L.A. River Water Quality Monitoring Assistant

About the Position 

Heal the Bay’s Science & Policy Department is seeking self-motivated students for the 2025 Summer Stream Team, a seasonal 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 and Responsibilities 

Heal the Bay is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our 2025 Summer Stream Team. As a team member, you will be responsible for monitoring the water quality of the L.A. River from the Elysian Valley to Long Beach and in Malibu Creek State Park. 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.  
• Social Media Engagement: 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. 
• Tabling Events: Represent Heal the Bay and promote the River Report Card program at tabling events (at least one participation is required), community fairs, and outreach activities, engaging with the public and answering questions about water quality monitoring and conservation efforts. 

Location and Transportation Requirements: 

Fieldwork will be conducted in the L.A. River from Elysian Valley to Long Beach and in Malibu Creek State Park. Water samples will be processed in labs at Heal the Bay’s office, CSULB campus, or LATTC campus. 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.

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.

Experience and 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. 
• A commitment of 10 hrs/week for 17 weeks from June through September. 
• 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 (not mandatory) 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.

Takeaways 

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.

Physical Demands:  

The Water Quality Monitoring Assistant role requires regular physical activity, including but not limited to:

• Carrying and transporting field equipment, including a water testing pack 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. 
• 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 handling water samples, laboratory materials, and equipment during testing procedures. 

Training on safety protocols, proper equipment handling, and heat protection measures will be provided to ensure the well-being of all team members. Reasonable accommodations will be made as necessary.

Hours and Compensation 

• Start Date: June 2, 2025 (Orientation). Field work will begin after orientation session.
• End Date: September 26, 2025 
• Rate: $17.50/hour, must be available for approximately 10 hours per week for approximately 17 weeks.
   

Application Process

To apply, please submit this application along with a resume and your cover letter including the following questions:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself—where you are in your undergraduate or career journey, and what draws you to environmental sciences, public health, and/or nonprofit work.

2. We’d love to hear about any past experience you may have (fieldwork, research, lab work, data collection, etc.). What was your role, and how long were you involved? If you don’t have prior experience, that’s totally okay—just let us know!

3. What unique strengths or perspectives would you bring to this program?

Deadline to apply is April 27, 2025. Applicants invited to interview will be contacted the 1st week of May 2025.