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’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. Read More »
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:
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.
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!
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.
Heal the Bay is seeking a Wildfire Fellow to support the Water Quality Team within the Science and Policy Department. This fellow will assist in collecting, managing, analyzing, and visualizing post-wildfire water quality data from various organizations, universities, agencies, and municipalities across Los Angeles. Read More »
Heal the Bay is seeking a Wildfire Fellow to support the Water Quality Team within the Science and Policy Department. This fellow will assist in collecting, managing, analyzing, and visualizing post-wildfire water quality data from various organizations, universities, agencies, and municipalities across Los Angeles. The role will help strengthen post-fire advocacy efforts by ensuring data is effectively synthesized and communicated.
Expectations and Responsibilities:
- Collect and manage post-wildfire water quality data from multiple sources.
- Analyze and visualize existing datasets to identify trends and key findings.
- Support advocacy efforts by translating data into meaningful insights.
Minimum Requirements:
- Experience working with datasets, including cleaning and organizing data.
- Proficiency in data visualization tools.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple data sources.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting findings.
Additional Qualifications:
- Coding and statistical analysis skills.
- Experience with GIS/mapping tools for spatial data analysis.
- Background in environmental science or a related field.
- Familiarity with environmental regulations or water quality standards.
- Experience in science communication or translating data into advocacy materials.
Takeaways:
This is an excellent opportunity for students or early-career professionals interested in the intersection of wildfire impacts, water quality, and environmental policy.
Physical Demands:
The position is primarily desk-based, so physical demand is minimal. A suitable remote workspace will be necessary to allow for extended screen time for data collection, analysis, and visualization, as well as remote meetings.
Hours and Compensation:
- Location: Santa Monica, CA (hybrid/remote options available)
- Compensation: $23.18 hourly
- Commitment: 10-15 hours per week for 6 months
- Start Date: April 7, 2025
Heal the Bay is seeking a full-time Associate Data Specialist, responsible for managing donor data, processing gifts, maintaining accurate records, and assisting with fundraising operations. Additionally, the Associate Data Specialist identifies opportunities to improve data processes and implements solutions to enhance efficiency. Read More »
About the Position
The Associate Data Specialist is a key member of the Data Team, reporting to the Senior Data Specialist. This role supports the Development Team by managing donor data, processing gifts, maintaining accurate records, and assisting with fundraising operations. Additionally, the Associate Data Specialist identifies opportunities to improve data processes and implements solutions to enhance efficiency.
Expectations & Responsibilities
Data Management & Reporting
- Assist with data entry in Salesforce to ensure accurate and complete donor and revenue records.
- Extract and input donation reports from various portals into Salesforce.
- Set up and manage Bullseye information and reports.
- Support Salesforce projects, including donor and fundraising reports, dashboards, duplicate management, and data cleanup.
- Work closely with the Development Team to incorporate key data insights into team meetings.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance data management and reporting accuracy.
Gift Processing & Donor Records
- Manage direct mail gift processing, including tracking gifts in Salesforce, issuing physical acknowledgment letters, and corresponding with donors.
- Process credit card transactions and follow up on canceled or changed credit cards.
- Ensure timely donor acknowledgments, including save-the-dates and other donor communications, and save acknowledgments in Salesforce.
- Maintain and update donor records to ensure consistency and accuracy across platforms.
Collaboration & Operational Support
- Maintain regular communication with the Finance Team for monthly reconciliation between Salesforce and bank statements.
- Support Development Team members with data-related requests and reports.
- Assist with donor data tracking for annual signature events, including revenue reporting and post-event cleanup.
- Support staff training on data tools and resources, including Shopify, Classy, PayPal, Stripe, OneCause, Double the Donation, Microsoft Suite, and other relevant platforms.
- Assist in troubleshooting data-related issues and provide technical support to internal teams.
- Conduct periodic data audits to ensure accuracy and completeness of records.
- Collaborate with team members to refine data workflows and optimize reporting processes.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the effectiveness of the Development and Data Teams.
