MPA Watch Internship – Summer 2025

Heal the Bay’s Science Department is seeking a self-motivated MPA Watch Intern with a strong interest in marine protected areas (MPAs), coastal conservation, and fieldwork for the Summer Session (June – August). The intern will report to our Marine Protected Area Program Coordinator and complete field work at MPA sites and virtual work for approximately 10-20 hours each week, with flexible scheduling. This internship offers hands-on experience in community science and environmental data collection, making it an excellent opportunity for students and early-career professionals looking to gain real-world fieldwork experience.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain science fieldwork experience and to work for a reputable non-profit that has been a leader in water quality and environmental advocacy for 40 years. Heal the Bay’s community science program, MPA Watch, is part of a statewide network and collects valuable scientific data to inform various organizations about human use at MPA sites and inform MPA management.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Complete MPA Watch beach surveys of human activities inside and outside protected areas for MPA Watch program.
• Assist in 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 trainings.
• Assist in MPA Watch volunteer events and coordination.
• Attend weekly virtual MPA Watch team meetings.
• Maintain a professional and enthusiastic attitude when representing Heal the Bay in public settings, meeting, events, and trainings.
• 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:

• 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.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from MPA field sites in Malibu and Palos Verdes.
• Must have reliable access to a computer and internet to complete remote work in addition to field work.
• 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 including in harsh weather conditions, if necessary.
• Ability to complete moderate hiking incluing in harsh weather conditions, if necessary.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50lbs.

Compensation:

• This is an unpaid internship. School credit is available at participating colleges and universities.

How to Apply:

• Applicants must send a resume and cover letter to Zoë Collins, Marine Protected Area Program Coordinator, at zcollins@healthebay.org by May 2, 2025, for application to be considered.

Heal the Bay is an equal opportunity employer and actively recruits to promote diversity in our workforce. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply.