Jobs
California’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths. Heal the Bay is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment that respects all individuals regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion or age. We are focused on recruiting and retaining a diverse team of employees, creating awareness of justice and diversity issues, fostering a positive environment where inclusive behaviors are the norm, and embedding accountability for diversity throughout the organization. We are committed to creating an environment where all employees are included, are treated with dignity and respect, and are in a position to contribute to our success.
The Coastal Resilience Wildfire Fellow will lead Heal the Bay’s Ash to Action program, advancing research, policy development, and strategic advocacy related to impacts of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and the region’s long-term wildfire resilience. Read More »
About the Organization
Heal the Bay is the most recognized environmental nonprofit group in LA for a reason: we have been keeping Southern California’s coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy, and clean for people and marine life since 1985. Using education, science, advocacy, and community action, we raise awareness and advance practical solutions to complex problems. We conduct hundreds of beach and community cleanups each year, informing people about the root causes of pollution along the shorelines and in their neighborhoods. We advocate for strict water quality regulations that protect the health of both humans and the animals that call local creeks, rivers, and the Santa Monica Bay home. We operate the award-winning Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier, inspiring visitors to become stewards for the region’s most important natural resource: clean water. We also educate and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, with more than 10,000 students joining us each year for school field trips, science-based classroom presentations, and events. Learn more about us at healthebay.org/our-impact.
About the Role
The Coastal Resilience Wildfire Fellow will lead Heal the Bay’s Ash to Action program, advancing research, policy development, and strategic advocacy related to impacts of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and the region’s long-term wildfire resilience. This role will guide the organization’s scientific analysis of wildfire impacts on coastal and marine environments and translate findings into policy recommendations and advocacy strategies at local and state levels.
The Fellow will serve as a subject matter expert on wildfire-related coastal impacts and will collaborate across Heal the Bay’s Science and Policy team to advance organizational priorities related to water quality and coastal resilience. This position requires a high degree of professional judgment, independent project leadership, and cross-sector collaboration with scientific, government, and community partners.
This is a one-year position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension contingent upon additional funding.
Expectations & Responsibilities
- Lead the design, implementation, and oversight of scientific research initiatives evaluating the impacts of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires on coastal and marine ecosystems.
- Analyze and synthesize complex environmental data to inform organizational strategy, policy positions, and public-facing scientific communications.
- Collaborate with academic, government, and community partners to guide research efforts, interpret findings, and advance policy objectives.
- Provide subject matter expertise in the development of coastal emergency response and resilience planning initiatives.
- Develop and advance Heal the Bay’s advocacy and policy strategy related to wildfire recovery and coastal resilience, building upon recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire-Safe Recovery.
- Represent Heal the Bay in coalitions, working groups, and external meetings, serving as a professional ambassador for the Ash to Action program.
- Contribute expertise to the development of reports, policy briefs, and public education materials that communicate complex environmental issues to diverse audiences.
Experience & Skills
- Masters or PhD in environmental science or a related discipline is required.
- Demonstrated expertise in environmental data analysis, including statistical analysis, coding, and interpretation of complex datasets.
- Experience developing data visualizations and translating technical information into accessible formats.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Demonstrated success leading or contributing to interdisciplinary and collaborative initiatives.
- Experience engaging with policymakers, regulatory agencies, or decision-makers on environmental issues.
- Working knowledge of environmental regulations, water quality standards, or related policy frameworks.
- Passion for environmental protection and environmental justice
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple initiatives.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related tools.
- Valid California driver’s license and ability to travel to meetings and events.
Compensation
- Salary: This is a temporary, full-time position, $70,304 annually.
Schedule
Participation in some weekend and evening events, as well as county wide travel. Heal the Bay operates in a hybrid manner; typical schedule might be (2) days in the office or field per week. Heal the Bay offers a dynamic work environment with highly motivated colleagues.
Location
The employees’ primary work location will be at Heal the Bay Headquarters, with some work at the Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier. This position also includes occasional regional or state travel for fieldwork or meetings at off-site locations. Work will take place both indoors and outdoors, depending on needs and scheduled events.
Physical Demands
The employee is occasionally required to work in outdoor conditions, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
Heal the Bay is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, and we strongly encourage applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of Los Angeles County.