Experience & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or 2-3 years of equivalent experience.
- Proficiency in Salesforce (bonus points for experience with Nonprofit Success Pack!).
- Strong organizational, analytical, and project planning skills.
- Ability to manage cross-departmental data projects and integrations.
- Meticulous attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and consistency.
- Understanding of data automation and its impact at different organizational levels.
- Self-starter with a desire to innovate and improve processes.
- Ability to work independently while also being a collaborative team player.
- Proven ability to multitask, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
- Effective communication skills with staff of varying technical abilities.
- Problem-solving mindset with persistence in finding solutions.
- Ability to productively receive feedback on all aspects of performance.
- Comfortable navigating various apps and technologies.
- Knowledge of Python, SQL, or similar languages preferred.
- Passion for Heal the Bay’s mission and environmental conservation.
If you don’t meet all the preferred skills listed above, we still encourage you to apply. We value diverse experiences and transferable skills.
Hours and Compensation
Full Time
Salary Range:
$23.00 To $25.00 Hourly
Please apply using the button below. If you are having trouble opening the link, click here.
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 »
About the Position
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, engineers, and policy experts to drive strategic goals, with a focus on water quality, resource protection, aging infrastructure, and environmental justice. 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 collaborates with external partners and manages departmental performance. Candidates should have a strong background in environmental policy and science, with expertise in water quality, climate change and its impacts on Los Angeles’ coastline and water supply, and environmental justice. Coastal and ocean policy experience is a plus. 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 and Responsibilities
- Lead science, policy, and advocacy efforts on water quality and coastal resources, integrating solutions for biodiversity conservation, stormwater capture, ocean acidification, and climate resilience, all in alignment with Heal the Bay’s strategic initiatives.
- Cultivate and maintain partnerships with government agencies, decision-makers, advocacy groups, and environmental stakeholders, with a focus on promoting equitable policies that address biodiversity loss, climate change impacts, and stormwater management.
- Track and analyze policies, regulations, and legislation at regional and state levels related to water quality, biodiversity protection, climate adaptation, and ocean acidification, and make informed recommendations to further Heal the Bay’s mission.
- Develop, review, and provide feedback on scientific, technical, and regulatory documents.
- Develop and lead campaigns to pass legislation, get regulations adopted, or implement programs that help Heal the Bay achieve our mission.
- Create compelling advocacy materials (fact sheets, policy briefs, web content) that center biodiversity, climate justice, and water equity, ensuring outreach to diverse and historically underrepresented communities.
- 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
- Oversee grants and budgets, contributing to fundraising efforts that support biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and equitable access to clean water.
- Engage Heal the Bay’s Board of Directors, providing updates on key biodiversity, climate, and water justice issues, and offering guidance on policy decisions that align with the organization’s mission.
- Manage Department staff, lead, mentor, and develop a team of scientists, policy experts, and educators, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- This position requires a strong focus on administrative tasks, including managing schedules, coordinating meetings, processing documents, and maintaining organized workflows to support the department’s efficiency.
Experience and 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 5+ years in environmental policy, water management, coastal/ocean management, or related fields.
- Advanced degree preferred, demonstrating expertise in environmental disciplines.
- Comprehensive knowledge of California water issues, including legal, policy, and technical aspects of stormwater management, water supply, 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, and needs an individual who can positively contribute to a collaborative and inclusive culture.
- 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 Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and ability to learn other software systems as needed.
- Passion for water conservation, ocean health, and the communities that rely on them.
Hours and Compensation
$100,000 – $120,000/year
This is a full-time, salaried position with health, dental, vision and vacation benefits. Participation in weekend and evening events and regional and statewide travel are needed.
How to Apply
No phone calls please. 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.
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
Heal the Bay’s Science Department is seeking an MPA Watch Intern with a strong interest in marine protected areas (MPAs), coastal conservation, and fieldwork for the Summer Session (June – August). Read More »
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.