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.
Heal the Bay is seeking a Science and Policy Director, responsible for advancing our mission of making coastal waters and watersheds in Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy, and clean. Reporting to the CEO, the Director manages a team of scientists, engineers, and policy experts to drive strategic goals, with a focus on water quality, resource protection, aging infrastructure, and environmental justice. Read More »
About the Position
The Science & Policy Director is a key leadership role at Heal the Bay, responsible for advancing our mission of making coastal waters and watersheds in Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy, and clean. Reporting to the CEO, the Director manages a team of scientists, engineers, and policy experts to drive strategic goals, with a focus on water quality, resource protection, aging infrastructure, and environmental justice. Key responsibilities include working with the CEO to develop the overall strategic vision for achieving Heal the Bay’s science and policy goals. Independently, the Director is responsible for developing advocacy campaigns, overseeing research and regulatory analyses, and representing Heal the Bay in public forums. The Director also collaborates with external partners and manages departmental performance. Candidates should have a strong background in environmental policy and science, with expertise in water quality, climate change and its impacts on Los Angeles’ coastline and water supply, and environmental justice. Coastal and ocean policy experience is a plus. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience leading a team. Heal the Bay offers a dynamic, mission-driven environment where science, education, community action, and advocacy are at the core of our work.
Expectations and Responsibilities
- Lead science, policy, and advocacy efforts on water quality and coastal resources, integrating solutions for biodiversity conservation, stormwater capture, ocean acidification, and climate resilience, all in alignment with Heal the Bay’s strategic initiatives.
- Cultivate and maintain partnerships with government agencies, decision-makers, advocacy groups, and environmental stakeholders, with a focus on promoting equitable policies that address biodiversity loss, climate change impacts, and stormwater management.
- Track and analyze policies, regulations, and legislation at regional and state levels related to water quality, biodiversity protection, climate adaptation, and ocean acidification, and make informed recommendations to further Heal the Bay’s mission.
- Develop, review, and provide feedback on scientific, technical, and regulatory documents.
- Develop and lead campaigns to pass legislation, get regulations adopted, or implement programs that help Heal the Bay achieve our mission.
- Create compelling advocacy materials (fact sheets, policy briefs, web content) that center biodiversity, climate justice, and water equity, ensuring outreach to diverse and historically underrepresented communities.
- Collaborate with department directors on inter-departmental projects that integrate, and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (JEDI) principles into Heal the Bay’s overall strategy
- Oversee grants and budgets, contributing to fundraising efforts that support biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and equitable access to clean water.
- Engage Heal the Bay’s Board of Directors, providing updates on key biodiversity, climate, and water justice issues, and offering guidance on policy decisions that align with the organization’s mission.
- Manage Department staff, lead, mentor, and develop a team of scientists, policy experts, and educators, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- This position requires a strong focus on administrative tasks, including managing schedules, coordinating meetings, processing documents, and maintaining organized workflows to support the department’s efficiency.
Experience and Skills
- Deep commitment to Heal the Bay’s mission and the protection of environmental health in Southern California.
- Extensive experience in environmental science, policy, or law, with 5+ years in environmental policy, water management, coastal/ocean management, or related fields.
- Advanced degree preferred, demonstrating expertise in environmental disciplines.
- Comprehensive knowledge of California water issues, including legal, policy, and technical aspects of stormwater management, water supply, and environmental justice.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire staff, volunteers, and partners in advancing Heal the Bay’s policy and scientific initiatives.
- Commitment to promoting equity and inclusion within the organization and the broader environmental community, and needs an individual who can positively contribute to a collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Proven ability to thrive under pressure, managing multiple projects while meeting tight deadlines.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and project management skills, coupled with strong problem-solving and communication abilities.
- Willingness to work beyond regular hours, including occasional weekends, to meet the needs of the organization.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and ability to learn other software systems as needed.
- Passion for water conservation, ocean health, and the communities that rely on them.
Hours and Compensation
$100,000 – $120,000/year
This is a full-time, salaried position with health, dental, vision and vacation benefits. Participation in weekend and evening events and regional and statewide travel are needed.
How to Apply
No phone calls please. 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.
Heal the Bay is seeking an Outreach Coordinator to support our Safe Clean Water Program (SCWP) Team’s work in both Central and South Santa Monica Bay Watershed areas. Read More »
About the Position
Heal the Bay’s Outreach Coordinator is an integral part of the Safe Clean Water Program (SCWP) Team, supporting the work in both Central and South Santa Monica Bay Watershed areas. Duties and responsibilities center around educating and building inclusion and meaningful community engagement in pursuit of SCWP Program Goals. The SCWP Outreach Coordinator ensures the Safe Clean Water Program contract deliverables are met including, but not limited to, giving presentations to community groups, representing the program at community fairs, attending coalition meetings and community outreach through a variety of methods.