Heal the Bay complies with AB 1008, the Fair Chance Act, during the hiring process. Once a conditional job offer has been made, the candidate will be asked to complete a Live Scan criminal background check. A thorough assessment of conviction history will be considered, including: the nature and gravity of the criminal history, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the nature of the job the candidate is seeking.
Heal the Bay is seeking a Beach Programs Manager to run monthly public beach cleanups, our Adopt-A-Beach program, corporate beach cleanups, and manage Coastal Cleanup Day for L.A. County. Read More »
About the Organization
Heal the Bay is the most recognized environmental nonprofit group in LA for a reason: we have been keeping Southern California’s coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy, and clean for people and marine life since 1985. Using education, science, advocacy, and community action, we raise awareness and make progress with practical solutions to often complex problems. We conduct hundreds of beach and community cleanups each year, informing people about the root causes of pollution along the shorelines and in their neighborhoods. We advocate for strict water quality regulations that protect the health of both humans and the animals that call local creeks, rivers, and the Santa Monica Bay home. We operate the award-winning Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier, inspiring visitors to become stewards for the region’s most important natural resource: clean water. We also educate and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, with more than 10,000 students joining us each year for school field trips, science-based classroom presentations, and events. Learn more about us at www.healthebay.org/our-impact
About the Role
The Beach Programs Manager is part of Heal the Bay’s community programs team and manages Heal the Bay’s most well-known programs, our beach cleanups. The Beach Programs Manager is responsible for running monthly public beach cleanups, our Adopt-A-Beach program, corporate beach cleanups, and, with the Coastal Cleanup Day Associate Specialist, manages Coastal Cleanup Day for L.A. County. This is an excellent leadership opportunity that provides experience in community outreach, event planning, and non-profit work.
Expectations & Responsibilities
- Manage monthly Nothin’ But Sand Saturday beach cleanups; train and manage Beach Captain volunteers
- Manage Adopt-A-Beach program (scheduling 300+ cleanups per year / budgets, permits, reports etc.)
- Oversee Suits on the Sand (Corporate) Cleanups, including coordinating with the development team and staffing cleanup events
- Manage part-time Community Programs Associates
- Manage overall Coastal Cleanup Day logistics and budget for 10,000+ volunteers and 70+ cleanup sites, including recruiting and training site captains
- Recruit, interview, hire, and manage temporary Coastal Cleanup Day Associate Specialist and key program interns
- Manage the Marine Debris Database; ensure data quality; produce reports to be used for advocacy and policy work
- Establish and maintain relationships with other agencies and organizations in the community including, L.A. County Dept. of Beaches & Harbors
- Coordinate Emergency Storm Response (volunteers for post-rain emergency cleanups)
- Coordinate Earth Month cleanup activities
- Make presentations throughout the year to community groups, neighborhood councils, city councils, schools, and businesses about Coastal Cleanup Day, watershed awareness, and ocean health
- Assist in grant writing and soliciting sponsorships
- Manage budget, oversee cleanup supplies, and create program impact reports
- Represent Heal the Bay at public events & meetings, media opportunities, and stakeholder meetings
- Participate actively in organization campaigns and educational programming, including Heal the Bay’s Aquarium, as part of the Community Programs Team
Experience & Skills
- Thrive at the beach and are passionate about safeguarding our coastal ecosystems.
- Enjoy educating diverse audiences on ocean pollution and its impacts.
- Have prior experience in event coordination.
- Are highly organized, detail-oriented, and adept at managing multiple projects both independently and collaboratively.
- Have a valid driver’s license and are comfortable driving our extended bed pickup truck to various outreach events.
- Possess database skills or have experience with Salesforce or similar CRM systems.
- Have prior experience in project management.
- Are proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
Compensation
This is a full-time non-exempt position, $23.00 – $25.00 an hour, depending on experience, with appropriate state and federal taxes withheld. All Heal the Bay recognized holidays will be compensated at 1.5x normal pay rate in accordance with time worked.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. Heal the Bay covers 90 percent of employee medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. Full-time employees are also eligible for life insurance and participation in the organization’s Simple IRA retirement plan. Employees receive paid vacation and Heal the Bay recognized holidays in accordance with organizational policy. In accordance with California labor law, employees are eligible to accrue and use up to 72 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year after completing 30 days of employment.
