Program Assistant Jobs in Santa Ana, CA (NOW HIRING)

This recruitment will fill vacancies in the following City departments/divisions:

• City Clerk's Office
• City Manager's Office
• The Athletics division of Community & Library Services
• Human Resources

*These positions are full-time, at-will, and budgeted for 14 months with the approximate program period of late October 2026 through December 2027.

Post-program employment opportunities may be available, but are not guaranteed.

Program Assistant Apprentices play a pivotal role delivering quality administrative support within various City departments. If you are passionate about serving your community, possess strong programmatic, administrative, and customer service skills, a Program Assistant Apprenticeship could be an excellent opportunity for you!

The One Irvine Workforce Apprenticeship Program is funded through the California Volunteers Youth Service Corps grant. In addition to employment, apprentices receive specialized professional development and mentorship, and participate in innovative trainings, all while supporting some of Irvine's most important initiatives. An apprenticeship is a great way to gain on-the-job training, experience the benefits of public service, and invest in your future.

Apprenticeship Eligibility Requirements:

• Participants must be between 18-30 years old on their first day of service, estimated to be October 2026.
• Priority will be given to Irvine residents who meet at least two of the following:
• Are unemployed or out of school
• Are low-income
• May have difficulty finding employment
• Are first generation college students
• Were in or are transitioning from foster care
• Are or were engaged with a mental health or substance abuse system
• Are or were justice-involved
• Are experiencing or have experienced housing instability
• Have not participated in an AmeriCorps program

Your Impact:

• Coordinate and manage a variety of departmental office and administrative functions, prioritizing tasks and projects to support the team's daily operations.
• Provide assistance and information to employees and external parties regarding City services, programs, policies, and procedures, demonstrating a commitment to excellent customer service.
• Conduct research, and compile and analyze data for assigned projects and reports. Prepare and present findings to support recommendations and decision-making processes.
• Enter and review a high volume of project related data in complex systems while appropriately applying department policies and procedures.
• Create reports from information in databases. Demonstrate proficiency in relevant software applications such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Assess and evaluate projects and services provided by assigned division. Assist with the development and planning of upcoming projects and initiatives.
• Act as a backup to the department receptionist, maintaining a professional and welcoming environment for employees and visitors.
• May assist with a variety of program-specific responsibilities, including community engagement, creating marketing materials, conducting needs assessments, supporting billing and accounting tasks, maintaining records and files, and scheduling meetings or program activities.
• For more information, please see the Program Assistant class specification.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Community college coursework in business, office practices, or related field.
• Four years of increasingly responsible customer service, clerical and/or administrative support experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• May require a valid California driver's license.

Best Fit:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a passion for customer service.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while multi-tasking and contributing to an overall team environment.
• Ability to take direction with humility and a desire to invest in professional growth.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Willingness to learn computer programs and departmental systems, and engage in mentorship opportunities.
• Willingness to think innovatively to develop new ways to perform tasks and engage with your team.

The Mission of the Employees of the City of Irvine is to create and maintain a community where people can live, work, and play in an environment that is safe, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing. We are one team that exists to serve our community in the continual pursuit of a City that offers an exceptional quality of life.

The City of Irvine's five values of Humility, Innovation, Empathy, Passion, and Integrity reflect the interests and needs of the community, and the level of service they expect and desire. We are One Irvine through the embrace of a team-oriented approach by living our values every day.

The selection process will include an interview and a background investigation prior to appointment. This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization.