Aquatic Invasive Species Massachusetts Field Assistant
Position Classification: Non-Exempt, Seasonal Part-time 20 hours/week (0.5 FTE)
Weekly hours are approximate dependent on grant funding and to be confirmed upon offer of employment
Pay: $18/hour
Start Date: 05/01/2025
End Date: 09/15/2025
Location: Northampton and Holyoke, MA
Health Benefit Eligible: No
Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes
Supervisor: Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program Manager
Position Description
The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) seeks three motivated individuals to assist with our Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program that manages invasive water chestnut plants in the Connecticut River watershed in Connecticut. Removing water chestnut plants from water bodies will be the primary purpose of this role. Staff will support the AIS Program Manager and CT Field Manager in organizing 2-3 pull events a week, one of which will occur on Saturday mornings, with volunteer participation. Each event lasts 6-8 hours, from meeting to departure, including time for orientation and securing boats onto vehicles. This work takes place on several water bodies located in Northampton, Easthampton, Hatfield, Hadley, South Hadley, Holyoke, and Chicopee. Kayaks and all other necessary supplies are provided for seasonal staff. There will also be opportunities to assist with CRC community engagement events. This position requires access to a car and mileage accrued while working will be reimbursed at the IRS rate.
Primary Responsibilities
Assist the Field Manager in hosting and executing community water chestnut pull events for volunteers on a weekly basis.
Collaborate with the rest of the field crew to schedule staff pull events 2-3 times per week.
Support volunteers by guiding them in equipment use, paddling safety, AIS education, and plant removal techniques.
Support the AIS Field Manager in data collection and reporting of invasive species removal.
Work as a team to manage all boating and program equipment though out the field season.
Be an ambassador to the CRC AIS program for the public by sharing educational materials about AIS spread prevention and species reporting.
Qualifications
We understand that many folks who may be impacted by biased hiring standards, such as women, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC applicants, may only apply if they meet every requirement listed in a job posting. If you are interested in this opportunity and believe you meet most of the job requirements, we encourage you to apply.
Interest in the environment and river ecology.
Experience and comfort paddling in a kayak and/or canoe.
Motor boating experience or willingness to learn.
Experience in trailering a motorboat or willingness to learn.
A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
Completion of CT’s Safe Boating or Personal Watercraft Operation Certificate or willingness to complete the course.
Ability to participate in strenuous physical activity outdoors and lift 50 pounds.
Ability to work with a team of field staff and large groups of volunteers.
Office Location
Fieldwork in Northampton and Holyoke, MA
Salary and Benefits
Pay: $18/hour
Health Benefit Eligible: No
Retirement Benefit Eligible: No
Application Instructions
Use form below to submit a resume and brief cover letter in 1 PDF document that is titled with your first and last name, and the position you’re applying for.
Application Deadline
Deadline to apply: March 27th, 2026
Interviews will take place on a rolling basis ending by mid-April.
Overview of the Organization
The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed.
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.