Heal the Bay is the most recognized environmental nonprofit group in LA for a reason: we have been keeping Southern California’s coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy, and clean for people and marine life since 1985. Using education, science, advocacy, and community action, we raise awareness and make progress with practical solutions to often complex problems. We conduct hundreds of beach and community cleanups each year, informing people about the root causes of pollution along the shorelines and in their neighborhoods. We advocate for strict water quality regulations that protect the health of both humans and the animals that call local creeks, rivers, and the Santa Monica Bay home. We operate the award-winning Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier, inspiring visitors to become stewards of the region’s most important natural resource: clean water. We also educate and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, with more than 10,000 students joining us each year for school field trips, science-based classroom presentations, and events. Learn more about us at www.healthebay.org/our-impact.

About the Role

Heal the Bay is looking for a part-time Aquarium Programs Associate with an interest in all aspects that an aquarium has to offer, including: marine science – working with aquatic animals; environmental education- supporting our education team with field trip and camp programs; and outreach-working with our Public Programs team in the execution of events, public hours and retail sales. In this position, you will gain valuable marine biology, teaching, public speaking, customer service, retail sales, and event coordination skills while building your resume and obtaining references.

This is an excellent opportunity to work in a dynamic and unique work environment on the Santa Monica Pier, in the Aquarium, and on the beach. This is an entry level position, and you will be trained to work directly with students, community members and marine animals. You will gain Aquarium and nonprofit experience and be able to work for a reputable nonprofit that has been established for over 35 years. Heal the Bay Aquarium is home to hundreds of organisms, native to the Santa Monica Bay. As Heal the Bay’s marine education facility, the aquarium strives to teach visitors about the importance of environmental stewardship and marine conservation.

Expectations & Responsibilities

Associates will be assigned regularly scheduled shifts across the various programs, which may include support of Education, Public Programs, and Animal Care teams. Tasks will include:Teaching hands-on, science field trip curriculum Supporting aquarium science camp, afterschool enrichment, and other education programs Running the cash register at the admissions desk, retail desk, or retail kiosk Interpretation and education at Touch Tank exhibits and other presentations such as feeding demonstrations Support the operations of birthday parties and other special events Operate the mobile touch tanks which includes animal handling, animal transport, basic aquarium life support knowledge, and offsite animal interpretation Create a welcoming environment that supports Heal the Bay’s mission of fostering inclusivity, dignity, and respect
Support set-up and take-down of all program materials including checking for and reporting hazards
Support maintenance of supplies and retail including packing, cleaning, inventory
Work collaboratively and contribute positively to the aquarium team including supporting volunteers and interns
Keep aquarium exhibit space and classroom clean and organized and creates a positive visitor experience for all
Effectively follow all protocols and standard operating procedures and contribute to the development and growth of the programs
Assist with other events and needs as assigned

Preferred Experience & Skills

Excellent communication, customer service, and public speaking skills
Conversational level knowledge of at least two languages is a plus, with a preference for Spanish or Asian languages
Ability to respectfully communicate and respect visitors of all ages, ethnicities, exceptionalities, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds
Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented, with the ability to be flexible, communicate well, and work collaboratively
Experience working with children and the ability to maintain an Adult and Infant CPR/First Aid/AED certification
Experience with outdoor or environmental education, or student-centered teaching strategies a plus
Must be at least 18 years of age

Compensation

$16.00 – $18.00/hour depending on experience with appropriate state and federal taxes withheld. All Heal the Bay recognized holidays will be compensated at 1.5x normal pay rate in accordance with time worked.

Benefits

There are no dental, medical, health insurance, or vacation benefits included as part of the employment. As per the state of CA Labor Law, the employee will be eligible to receive up to 72 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year, after completing 90 days of employment.

Schedule

Part-time 15-29 hours per week, but can expect an average of 25 hours based on scheduling needs. The Associate must be available to work in-person at Heal the Bay Aquarium during public hours, on the beach, and in possible off-site educational programs. and will be part of the regular schedule.

Physical Demands

Ability to work in variable weather conditions with potential exposure to heat, wind, and inclement weather both inside the Aquarium Pier Gift Shop and Aquarium Exhibit Gallery, and outdoors on the Santa Monica Pier and beach.

How to Apply

Please email your resume to Alexia Skrbic, Public Programs Manager, at askrbic@healthebay.org with the subject line “Aquarium Programs Associate.” 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.

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.

Heal the Bay requires all staff to obtain and maintain up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations, when available. Heal the Bay believes this is an important measure to protect the health and safety of employees, volunteers, family members and those who visit the workplace from COVID-19 infection. Staff must show proof of vaccination (vaccination card or website).

Heal the Bay is an equal opportunity employer.

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