Videographer & Creative Specialist

Sustainable Surf dba Seatrees is a nonprofit on a mission to restore coastal ecosystems and reverse climate change - one tree, one reef, and one kelp forest at a time. We work with local communities around the world to plant and protect coastal marine ecosystems like mangroves, seagrass meadows, kelp forests, coral reefs, and coastal watersheds. Our projects not only capture carbon and restore biodiversity, but also support local livelihoods and build resilience in the face of climate change.

Backed by a global community of individuals, brands, and ocean lovers, Seatrees turns climate action into tangible impact, making it easy for everyone to help restore the ocean’s health and balance.

Are you a natural storyteller with a passion for the ocean and a camera always at the ready? We're looking for a creative force to bring the impact of Seatrees and the Ecoboard Project to life. You'll dive into a rich library of media content: organizing, editing, and transforming it into captivating videos and other media content that inspire action and celebrate positive change.

In this dynamic role, you'll also have the opportunity to travel to our stunning project locations around the world, capturing original photo and video assets alongside our restoration partners and brand collaborators. From mangrove forests to bustling surfboard workshops, you’ll be on the frontlines of climate action, telling stories that matter.

Job Roles and Responsibilities

• Execute and manage the entire media production process, from media capture, post-production, crediting, budgets and outside personnel.

• Develop, organize and manage the long-form media content strategy for our varying audiences and platforms, specifically for short films and long form video. See our previous films here. 

• Work with our Social Media Manager for editing and media organization.

• Train the local Seatrees on-the-ground restoration partners on how to use media equipment and tools to produce compelling and informative media content for use in our storytelling.

• Travel to new and existing domestic and international project sites alone or alongside staff and partners to obtain media content (both photography and videography). Travel will be 10-20% of total time. 

• Catalog, organize, and maintain our current and future media content library.

• Implement new tools and strategies for managing content efficiently. 

Essential Skills + Requirements

• 3-5 years of film and photography production experience, ideally in the field of conservation or climate change

• Proven skillset in using  larger and smaller DAM (data asset management) applications

• Excellent storytelling skills, including the creation of storyboards, film treatments and scripts.

• Experience in production / line-production and managing run sheets/itineraries. 

• High level editing skills, including the ability to color grade and stay up to date with trending editing techniques. 

• Proven ability to create visually stunning videos using high quality photography and videography.

• Working knowledge of video settings and technical gear, including drone, GoPro, water housing, DSLR camera, audio equipment and data storage.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on Premiere Pro, Lightroom and After Effects (or similar)

• Ability to produce content efficiently in time sensitive environments amidst competing time zones.

• Proven ability to manage production budgets (travel, accommodation, contracted film crew, equipment hire, post-production)

• Experience working in different countries with cultural sensitivities.

• Excellent written communication skills, with a strong attention to detail.

• The ability to interpret and communicate complex scientific concepts into broadly comprehensible and engaging stories for a wide audience.

• Knowledge of basic marine conservation, science, climate change and international development

• Comfortable capturing media underwater and on boats

• Active international scuba or free-dive certification (or ability to obtain).

• Bachelor's degree in related field. If a Bachelor's degree has not been obtained, applicant needs to show significant experience and work examples.

• Legal authorization to work in the United States

Additional Qualifications

• Ability to work flexible hours (including some weekends and evenings), as needed.

• Ability to work effectively from a home office and in a remote team setting.

• Ability to work independently and to self-manage.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds

• Ability to set priorities, manage a multitude of details simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines and commitments.

• Ability to feel safe swimming, diving and snorkeling in the ocean, with camera equipment, sometimes in rougher  conditions

• Welcome other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.

• Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups as well as external project partners.

• Excellent written and spoken communications skills.

• Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion.

POSITION DETAILS: 

• Job Type: Full-time, Salaried exempt

• Compensation : 73,000-$78,000

• Benefits: medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, 401k

• Work Location: California/ San Diego Area (preferred)

• This position will have both domestic and international travel

To apply, please submit the following:

• Cover Letter listing how you meet the Essential Skills + Requirements. Please include a section outlining how your values align with our mission

• Resume with links to your portfolio

• Links to sample work on YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram or TikTok

Seatrees provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.