Expectations and Responsibilities
- Taking initiative and your deep understanding of western Los Angeles County to strategically build community knowledge of SCWP goals.
- Promoting through a variety of outreach mechanisms to ensure that neighborhoods councils, local governments, community leaders participate in events.
- Assist Watershed Coordinators of both South and Central Santa Monica Bay to develop and implement educational activities and trainings for interested parties.
Assist in creating content and translating existing materials for Spanish language outreach. - Run our tabling program and represent Safe Clean Water Program at inland/urban community festivals.
- Help solicit and execute bi-lingual (Spanish/English) print, radio and television coverage.
- Review invoices, quarterly newsletters, and reports.
- Recruit schools, public agencies, businesses, elected officials, and community groups to participate in SCWP inland outreach events.
- Collect Community Surveys while in the field.
- Set up meetings with interested parties and watershed coordinators, and make sure that our interested parties database is up-to-date.
- Assist Programs Department events when necessary.
Experience and Qualifications
- Outstanding communication and presenting skills in both English and Spanish, both oral and written.
- Strong leadership and coordination skills for working with community groups and faith-based and social justice organizations.
- Passion for the environment and environmental justice issues.
- Excellent people skills and a passion for working with the public.
- Well-organized and able to work on several projects simultaneously, both independently and as a team.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
- Valid driver’s license required–driving to outreach events and meetings will be required.
- Familiarity with communities of Central and or South Santa Monica Bay Watershed area.
Hours and Compensation
$19.50 – $20.50 an hour
This position is a full-time, nonexempt position. Compensation includes accrued vacation and sick time as well as retirement/health/dental/vision/life benefits.
How to Apply
No phone calls please. 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.
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 requires all staff to obtain and maintain up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations, when available. Heal the Bay believes this is an important measure to protect the health and safety of employees, volunteers, family members and those who visit the workplace from COVID-19 infection. Staff must show proof of vaccination (vaccination card or website).
Internships
Heal the Bay’s Science, Policy, and Outreach Department is recruiting for a highly self-motivated MPA Watch intern interested in marine protected areas (MPAs), coastal conservation, and fieldwork for the 2025 Spring Session (February – May). Read More »
Heal the Bay’s Science, Policy, and Outreach Department is recruiting for a highly self-motivated MPA Watch intern interested in marine protected areas (MPAs), coastal conservation, and fieldwork for the 2025 Spring Session (February – May). The intern will report to our Marine Protected Area Program Coordinator and work both in the field at MPA sites and remotely for approximately 10-20 hours each week with flexible scheduling and an option for periodic in-office meetings. The intern is expected to start the week of February 3rd, 2024, and provide their own transportation to and from MPA field sites in Malibu and Palos Verdes. Interns are trained to observe and collect unbiased coastal and marine resource use data.
This is an excellent opportunity to gain research fieldwork experience and work for a reputable non-profit established for over 35 years. 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.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Complete MPA Watch coastal surveys of human activities inside and outside protected areas for MPA Watch program.
- Assist in the organization and management of the MPA Watch database.
- Conduct quality assurance and quality control on MPA Watch surveys in the database.
- Assist with the development of MPA Watch program and training materials such as manuals and PowerPoint presentations
- Assist in the development and implementation of MPA Watch volunteer training.
- Assist in MPA Watch volunteer events, such as eDNA sampling events.
- Attend virtual weekly MPA Watch team meetings
- Maintain a professional and enthusiastic attitude when representing Heal the Bay in public settings, meetings, events, and training.
- Develop an independent research project on MPA Watch data, MPA policy and legislation, or another related topic and present results at the end of the internship.
Qualifications:
- Recently graduated or currently enrolled in higher education program at a college or university in a degree program of Environmental Studies, Marine Science, Oceanography, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Policy or related field. Equivalent experience also accepted.
- 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.
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 complete moderate hiking and willingness to do so under harsh weather conditions, if necessary.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 35 lbs.
This is an unpaid internship, but please contact your college or university about qualifying for college credit or scholarship opportunities. Please note that this is a hybrid internship. Some work is expected to be completed remotely, some in the field, and some at Heal the Bay’s main office in downtown Santa Monica. Interns must have reliable access to a computer and the internet to complete remote work in addition to fieldwork.
How to Apply:
Applicants must send a resume and cover letter to Zoë Collins, Marine Protected Area Program Coordinator, at mpawatch@healthebay.org by Friday, January 17th 2025 for application to be considered. Please use the phrase “MPA Watch Spring 2025 Internship” in the email subject line.
Thanks to your generous support, Heal the Bay has accomplished award-winning successes for our coastal waters. As we continue our journey into 2025, we invite you to stand with us and help fuel our mission.
Every contribution makes a difference in preserving and protecting our precious marine environment. Join us in riding the wave of change!