Schedule
Full-time with an average of 40 hours per week, based on operational and programmatic needs. The Beach Programs Manager must be available to work in-person at Heal the Bay Aquarium, on the beach, and possible off-site educational programs. Weekends, holidays, and after-hours events are required and will be part of the regular schedule. Percent of tasks or department work scheduled will be determined by availability and programs scheduled.
Location
The employee’s primary work location will be the Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier. This position also includes work at the beach directly adjacent to the Aquarium, as well as at other cleanup sites, schools, and community event locations throughout Los Angeles County. Work will take place both indoors and outdoors, depending on program needs and scheduled activities.
Physical Demands
The employee is regularly asked to carry up to 40 pounds across the sand. The employee is also asked to load up to 40 pounds into a large truck at a time. The employee is also regularly asked to be in outdoor weather/beach conditions.
Heal the Bay is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status and we strongly encourage applications from individuals that reflect the diversity of Los Angeles County. If you don’t meet all of the preferred skills above, you are still encouraged to apply and will be considered based on diverse and equivalent skills and experience.
Heal the Bay complies with AB 1008, the Fair Chance Act, during the hiring process. Once a conditional job offer has been made the candidate will be asked to complete a Live Scan criminal background check. A thorough assessment of conviction history will be considered including the nature and gravity of the criminal history, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the nature of the job the candidate is seeking.
Heal the Bay is seeking a well-organized and charismatic individual to recruit volunteer “Site Captains”, track and facilitate cleanup sites, and coordinate event logistics for Coastal Clean Up Day 2026. Read More »
Coastal Cleanup Day Associate Specialist
About the Organization
Heal the Bay is the most recognized environmental nonprofit group in LA for a reason: we have been keeping Southern California’s coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy, and clean for people and marine life since 1985. Using education, science, advocacy, and community action, we raise awareness and make progress with practical solutions to often complex problems. We conduct hundreds of beach and community cleanups each year, informing people about the root causes of pollution along the shorelines and in their neighborhoods. We advocate for strict water quality regulations that protect the health of both humans and the animals that call local creeks, rivers, and the Santa Monica Bay home. We operate the award-winning Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier, inspiring visitors to become stewards for the region’s most important natural resource: clean water. We also educate and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, with more than 10,000 students joining us each year for school field trips, science-based classroom presentations, and events. Learn more about us at www.healthebay.org/our-impact
About the Role
Heal the Bay is the Los Angeles County Coordinator for California Coastal Cleanup Day (CCD). CCD is part of the International Coastal Cleanup effort organized by the Ocean Conservancy. Heal the Bay hosts 50-70 individual cleanup sites across the region. Each site is a unique expression of the surrounding community. Coastal Cleanup Day occurs this year on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The Coastal Cleanup Day Associate Specialist works closely with the Community Programs, Communications, Advancement, and Aquarium teams to orchestrate the event.
Heal the Bay is looking for a well-organized, charismatic, and responsible individual capable of working in a fast-paced environment to recruit volunteer Site Captains, track and facilitate cleanup sites, and coordinate event logistics. The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently but also enjoys working as part of a team. Reporting to the Beach Programs Manager, the Coastal Cleanup Day Associate Specialist will help by creating and developing tools to ensure an inclusive event for all Angelenos.
This role is expected to begin on June 2, 2026, and run through October 31, 2026.
Expectations & Responsibilities
Work with Beach Programs Manager to:
- Coordinate all logistics of Heal the Bay’s Coastal Cleanup Day 70+ cleanup sites, including pulling cleanup permits, and supporting special activations and enhanced experiences.
- Train and support volunteer site captains and staff before Coastal Cleanup Day to ensure that the individual sites have all the tools they need to run safely and smoothly.
- Manage the Coastal Cleanup Day volunteer and contact database in Salesforce.
- Help create brochures, flyers, and other print materials in Canva, including the Coastal Cleanup Day Wrap-Up book.
- Handle logistical concerns by phone, virtual meeting, direct message, and email to internal staff, volunteers, and event partners.
- Attendance at some weekend and evening events is mandatory, including September 19, 2026.
- Support cleanup activities as necessary throughout the summer to learn Heal the Bay’s cleanup flow and expectations.
- Present at captain and volunteer recruitment opportunities such as other Heal the Bay cleanups and events, or community events for corporate groups, civic clubs, schools, etc.
- Make virtual and in-person presentations to community leaders and groups to promote participation in CCD.
- Attend weekly staff meetings on Wednesdays. Virtual options are available for some meetings.
