Aquatic Invasive Species Field Coordinator, MA
Seasonal
Part-time position, 20 hours/week (0.5 FTE)
May 1 - September 15, 2024
Location:
Northampton and Holyoke, MA
Supervisor:
Ecology Planner
Pay:
$19/hour
Health Benefits Eligible:
No
Retirement Benefits Eligible:
No
Position Description
The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) seeks motivated individuals to facilitate the removal and monitoring of invasive species, such as water chestnut and hydrilla in the Connecticut River Watershed in Massachusetts. Scheduling and coordinating water chestnut pulling events will be the primary purpose of this role, with support. Staff will organize four pulling events a week, one of which shall occur on Saturdays with volunteer participation. Each event lasts 4 hours, from time of meeting to time of departure, including time for an 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 or Canoes and all other necessary supplies are provided to staff.
In addition, the staff will coordinate with partners across the state to support our watershed-wide water chestnut removal efforts; they will be asked to assist in the monitoring of infested locations, participate in surveys from motorboats, manage the watershed’s water chestnut database, participate in partner volunteer events, assist with disposal of the invasive species, participate in water quality monitoring initiatives, and provide resources for our partners. Each of these projects rely on volunteer participation and, as such, the staff should be comfortable working with volunteers.
Primary Responsibilities
Host water chestnut pull events and recruit and coordinate volunteers.Volunteer management may include individual volunteers, school groups and community groups.
Collect and submit data from every pulling or scouting event for invasive species removal and spread.
Participate in stakeholder meetings
Coordinate pulling events or other relevant restoration projects with external partners
Assist in the sampling and testing procedures for Cyanobacteria.
Transport equipment (canoes/kayaks/trailers) to various work sites and drive a Jon boat as needed.
Make events planning decisions based on weather and other conditions to consider.
The ideal candidates will have a passion for the environment, some knowledge of invasive plant management, have paddling experience and enjoy recruiting and managing volunteers working from boats. The staff will be responsible for executing at least a dozen on-water volunteer hand-pulling events between June and September 2024 in conjunction with partner groups, as well as ensuring that all data is maintained and can be effectively utilized both internally and by agency and project partners.
The work will be supervised and supported out of CRC’s Greenfield, MA headquarters. Work is anticipated to begin in June and conclude in September – this schedule may vary depending on the growth of water chestnut which is dependent on water temperature. Workdays can be subject to weather cancellation. A boat is provided as needed.
Desired Skills
Interest for the environment and river ecology
Paddling experience
Experience organizing events and working with volunteers
A valid driver’s license and a vehicle
Ability to participate in strenuous physical activity outdoors
Ability to swim
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:
March 17th, 2024
Use form below to submit a resume and brief cover letter in 1 PDF document. Interviews will take place during the first two weeks of April.
Hiring manager: Aliki Fornier (she/her) afornier@ctriver.org, 413.772.2020 x207
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.