Community Programs Associate
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 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 at the link below or by clicking here. 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.