Experience & Skills
- Experience or interest in public speaking and leading training workshops - comfortable communicating effectively with small groups, large groups of volunteers, community groups, members of the press, and government offices, both in person and virtually
- Ability to make and maintain partnerships with CA Coastal Commission, City of Santa Monica, LA County Beaches & Harbors, community members, volunteers, funders, media, etc. is essential for the role
- Bilingual in English and Spanish and/or Korean, but not required
- Experience using Salesforce or similar CRM software to assist with data tracking for volunteers and marine debris
- Experience creating content for website pages, forms, videos, graphics, flyers, gifs, and social media posts across platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, MyEmma, Salesforce, Google Analytics, etc.)
- Experience creating culturally relevant social media or digital campaign materials for members of the Los Angeles County community
- Proficiency with Canva and graphic design skills
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly in Excel and Word
- Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
- Well organized, careful attention to detail, and ability to meet strict deadlines
- High cultural competency and DEI training experience preferred
- Passion for the environment
Compensation
This is a temporary part-time non-exempt position, $23.00 – $25.00 an hour depending on experience with appropriate state and federal taxes withheld. All Heal the Bay recognized holidays will be compensated at 1.5x normal pay rate in accordance with time worked.
Benefits
As per the state of CA Labor Law, the employee will be eligible to receive up to 72 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year. There is no dental, medical, health insurance, or vacation benefits included as part of the employment.
Schedule
This part-time position averages 15-25 hours per week based on operational needs and the expectation of increased hours as the event approaches. It is an excellent opportunity to gain experience and exposure in community outreach and environmental project management.
The anticipated employment period is June 2, 2026, through October 31, 2026. Some evenings and weekends are required, including attending most of the monthly Nothin’ But Sand (third Saturday of every month) and corporate Suits on the Sand cleanups to recruit captains and volunteers.
Location
The employee’s primary work location will be the Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier. This position also includes occasional work at the beach directly adjacent to the Aquarium, as well as at other cleanup sites, schools, and community event locations throughout Los Angeles County. Work will take place both indoors and outdoors, depending on program needs and scheduled activities.
Physical Demands
Ability to work in variable weather conditions with potential exposure to heat, wind, and inclement weather both inside the Aquarium Pier Gift Shop and Aquarium Exhibit Gallery, and outdoors on the Santa Monica Pier and beach
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds across sand
Regularly required to talk, hear, and reach with hands and arms
Heal the Bay is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status and we strongly encourage applications from individuals that reflect the diversity of Los Angeles County. If you don’t meet all of the preferred skills above, you are still encouraged to apply and will be considered based on diverse and equivalent skills and experience.
Heal the Bay complies with AB 1008, the Fair Chance Act, during the hiring process. Once a conditional job offer has been made the candidate will be asked to complete a Live Scan criminal background check. A thorough assessment of conviction history will be considered including the nature and gravity of the criminal history, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the nature of the job the candidate is seeking.
Heal the Bay is seeking a part-time Community Programs Associate to support aquarium operations, education programs, and public outreach. This role offers hands-on experience with marine animals, environmental education, public programs, and retail, while building skills in marine science, teaching, customer service, and event coordination. Read More »
About the Organization
Heal the Bay is the most recognized environmental nonprofit group in LA for a reason: we have been keeping Southern California’s coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy, and clean for people and marine life since 1985. Using education, science, advocacy, and community action, we raise awareness and make progress with practical solutions to often complex problems. We conduct hundreds of beach and community cleanups each year, informing people about the root causes of pollution along the shorelines and in their neighborhoods. We advocate for strict water quality regulations that protect the health of both humans and the animals that call local creeks, rivers, and the Santa Monica Bay home. We operate the award-winning Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier, inspiring visitors to become stewards for the region’s most important natural resource: clean water. We also educate and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, with more than 10,000 students joining us each year for school field trips, science-based classroom presentations, and events. Learn more about us at www.healthebay.org/our-impact
About the Role
Heal the Bay is looking for a part-time Community Programs Associate with an interest in all aspects that an aquarium has to offer, including: marine science – working with aquatic animals; environmental education- supporting our Education team with field trip and camp programs; and outreach-working with our Public Programs team in the execution of events, public hours and retail sales. In this position, you will gain valuable marine biology, teaching, public speaking, customer service, retail sales, and event coordination skills while building your resume and obtaining references.
