, go to the California State University Out-of-State Employment Policy.
Background Check
Cal Poly Pomona will make a conditional offer of employment to final job candidates, pending the satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). The conditional offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. In determining the suitability of the candidate for the position, Cal Poly Pomona will give an individualized assessment to any information that the applicant submits for consideration regarding the criminal conviction history such as the nature, gravity and recency of the conviction, the candidate’s conduct, performance or rehabilitation efforts since the conviction and the nature of the job applied for. For more information, go to the California State University Background Check Policy.
Education Code 89521 Requirements
Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
CSU Classification Salary Range
This position is part of the APC bargaining unit 4. The CSU Classification Standards for this position are located on the CSU Classification Standards website. The CSU Salary Schedule is located on the CSU Salary Schedule website. The classification salary range for this position according to the respective skill level is: minimum $4,150 and maximum $5,076 per month. Please refer to the anticipated hiring range for the appropriate salary rate for this particular position.
Employment Eligibility Verification
Cal Poly Pomona hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. For more information, go to the I-9 Acceptable Documents website.
University Driving Requirement
Positions that require driving for university business by using a personal or state vehicle must comply with the Authorized University Driver Policy. Driving records are monitored and evaluated by the Risk Management Department. The Risk Management Department evaluates a good driving report based on the following criteria. The driver must: 1. Have a valid California or other State Driver’s license. 2. Have no more than 3 motor vehicle violations or been the cause of 3 accidents in a 12-month period (or any combination of 3 thereof) 3. Not have more than 3 DMV Points, if their license is Class C or, 4. Not have more than 5 DMV Points, if their license is Class A, B, or C with endorsements. For more information, go to the Authorized University Driver Policy.
Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA)
The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Read more at the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act policy.
Security & Fire Safety
In compliance with state and federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, California Education Code section 67380, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), Cal Poly Pomona’s Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report are available for viewing at Cal Poly Pomona’s Annual Security Report and Cal Poly Pomona’s Annual Fire Safety Report.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination
As a federal contractor, Cal Poly Pomona will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. For more information, see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision poster.
Reasonable Accommodation
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the ADA Coordinator by email at ADACoordinator@cpp.edu. For more information, go to Employment Notices.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Pomona provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Pomona complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
As a federal contractor, Cal Poly Pomona complies with the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and requests priority referral of protected veterans for our job openings.
Other Notices
Advertised: June 11, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: June 25, 2026 (11:55 PM) Pacific Daylight Time
See All 658+ Program Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Assistant JobsProgram Assistant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Program Assistant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Taco Bell89
- Abercrombie & Fitch65
- Amazon59
- BKF Engineers37
- Saint Mary's College of California18
Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage112
- Retail105
- Consulting & Professional Services72
- Technology & Software72
- Education65
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program assistant jobs across California.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in public administration, social services, or a related field
- One to three years of administrative or program coordination experience in a California setting
- Proficiency with California state reporting systems and standard office productivity software
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder correspondence and documentation
- Ability to manage multiple grant-funded or agency program timelines simultaneously
- Experience with database entry, case tracking, or program outcome reporting systems
Program Assistant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a program assistant in California?
Most program assistant positions in California require at least an associate degree, with many employers in state agencies and the UC or CSU systems preferring a bachelor's in public administration, social work, or a related field. California does not issue a single statewide license for program assistants, but roles in public health may require registration with the California Department of Public Health or completion of agency-specific onboarding. Building experience through internships with county departments or nonprofit organizations strengthens a candidate's profile significantly.
Which companies hire program assistants in California?
Employers hiring program assistants in California right now include Taco Bell, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Amazon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large public-sector workforce, university systems, and nonprofit sector means program assistant hiring is distributed across a wide range of institutional and government employers throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most program assistant jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento have the most program assistant openings in California. Sacramento leads because it is the state capital and home to dozens of California state agencies and departments, while Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area generate high volume through their large public university campuses, county health systems, and the dense concentration of federally funded nonprofits operating in those metros.
Are there remote program assistant jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most administrative roles, since much of the work involves documentation, data entry, scheduling, and communications that can be done off-site. About 11% of program assistant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the post-pandemic shift in how California state agencies and nonprofits structure support roles. Grant reporting, data coordination, and communications-focused positions are the most likely to be offered remotely.
How can I get hired as a program assistant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to student assistant or program technician classifications with California state agencies, which are specifically designed for candidates without significant experience. County departments of social services, public health, and education across Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Alameda counties regularly post entry-level program aide and coordinator roles. Community colleges throughout California also hire program support staff at junior levels. A completed degree, relevant coursework in public administration or human services, and any volunteer work with California nonprofits or county programs strengthens applications at this level.
Where can I find and apply to program assistant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to program assistant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across California cities, industries, and experience levels. Search the available listings, find roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 658+ Program Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Assistant Jobs