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.

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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’s Science & Policy Department is seeking self-motivated students for the 2026 Summer Stream Team, a temporary part-time employment opportunity on our L.A. River Monitoring Program. Ideal candidates will have an interest in watershed health, water quality, fieldwork and laboratory analysis, as well as environmental science and justice. Selected students will receive training in the use of field and lab equipment and water sample collection techniques, and will gain insights into the ecology, management, and impacts of water quality issues within LA’s coastal watersheds. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the environmental science and non-profit sectors.

By participating on our L.A. River Monitoring Program, you will gain:

• Practical experience in environmental fieldwork and laboratory analysis.
• Exposure to database management and data entry skills.
• Communication and outreach experience in conveying scientific information to diverse audiences.
• Engagement with community members and stakeholders to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts.

Expectations & Responsibilities

Heal the Bay is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our 2026 Summer Stream Team. As a team member, you will be responsible for monitoring the water quality for designated freshwater recreation sites. Your main focus will be on testing fecal indicator bacteria in areas where recreation is allowed and promoted. The project consists of six main components:

• Field work: Collect water samples at freshwater sites, record field data such as temperature, turbidity, human use, and trash levels, and monitor storm drains for flowing water and collect water samples from storm drains.
• Laboratory work: Process water samples for fecal indicator bacteria, read the results, equipment calibration, and record-keeping.
• River Report Card (RRC): Assist in calculating the weekly grades (A to F) for ~30 freshwater sites. Manage and update the database for the River Report Card and Stream Team data, ensuring the accuracy of the information.
• Professional Development Activities: Participate in rotation week, guest seminar lectures, California Coastal Cleanup-Day (CCD) at an inland site and more.
• Science Communication: Share project experiences, updates, and water quality findings through social media platforms to engage our audience and raise awareness about freshwater conservation efforts. Contribute articles to the Heal the Bay blog, highlighting the importance of water quality monitoring, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
• Community Engagement: Represent Heal the Bay and promote the River Report Card program at tabling events, community fairs, and outreach activities, engaging with the public and answering questions about water quality monitoring and conservation efforts.

Experience & Skills

• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn and conduct varied work including fieldwork, lab work, writing, and education.
• Professional, reliable, and responsible; good attention to detail.
• The ability to work outdoors in possible adverse conditions (usually very hot and sunny) and wade in River to collect samples (in boots/waders provided by HtB).
• Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner; and to work independently as well as with a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is strongly preferred.
• Experience with database management and data entry
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.

Compensation

This is a temporary part-time non-exempt position, $18.00-$20.00 an hour depending on experience with appropriate state and federal taxes withheld.

Benefits

Upon completion of the Summer Stream Team program, you will have developed valuable skills and experience in environmental monitoring, communication, and community engagement. You will gain a deeper understanding of freshwater conservation issues and play a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering environmental stewardship in our community.

Schedule

• Start Date: June 1, 2026 (Orientation). Field work will begin after orientation session.
• End Date: September 26, 2026

Part-time with a commitment of an average of 15-25 hours per week for approximately 18 weeks from June 2026 through September 2026, based on operational and programmatic needs. The Stream Team Water Quality Monitor must be available to work in-person at Heal the Bay Aquarium, CSU Long Beach Lab and at river monitoring sites-Long Beach area and Malibu Creek.

Location

Fieldwork will be conducted in designated freshwater sites within the L.A. River Watershed and/or in Malibu Creek State Park. Water samples will be processed in labs at the Heal the Bay Aquarium or designated partner lab. Candidates must have a reliable method of transportation to get to the lab and field sites on time. A mileage stipend is available along with carpooling options and use of Heal the Bay vehicles.

Personal Vehicle Use: The driving component of this position is contingent upon the ability to provide proof of a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance. Employees who meet these requirements will be eligible for mileage reimbursement. Carpooling options may also be available for those without personal transportation.

Company Vehicle Use: If you are designated to drive a Heal the Bay company vehicle, this is contingent upon passing a motor vehicle record (MVR) check and providing proof of a valid driver’s license. Employees authorized to drive a company vehicle must adhere to all Heal the Bay driving policies and safety guidelines.

Physical Demands

The Water Quality Monitor role requires regular physical activity, including but not limited to:

• Carrying and transporting field equipment weighing approximately 15 lbs., over uneven terrain, slopes, and riverbanks.
• Walking and standing for extended periods, sometimes over long distances in outdoor settings with variable conditions.
• Wading through water (in provided boots/waders) in river environments to collect water samples, which may involve navigating slippery surfaces and shallow currents. Life vests will be available to all team members.
• Bending, kneeling, and crouching to collect samples and record data in the field.
• Working outdoors in potentially extreme weather conditions, including high heat, humidity, and sun exposure during summer months.
• Safely managing water samples, laboratory materials, and equipment during testing procedures.

Training in safety protocols, proper equipment handling, and heat protection measures will be provided to ensure the well-being of all team members. Reasonable accommodation will be made, as necessary.

How To Apply

Deadline to apply is April 24, 2026. Applicants invited to interview will be contacted the 1st week of May 2026.

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. 

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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 1^st 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 8^th, 2026, for application to be considered.

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.

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