Water Quality Program Manager
Classification: Full-time, salaried, exempt
Deadline to apply: February 5, 2026
Start Date: April 2026
Office Location: 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA
Health benefit eligible: Yes
Retirement benefits eligible: Yes
Supervisor: Director of Programs
Starting Salary Range: $55,000 - $60,000
Position Description
The Connecticut River Conservancy’s water quality monitoring (WQM) program provides vital scientific information to help the public and local, state, and federal partners better understand our rivers’ health. The data collected by volunteers and staff also helps inform other areas of work such as advocacy and restoration. The Water Quality Program Manager is responsible for developing and managing CRC’s water quality monitoring program, while continuing to grow the program throughout the entire watershed in NH, VT, MA and CT.
Primary Responsibilities
Manage the planning and implementation of a strategic annual water quality monitoring program throughout the watershed. Monitoring programs currently include but are not limited to:
Weekly bacteria monitoring at locations of recreational interest in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Biweekly bacteria, conductivity, and turbidity monitoring in southeastern Vermont and the Deerfield River watershed.
Participation in the LaRosa Partnership Program (Vermont DEC) and Volunteer River Assessment Program (New Hampshire DES).
Biweekly cyanobacteria testing (May-October) and chloride monitoring program.
Biweekly Unified Water Study in CT for the Long Island Sound (May-September).
Identify and secure grant funding to support CRC’s WQ program, including salary, travel and supplies.
Collaboratively support watershed partner WQ monitoring programs by processing their samples in our lab and help with tech support when they upload their data to the Is It Clean website.
Oversee the hiring and supervision of seasonal staff for the Water Quality Lab in Greenfield and ensure lab is meeting necessary Data Quality Objectives.
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Greenfield water quality lab.
Recruit, train and manage water quality seasonal staff and volunteers.
Review, quality check, and analyze water quality data generated for use in annual reports, CRC’s new watershed report and submission to state and federal databases.
Conduct outreach and education around water quality issues in the watershed.
Develop Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP) as needed for grant funded projects/programs.
Manage the Is It Clean/Esta Limpio website, including working with web consultant on content edits.
Coordinate with other Program Managers (Aquatic Ecology, Aquatic Invasive Species, and Restoration) to better integrate program work and grant support.
Qualifications
We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. 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.
Master’s degree in environmental science/conservation
Knowledge of bacteria, cyanobacteria, nutrient, conductivity & turbidity testing procedures
Experience with volunteer coordination and/or employee management
Demonstrated experience with basic field and lab procedures, including maintenance of equipment
Detail oriented and ability to manage complex data systems, data analysis and reporting
Ability to write and explain strict procedures for sample collection/processing
Comfort managing multiple projects with overlapping timelines
Budget management and grant writing experience
Ability to explain complex scientific principles to a variety of audiences
Experience using email, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and online databases
Competency in using Excel, GIS and R (or statistical software)
Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of data collection, analysis and reporting
Ability to travel throughout the watershed with some overnights likely.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs., wade/swim in rivers, and stand/sit for long periods of time.
Basic Spanish language skills (preferred).
Office Location
15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA.
Salary and Benefits
Starting salary range of $55,000 - $60,000. CRC provides medical, dental and vision benefits, ample paid time off, and up to a 3% match for retirement.
Application Instructions
To apply for the position, use the form below. Upload a combined PDF of your cover letter and resume, with the file title including your first and last name (i.e. “Jane Smith – WQM application”).
Application Deadline
February 5, 2026.
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.