This is an excellent opportunity to work in a dynamic and unique work environment on the Santa Monica Pier, in the Aquarium, and on the beach. This is an entry level position, and you will be trained to work directly with students, community members and marine animals. You will gain Aquarium and nonprofit experience and be able to work for a reputable nonprofit that has been established for over 35 years. Heal the Bay Aquarium is home to hundreds of organisms, native to the Santa Monica Bay. As Heal the Bay’s marine education facility, the aquarium strives to teach visitors about the importance of environmental stewardship and marine conservation.
Expectations & Responsibilities
Heal the Bay Community Programs Associate role overview
Associates are scheduled for regular shifts across Beach Programs, Education, and Public Programs, with a focus on delivering in-person experiences that inspire ocean stewardship.
What you’ll do at the Aquarium
• Teach hands-on science field trip lessons; support aquarium camps, after-school enrichment, and other education programs
• Welcome visitors during public hours: interpret at touch tanks, staff the pier gift shop, assist with birthday parties and special events, and present engaging educational talks
• Create a warm, inclusive environment that reflects Heal the Bay’s commitment to dignity, respect, and belonging for all guests and volunteers
• Set up and break down program materials; check for hazards and report safety concerns
• Maintain supplies by packing, cleaning, organizing inventory, and keeping workspaces guest-ready
Community programs and beach cleanups
• Deliver beach cleanups around Santa Monica Bay: prepare, load, transport, set up, and break down equipment on site (drive the company truck if authorized); follow all safety, vehicle, and equipment protocols while serving as a professional on-site representative of Heal the Bay
• Lead the participant experience in the field: greet and check in attendees, give clear safety and educational briefings for groups (including corporate teams), answer basic questions, and route detailed inquiries to program staff
• Support logistics and reporting: confirm headcounts and day-of needs with the program manager, record attendance and cleanup data, and submit post-event materials and reports
And beyond
• Jump in to assist with other events and Aquarium needs as assigned, collaborating across teams to make every visitor experience memorable
• Access structured opportunities to explore interdisciplinary career paths at Heal the Bay, including science and policy, communications, operations, animal care, and development
• Participate in shadowing and receive feedback and coaching from program leads
• Collaborate on special projects that align with your professional development goals and organizational needs, building a portfolio of experience over time
• Support cross-department events and outreach activities that advance Heal the Bay’s mission
• Perform other duties as assigned or necessary to support departmental operations and team success
Preferred Experience & Skills
• Excellent communication, customer service, and public speaking skills
• Conversational level knowledge of at least two languages is a plus, with a preference for Spanish or Asian languages
• Ability to respectfully communicate and respect visitors of all ages, ethnicities, exceptionalities, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented, with the ability to be flexible, communicate well, and work collaboratively
• Experience working with children and the ability to maintain an Adult and Infant CPR/First Aid/AED certification
• Experience with outdoor or environmental education, or student-centered teaching strategies a plus
• Must be at least 18 years of age
Compensation
$18.00 – $20.00/hour depending on experience with appropriate state and federal taxes withheld. All Heal the Bay recognized holidays will be compensated at 1.5x normal pay rate in accordance with time worked
Benefits
You will be working directly with marine animals and interacting with students and community members as well as people from all over the world. You will develop knowledge and experience in marine science, with classroom management skills, interpretation strategies, and general education and advocacy strategies. You will gain Aquarium and nonprofit experience and be able to work for a reputable nonprofit that has been established for over 40 years, developing professional skills and industry knowledge.
As per the state of CA Labor Law, the employee will be eligible to receive up to 72 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year, after completing 90 days of employment. There are no dental, medical, health insurance, or vacation benefits included as part of the employment.
Schedule
Part-time with an average of 15-25 hours per week, based on operational and programmatic needs. The Community Programs Associate must be available to work in-person at Heal the Bay Aquarium, on the beach, and possible off-site educational programs. Weekends, holidays, and after-hours events are required and will be part of the regular schedule. Percent of tasks or department work scheduled will be determined by availability and programs scheduled.
Location
The employee’s primary work location will be the Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier. This position also includes occasional work at the beach directly adjacent to the Aquarium, as well as at other cleanup sites, schools, and community event locations throughout Los Angeles County. Work will take place both indoors and outdoors, depending on program needs and scheduled activities.
