Stream Team Water Quality Monitor
About The Position
Heal the Bay’s Science & Policy Department is seeking self-motivated students for the 2026 Summer Stream Team, a temporary 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.
Requirements
- 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.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
- Experience with database management and data entry
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- Science Communication: 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.
- Community Engagement: Represent Heal the Bay and promote the River Report Card program at tabling events, community fairs, and outreach activities, engaging with the public and answering questions about water quality monitoring and conservation efforts.
Benefits
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
