L.A. River Water Quality Monitoring Assistant

Position Description 

Heal the Bay’s Science & Policy Deparment is seeking self-motivated students for the 2024 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. 

Project Description and Responsibilities:  

Heal the Bay is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our Summer Stream Team. As a team member, you will be responsible for monitoring the water quality of the L.A. River from the Sepulveda Basin 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 accuracy of the information. 
• Water Quality Communication: Effectively communicate water quality results to the public via the Heal the Bay website (RRC), ensuring information is accessible and easy to understand. 
• 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 Sepulveda Basin 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 in a timely manner. A mileage stipend is available along with carpooling options. 

Qualifications: 

• 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 16 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. 

$17.50 - $17.50 an hour
Rate: $17.50/hour, must be available for approximately 10hours per week for approximately 16 weeks.  

Start Date: June 3, 2024 (Orientation). Field work will begin after spring semester finals are over 

End Date: September 30, 2024