Summary
Job Title: Restoration Coordinator
Location: Costa Mesa, CA (In-Person/Hybrid)
Organization: Orange County Coastkeeper
Job Type: Full-time, 12-month contract, with possibility to extend
Salary Range: $25 – $30 per hour
About Orange County Coastkeeper
Orange County Coastkeeper is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting water quality and promoting sustainable water resources by implementing a diverse suite of education, advocacy, research, restoration, and enforcement programs.
Overview
Coastkeeper is seeking a Marine Restoration Coordinator who will assist with designing, planning, implementing, managing, and monitoring the organization’s efforts to restore eelgrass, oyster, and other Southern California nearshore habitats. This unique position requires a highly self-motivated individual who is interested in sustaining the organization’s restoration program. It is the organization’s ambition to expand the program to include watershed restoration and increased climate resiliency.
This position is hybrid in-person/remote, based in Coastkeeper’s Costa Mesa office, but requires some travel for project implementation, field visits, conferences/seminars, and interface with partner agencies.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties
- Assist in designing marine restoration projects.
- Assist with the development of grant proposals and project budgets.
- Conduct biological surveys of nearshore species, process and analyze field samples, and maintain diving and field equipment.
- Make field visits to restoration and reference sites to collect field data during all project phases.
- Coordinate and manage the shell recycling program, including shell pickup, partner outreach, volunteer management, and facility maintenance.
- Develop written assessments, reports, and comprehensive data analysis.
- Secure and assure compliance with federal, state, and local permits and regulations.
- Research grant opportunities, partnerships, and other potential funding sources.
- Recruit and manage volunteers to assist in fieldwork and other related tasks.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in marine biology, oceanography, or other marine science.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with team members, agency staff, and stakeholders.
- Experience with the maintenance and use of marine laboratory and field equipment.
- Certified by a nationally recognized diving organization.
- Broad scientific and technical expertise in research-related diving, underwater data collection, habitat surveys, water quality assessment, and oceanographic study.
- Experience with marine vessel operations, launching operations, open-water diving operations, and boating safety procedures.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated experience in fundraising.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including volunteers, workloads, and finances under deadlines.
- Ability and willingness to work occasionally irregular hours, such as early mornings and weekends.
Compensation & Benefits
- Full-time, 12-month contract, with possibility to extend.
- $25 – $30 per hour.
- Comprehensive health and dental insurance.
- Paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation.
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
How to Apply
Please send a resume and cover letter to Kaysha Kenney at kaysha[at]coastkeeper.org with the subject line “First & Last Name, Restoration Coordinator.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with the first round of reviews starting on October 27, 2025.
Hiring Statement
Orange County Coastkeeper commits to providing pathways for active participation in water and watershed protection from people of all identities, including but not limited to race, color, religion/culture (dress and grooming practices), national origin, age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex (stereotypes and pregnancy, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, ancestry, gender (identity or expression), military and veteran status, or any other characteristic or activity protected by law.
We cannot achieve our mission of protecting our precious waters and watersheds without the diverse perspectives of our community and collective decision-making. We are committed to breaking historic and systemic barriers that have built systems of water inequity and injustice by building a team that represents the variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills found in our community.
Statistically, women and other underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. We encourage you to apply! In our hiring process, we strive to eliminate bias and create a fair and equitable environment for all candidates. If you meet some of the requirements and have a passion for the work, please apply. If hired, we will support your leadership, initiatives, and self-determination.
Join us at OC Coastkeeper as we continue to build a workplace that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion, and unlocks the full potential of every individual. Together, we can achieve great things. Coastkeeper is an equal-opportunity employer.
