Massachusetts Water Quality Monitoring Assistant
Part-time/seasonal position (0.6 FTE)
Expected hours: 24 per week
Start Date: 5/13/2024
End Date: 9/13/2024
Office Location: Greenfield
Health Benefit Eligible: No
Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes
Supervisor: Water Quality Program Manager
Position classification: Seasonal
Pay Range: $20/hr
Position Description:
Seasonal assistant to the Water Quality Program Manager for the Connecticut River Conservancy water quality monitoring programs taking place in Massachusetts. Assistant will coordinate the weekly volunteer bacteria monitoring program. Bacteria sampling occurs on Thursday mornings. Assistant will also be lead sampler for cyanobacteria monitoring program. Assistant may also help with the Deerfield River watershed program that occurs every other Thursday morning if needed and available.
Field and lab work will be in person, other work can be done remotely or at the Greenfield office. This position requires access to a car and mileage accrued while working will be reimbursed at the IRS rate.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Massachusetts Seasonal Water Quality Assistant will be responsible for coordinating the bacteria monitoring program which includes:
- Preparing and providing supplies to volunteers
- Training volunteers (materials and curriculum provided)
- Communicate weekly with volunteers via email to keep program on track
- 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
Additional responsibilities for cyanobacteria monitoring include:
- Identifying new areas in need of cyanobacteria monitoring in MA ponds and lakes.
- Scheduling and conducting biweekly monitoring trips
- Collecting data used handheld meter (training provided) from provided canoe/kayak
- Entering data in database and support mapping initiatives.
Direct Reports: No employees will be reporting to this person.
Required Skills:
- 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 sampling from a kayak or canoe
- Comfort using email, Microsoft Teams, Excel and web database applications
Application Details:
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: 4/5/2024
Please submit a cover letter and resume using the form below.
Interviews will be conducted the third week of April 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.