Beach Water Quality Scientist

Heal the Bay is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to making Southern California coastal waters and watersheds, including Santa Monica Bay, safe, healthy and clean. We use research, education, community action and advocacy to pursue our mission.

The Beach Water Quality Scientist is responsible for water quality and aquatic resource related technical and policy projects for the organization. This includes providing comments and testimony on bacteria total maximum daily loads, investigating sources of impairment at bacteria polluted beaches, receiving and analyzing beach monitoring data, supporting organization’s role in epidemiological studies of ocean users, and studying the impacts of pollution on marine resources. The Beach Water Quality Scientist would also represent Heal the Bay at public meetings and stakeholder groups. A strong technical background is required; experience in the policy arena is preferred. Must be motivated, articulate, outgoing and a strong problem solver. Heal the Bay offers a casual work environment and collegial atmosphere.

Functions Include:

• Work on science and policy projects or programs both as an individual and as part of a team;
• Review Heal the Bay Beach Report Card results regularly. Identify problem beaches. Investigate and abate fecal bacteria sources at polluted beaches.
• Track specific science and policy issues at regional and state levels and ensure that deadlines are met for public comments and other work products;
• Analyze and provide written comments on technical and policy issues related to water quality;
• Represent Heal the Bay’s positions at public meetings, hearings and other forums;
• Work closely with other HtB staff on inter-departmental projects and programs;
• Create and maintain relationships with government staff, advocacy groups, scientific researchers and other environmental stakeholders;
• Explore the potential to expand Heal the Bay’s current lab capabilities on-site or through work with local researchers.
• Participate in weekly Science and Policy department meetings.

Experience and Skills Required:

• Passion for Heal the Bay’s mission;
• Strong technical background in microbiology, bachelor’s degree required;
• Lab experience on fecal bacteria indicators, pathogen indicators, and pathogens;
• Knowledge of solutions to beach bacteria problems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills critical;
• Ability to work under pressure and deadlines and to be a team player;
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with colleagues;
• Ability to work on multiple projects and meet deadlines;
• Weekend work during the summer months to participate in various studies;
• Occasional evening and weekend work on Heal the Bay education/environmental programs is required;
• Must love the ocean and go to the beach.

Salary of $40,000-$45,000 based on experience, with full benefits.

Start date is as soon as possible.

Heal the Bay is an equal opportunity employer and actively recruits to promote diversity in our workforce.