Paralegal

Organization: Orange County Coast keeper

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $72,800 ($35/hour)

Paralegal

Costa Mesa, CA (In-Person/Hybrid)

Orange County Coast keeper is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting water quality and promoting watershed resilience through education, advocacy, research, restoration, and litigation. Since 1999, Coast keeper has worked to achieve waters that are swimmable, drinkable, fishable, and sustainable for all.

We are seeking an experienced and organized paralegal with a minimum of three (3) years of experience, including litigation practice in U.S. District Courts, to support a team of two to three attorneys engaged in Clean Water Act enforcement and environmental litigation. This role is central to the success of our legal program and requires a professional who can manage federal court filings, maintain litigation calendars, and ensure cases move efficiently from investigation through resolution.

The paralegal will play a key role in monitoring compliance with existing consent decrees and settlement agreements, assisting with the investigation and development of new enforcement actions, and providing comprehensive administrative and case management support to attorneys. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable working in a mission-driven environment focused on protecting California’s waterways and communities.

This is a hybrid position that requires in-office work 3 days per week.

• Paralegal Certificate or other equivalent qualification described in the California Business and Professions Code Section 6450(c)
• 3+ years of experience as a paralegal
• 1+ year of experience as litigation support staff or paralegal
• Experience and general knowledge of U.S. District Court procedure
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• Resides in Orange County
• Flexible and able to adapt to shifting priorities and deadlines
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively across teams

• $72,800 annually ($35 hourly)
• Full-Time, Monday through Friday
• Comprehensive health and dental insurance 100% employer provided
• Paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching after one (1) year of employment

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). with the subject line "Your Last Name, Paralegal Position." This position is open until filled, with a first application review date of February 22, 2026.

Orange County Coast keeper commits to providing pathways for active participation in water and watershed protection from people of all identities, including but not limited to race, color, religion/culture (dress and grooming practices), national origin, age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex (stereotypes and pregnancy, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, ancestry, gender (identity or expression), military and veteran status, or any other characteristic or activity protected by law.

We cannot achieve our mission of protecting our precious waters and watersheds without the diverse perspectives of our community and collective decision-making. We are committed to breaking historic and systemic barriers that have built systems of water inequity and injustice by building a team that represents the variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills found in our community.

Statistically, women and other underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. We encourage you to apply! In our hiring process, we strive to eliminate bias and create a fair and equitable environment for all candidates. If you meet some of the requirements and have a passion for the work, please apply.

If hired, we will support your leadership, initiatives, and self-determination.

• Join us at OC Coast keeper as we continue to build a workplace that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion, and unlocks the full potential of every individual. Together, we can achieve great things. Coast keeper is an equal-opportunity employer.