Stream Team Water Quality Monitor

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.