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 »
Overview
Heal the Bay is one of the most recognized environmental nonprofit groups 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 science, advocacy, education and community action, we raise awareness and make progress with practical solutions to often complex problems. Heal the Bay conducts its work under four pillars; public health, climate change, biodiversity, and equity and environmental justice. We are best known for our advocacy for strong water quality regulations that protect the health of both humans and the wildlife that call local creeks, rivers, and Santa Monica Bay home. In addition to our science and policy work, Heal the Bay hosts hundreds of beach cleanups and operates 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
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 and policy experts to drive strategic goals, with a focus on inland and coastal water quality, biodiversity, climate change and environmental justice. Specifically, Heal the Bay’s current strategic science and policy priorities include:
- Clean Water & Public Health – Protecting the health of people and coastal waters by reducing urban runoff, stormwater, wastewater, nutrients, and other sources of pollution; advancing stormwater capture and watershed solutions; providing trusted water-quality information; and serving as a watchdog for water-quality regulations and NPDES permits.
- Marine Ecosystem Protection & Restoration – Protecting and restoring healthy marine ecosystems and biodiversity through science, policy, MPAs, responsible resource management, and applied conservation and restorative aquaculture. Oversee Heal the Bay’s conservation and restorative aquaculture work at the Aquarium/Research & Discovery Center, ensuring projects are scientifically rigorous, mission-aligned, and connected to broader restoration and policy priorities.
- Climate & Coastal Resilience – Integrating climate change into Heal the Bay’s science and policy priorities and advancing solutions that strengthen the resilience of coastal and watershed ecosystems and Greater Los Angeles communities.
- Pollution Prevention – Reducing plastics, DDT and other legacy contaminants, and emerging and industrial pollutants through science-based policy, advocacy, source reduction, and systems change.
- Science-Based Response to Emerging & Acute Threats – Helping Heal the Bay identify and respond appropriately to emerging or acute threats to coastal ecosystems and public health, including sewage releases, oil spills, wildfires, and other significant pollution events.
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 manages relationships with policymakers in Los Angeles and Sacramento and collaborates with external partners.
Candidates should have a strong background in environmental policy and science, with expertise in one or more of the following areas: water quality, ocean and coastal policy, climate change and its impacts on Los Angeles’ coastline, and environmental justice. 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 & Responsibilities
- Lead science, policy, and advocacy efforts on water quality and coastal resources, in alignment with Heal the Bay’s strategic goals.
- Cultivate and maintain partnerships with government agencies, decision-makers, advocacy groups, and environmental stakeholders.
- Track and analyze policies, regulations, and legislation at regional and state levels.
- Develop, review, and provide feedback on scientific, technical, and regulatory documents.
- Develop and lead campaigns to pass legislation and regulations and implement programs that help Heal the Bay achieve our mission.
- Manage department staff; lead, mentor, and develop a team of scientists and policy experts, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- 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.
- Manage relationships with funders and help identify new funding sources, oversee grants and budgets, and manage the department’s budget.
- Engage Heal the Bay’s Board of Directors, providing updates on science and policy issues and offering guidance on policy decisions that align with the organization’s mission.
Experience & 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 10+ years in environmental policy, water management, coastal/ocean management, or related fields.
- Relationships with policymakers in Los Angeles and Sacramento.
- Advanced degree demonstrating expertise in environmental disciplines.
- Comprehensive knowledge of California coastal water issues, including legal, policy, and technical aspects of stormwater management, ocean/coastal issues, 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.
- 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 basic software, including Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and ability to learn other software systems as needed.
Compensation
This position is full-time, exempt, $120,000 – $140,000 annually depending on experience with appropriate state and federal taxes withheld.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. Heal the Bay covers 90 percent of employee medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. Full-time employees are also eligible for life insurance and participation in the organization’s Simple IRA retirement plan. Employees receive paid vacation and Heal the Bay recognized holidays in accordance with organizational policy. In accordance with California labor law, employees are eligible to accrue and use up to 72 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year after completing 30 days of employment.
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.
