Connecticut Water Quality Monitoring Assistant

Position Overview:
Part-time:
up to 16 hours/week (0.4 FTE)
Position Classification: Seasonal
Start Date: Mid-April (preferred), Mid-June (required)
End Date: 10/31/2024
Location: Based in Hartford, CT with fieldwork throughout CT
Health Benefit Eligible: No
Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes
Supervisor: River Steward in Connecticut
Pay Range: $20/hour

Position Description:

Seasonal assistant to the River Steward in Connecticut for the Connecticut River Conservancy water quality monitoring programs taking place in Connecticut. Assistant will coordinate CRC’s participation in Save the Sound’s Unified Water Study (UWS) from May through October, twice a month and day of week is flexible depending on boat availability, but sampling occurs at sunrise. Assistant will also coordinate bacteria monitoring program June through August, weekly on Wednesdays. Assistant will work closely with and with direction from the Water Quality Program Manager. Opportunity to assist with community engagement and outreach efforts.

Field work will be in person, other work can be done remotely or at the Hartford office. Start date is flexible depending on official UWS training dates (TBD). This position requires access to a car and mileage accrued while working will be reimbursed at the IRS rate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Connecticut Seasonal Water Quality Assistant will be responsible for leading CRC’s participation in UWS. This includes: 

  • Coordinating with boat captain and other CRC staff to assist with monitoring 
  • Using a sonde muti-probe to sample from boat (training provided) 
  • Pre- and post-trip probe calibration (training provided) 
  • Preparing samples to be mailed 
  • Input and management of field and laboratory data 

The Assistant is also responsible for coordinating the bacteria monitoring program which includes: 

  • Preparing and providing supplies to volunteers 
  • Training volunteers (materials and curriculum provided) 
  • Collecting samples (training provided) 
  • Picking up samples and transporting to the lab 
  • Verifying completeness of field sheets and maintaining chain of custody 
  • Assisting with lab analysis (training provided)
  • Input and management of field and laboratory data 

Direct Reports: No employees will be reporting to this person

Required Skills:

  • Comfort being on a boat and working early in the morning
  • Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle
  • Experience with basic lab and field procedures 
  • Attention to detail and good organizational skills 
  • Ability to follow complex written procedures 
  • Experience coordinating volunteers or teaching 
  • Comfort using email, Microsoft Teams, Excel and web database applications

Application Instructions:
We understand that many folks who may be impacted by biased professionalism standards, such as women, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC applicants, tend to apply only if they meet every requirement listed. If you are excited about this role and meet 75% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply and highlight your relevant experience and transferable skills in your cover letter.

Deadline to apply: 3/1/2024

Please submit your cover letter and resume as one PDF using the form below. Interviews will take place during the second week of March and applicants will be notified 1-2 weeks later.

Overview of the Organization

The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) protects and restores clean water and healthy habitats for New England’s largest river and its watershed communities. 

CRC has been a steward of the Connecticut River and its tributary streams since 1952. Our programs include advocacy, aquatic invasive species management, dam removal, habitat restoration, migratory fish surveys, recreation, trash cleanups, and water quality monitoring. Through collaborative partnerships in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, CRC leads and supports efforts for resilient and life-filled rivers from source to sea. We are uniquely positioned to leverage local, state, regional, and federal resources as the only science-based nonprofit working throughout the entire watershed. Our values of inclusion, collaboration, resilience, and stewardship guide our ongoing work to address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Together through community engagement and education, we’re helping to ensure healthy rivers for all. Learn more at ctriver.org. 

Connecticut River Conservancy is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and will engage in an inclusive recruiting and hiring process. It considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.  

COVID Policy and Benefits Package   

The Connecticut River Conservancy requires all employees to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. We offer an employer supported retirement plan for employees who expect to earn at least $5000 in the calendar year. Please reach out with any questions about our current COVID-19 safety procedures and/or benefits packages.    

Water Quality Monitoring Assistant Connecticut

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