Physical Demands
Ability to work in variable weather conditions with potential exposure to heat, wind, and inclement weather both inside the Aquarium Pier Gift Shop and Aquarium Exhibit Gallery, and outdoors on the Santa Monica Pier and beach
Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds across sand
Regularly required to talk, hear, and reach with hands and arms
How To Apply
Please apply online at https://healthebay.org/our-openings/. Applications will be reviewed immediately and on an ongoing basis in the order they are received. This position will be hired ASAP and remain posted until filled.
Heal the Bay is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status and we strongly encourage applications from individuals that reflect the diversity of Los Angeles County. If you don’t meet all of the preferred skills above, you are still encouraged to apply and will be considered based on diverse and equivalent skills and experience.
Heal the Bay complies with AB 1008, the Fair Chance Act, during the hiring process. Once a conditional job offer has been made the candidate will be asked to complete a Live Scan criminal background check. A thorough assessment of conviction history will be considered including the nature and gravity of the criminal history, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the nature of the job the candidate is seeking.
Internships
Heal the Bay is seeking a self-motivated MPA Watch intern with an interest in marine protected areas (MPAs), coastal conservation, social science, and fieldwork for the Summer Session (June to August). Read More »
Heal the Bay’s Science, Policy, and Outreach Department is recruiting for a self-motivated MPA Watch intern with an interest in marine protected areas (MPAs), coastal conservation, social science, and fieldwork for the Summer Session (June to August). The intern will report to our Science and Policy Associate Specialist and work both in the field at MPA sites and virtually for approximately 10-20 hours each week with flexible scheduling. The intern is expected to start the week of June 1st and continue for 10 weeks, concluding the week of August 7. The intern is expected to provide their own transportation to and from MPA field sites in Malibu and Palos Verdes, though a travel stipend to cover gas and automobile expenses will be provided. Interns are trained to observe and collect unbiased data on coastal and marine resource use.
This is an excellent opportunity to gain scientific fieldwork experience and to work with an established non-profit. Heal the Bay is a non-profit environmental organization with 40 years of experience making the coastal waters and watersheds of Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy, and clean. We use science, education, community action, and advocacy to fulfill our mission. Heal the Bay’s community science program, MPA Watch, is part of a statewide network and collects valuable scientific data to inform various government and other organizations about human use at MPA sites and inform MPA management.
There are required physical expectations that an individual must possess in order to successfully perform essential internship responsibilities, including:
- Ability to spend 4-5 hours outside and willingness to do so under harsh weather conditions, if necessary.
- Ability to conduct interview surveys with public beachgoers.
- Ability to complete moderate hiking and willingness to do so under harsh weather conditions, if necessary.
- Ability to provide transportation to and from survey sites in Malibu and Palos Verdes.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs.
- Ability to push and pull up to 50lbs.
- This is an unpaid internship with a travel stipend to cover transportation costs. Please contact your college or university about qualifying for college credit or scholarship opportunities.
- Please note that this is a hybrid internship. Interns must have reliable access to a computer and internet to complete remote work in addition to field work and in-person attendance at our headquarters located in Santa Monica.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Complete MPA Watch beach surveys of human activities inside and outside protected areas for MPA Watch program.
- Complete MPA Watch Intercept Surveys with public beachgoers regarding their understanding of MPAs and barriers they may face in accessing them. Assist in compiling results and feedback into a final report.
- Assist in organization and management of the MPA Watch database.
- Conduct quality assurance and quality control on MPA Watch surveys in the database.
- Assist in the development and implementation of MPA Watch volunteer trainings.
- Assist in MPA Watch volunteer events and coordination.
- Attend virtual weekly MPA Watch team meetings
- Maintain a professional and enthusiastic attitude when representing Heal the Bay in public settings, meeting, events, and trainings.
Qualifications:
- Must be currently enrolled at or recently graduated from a college or university as an undergraduate or graduate student.
- Must be currently enrolled or recently graduated in a degree program of Environmental Studies, Marine Science, Geography, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Policy, or related field.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Detail-oriented; ability to complete projects promptly and completely.
- Ability to work independently as well as with a team.
- Preferred: experience in conducting data collection and/or research and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Compensation: Unpaid. School credit available at participating schools/colleges.
How to Apply: Applicants must send a resume and cover letter to Zoë Collins, Science and Policy Associate Specialist, at zcollins@healthebay.org by May 8th, 2026, for application to be considered.