Help create a more sustainable future
We like to think of ourselves as the luckiest people on the planet. When we come to work, we’re helping to solve some of the most important issues of our time. And we’re part of the larger community of USC employees, supporting the world-changing work of one of the nation’s most prestigious and influential research universities.
Want to be part of what we do? Check out our current job postings below!
Note: the Wrigley Institute offers jobs based both in mainland Los Angeles and on Santa Catalina Island. Unless otherwise noted, applicants for full-time, Catalina Island-based jobs should be willing to live on the island near the Wrigley Marine Science Center. See each job listing for its location and application instructions.
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Full-time
Preferred Start Date: Spring 2026
We are seeking a detail-oriented Reservations Specialist (Project Specialist) with strong customer service skills to lead and manage all reservation planning and resource coordination for the Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC) on Catalina Island. Reservation resources at WMSC include a variety of housing options, dining plans, educational activities, laboratories, classrooms, scientific diving, vehicle and vessel use, and more.
This position will work closely with key personnel to plan day trip, overnight, and semester-long visits for a variety of education and research groups throughout the year. In addition to managing reservations, this role helps provide on-site administrative coverage at WMSC, serving as a primary in-office point of contact for visiting students, faculty, researchers, and guests.
Location: Wrigley Marine Science Center, Two Harbors (Catalina Island)
Rate of Pay: $30-$34/hour depending on experience, with USC benefits
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Part-time (as-needed)
Preferred Start Date: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and positions are filled as needed
We are seeking backup Boat Captains to provide safe marine transportation services to faculty, staff, administrators, students, visitors, and guests traveling to and from the Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island aboard the cross-channel vessel, Miss Christi. Vessel captains may also assist the Marine Operations Manager with maintaining the vessel fleet, ensuring all USCG required safety equipment and communication systems are present and in proper working order, and assisting with general waterfront operations.
This position will help create a backup pool of vessel captains that we can call at a moment’s notice to ensure we can operate our boat when our full-time staff captains are unavailable, on paid time off, or busy with other tasks in their assigned role and cannot perform boat crew duties. This is a part time (as-needed) position and is not eligible for USC benefits.
Additionally, the position has flexible work schedules and hours which may include overtime hours, weekends shifts and/or possible overnight stays on Catalina Island. When overnight stays are required, housing and meals will be provided by the Wrigley Institute.
Rate of pay: $29/hour
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Part-time (as-needed)
Preferred Start Date: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and positions are filled as needed
We are seeking backup Boat Deckhands to provide safe marine transportation services to faculty, staff, administrators, students, visitors, and guests traveling to and from their Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island aboard the cross-channel vessel, Miss Christi. Boat crew may also assist the Marine Operations Manager with maintaining the vessel fleet, ensuring all USCG required safety equipment and communication systems are present and in proper working order, and assisting with general waterfront operations.
This position will help create a backup pool of boat crew that we can call at a moment’s notice to ensure we can operate our boat when our full-time staff captains and deckhands are unavailable, on paid time off, or busy with other tasks in their assigned role and cannot perform boat crew duties. This is a part time (as-needed) position and is not eligible for USC benefits.
Additionally, the position has flexible work schedules and hours which may include overtime hours, weekends shifts and/or possible overnight stays on Catalina Island. When overnight stays are required, housing and meals will be provided by the Wrigley Institute.
Rate of pay: $18/hour