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
- Ability to work in variable weather conditions with potential exposure to heat, wind, and inclement weather both indoors and outdoors.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds across sand
- Regularly required to talk, hear, and reach with hands and arms
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Frequent use of hands and fingers to type, handle, or feel
- Occasional standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and reaching in various directions
- Frequent standing, walking, and moving between work areas
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
- May require pushing or pulling carts or equipment
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 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.
The Human Resources Generalist is a strategic generalist leadership role that serves as the backbone of Heal the Bay’s people, culture, and work environment—empowering our team to focus on protecting Southern California’s coastal waters. Read More »
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
The Human Resources Generalist is a strategic generalist leadership role that serves as the backbone of Heal the Bay’s people, culture, and work environment—empowering our team to focus on protecting Southern California’s coastal waters. Reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer, this position collaborates closely with the Finance, Data, and Administrative teams to lead the HR function for approximately 40 staff across the main office and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. This role demands a blend of strategic HR leadership, people-centered service, technical HR expertise, and strong organizational capabilities.
Expectations & Responsibilities
- HR Leadership: Serve as a lead/primary point of contact for employees regarding all HR issues, including general HR inquiries, hiring, disciplinary action, terminations, leaves, workers’ compensation claims, complaints.
- Performance Management: Help support and facilitate performance management for the organization, including disciplinary action.
- Employee Relations: Conduct investigations, as needed, and assist in addressing grievances, facilitating conflict resolution, and guiding disciplinary actions in accordance with organizational policy.
- Onboarding & Offboarding: Lead the onboarding process for new hires, including background checks, orientation and initial training, while also managing exit interviews and transition procedures.
- Talent Acquisition: Collaborate with hiring managers to support recruitment process, including job description development, posting, applicant screening, and interview scheduling.
- Professional Development: Implement and support professional development initiatives and employee retention strategies, ensuring equitable access to training opportunities.
- HR/Employment Compliance: Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws, including record-keeping, training, and reporting requirements.
- Payroll, Timekeeping & Compliance: Oversee accurate timekeeping, payroll coordination, and employment-related recordkeeping in partnership with Finance, ensuring ADP Workforce Now processes and staff practices comply with federal, California state, and local wage and hour requirements.
- Project Leadership: Lead special projects and operational initiatives as assigned, enhancing overall HR effectiveness and efficiency.
Experience & Skills
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years+ of progressive HR generalist experience, with a focus on strategic management and leadership.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Proficiency and working knowledge of HR systems, operations.
- Strong foundational knowledge of federal, California state, and local employment laws and compliance requirements.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and a strong technical acumen.
- Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience or background in a non-profit or similar environment.
- Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM systems and their application in HR reporting.
Core Competencies
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Deep commitment to fostering a respectful, harassment-free, and supportive work environment.
- Ethical Standards: Uphold the highest ethical standards and integrity, consistently maintaining confidentiality and earning trust across the organization.
- Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and data-informed decision-making abilities.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to collaborate effectively across teams with a problem-solving mindset.
- Quality Commitment: Dedication to accuracy, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Professional Development: Commitment to ongoing professional development and knowledge sharing.
Compensation
This position is full-time, non-exempt with an hourly rate of $34.61-$39.42 ($72,000-$82,000) depending on experience with appropriate state and federal taxes withheld.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. Heal the Bay covers 90 percent of employee medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. Full-time employees are also eligible for life insurance and participation in the organization’s Simple IRA retirement plan. Employees receive paid vacation and Heal the Bay recognized holidays in accordance with organizational policy. In accordance with California labor law, employees are eligible to accrue and use up to 72 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year after completing 30 days of employment.
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.
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
- Ability to work in variable weather conditions with potential exposure to heat, wind, and inclement weather.
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Frequent use of hands and fingers to type, handle, or feel
- Regularly required to talk, hear, and reach with hands and arms
- Occasional standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and reaching in various directions
- Ability to lift up to 10–15 pounds occasionally
- Regular standing and walking throughout the workday
- Frequent use of hands for handling objects, tools, or controls
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
- May require pushing or pulling carts or equipment
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.
Internships
No internships available at this time.