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  • Aquatic Invasive Species Field Manager MA | ctriver.org

    < Back Aquatic Invasive Species Field Manager MA Seasonal position – 25 hours/week (0.6 FTE) Start Date: 04/15/2025 End Date: 9/15/2025 Location: Greenfield, MA / Field work in Northampton and Holyoke, MA Health Benefit Eligible: No Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes Supervisor: Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager Position classification: Seasonal Pay: $22/hour Position Description The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) seeks a motivated individual 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 from 2-3 field staff. The Field Manager will schedule 3- 4 staff pull days a week, depending on team schedule. They will also organize weekly volunteer pulling events on Saturday. These events last around 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 and all other necessary supplies are provided to staff. This position requires access to a car and mileage accrued while working will be reimbursed at the IRS rate. In addition, the field manager 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 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 programs relies on volunteer participation and, as such, the field manager should be comfortable coordinating volunteer events. 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. 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 candidate 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. This person will be responsible for executing on-water volunteer hand-pulling events between May and August 2025 in conjunction with partner groups, as well as ensure 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 late April and conclude the mid-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. Boats and equipment are provided. 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. Position Requirements: Interest for the environment and river ecology Paddling and motor boating experience A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle Completion of MA’s boater safety certificate or willingness to complete the course Ability to participate in strenuous physical activity outdoors and lift 50 pounds Location: Greenfield, MA / Field work in Northampton and Holyoke, MA Salary and benefits: $22/hr Application instructions: To apply for the position, use the form below and include a resume and cover letter (as one combined PDF) . Please use your cover letter to briefly describe how your qualifications and experience make you a good fit for this role. Interviews will take place in late March or early April. Deadline to apply: March 7th, 2025 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 tributary streams since 1952. Their programs include advocacy, aquatic invasive species management, dam removal, habitat restoration, migratory fish surveys, recreation, trash cleanups, and water quality monitoring. Together through community engagement and education, they’re dedicated to ensuring equitable access and healthy rivers for all. Our organizational values are inclusion, collaboration, resilience, and stewardship. Apply Now First name Last name Email Phone Applying for Choose an option How did you hear about this job? Please upload your resume and cover letter as a single PDF file. Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Submit Application Thanks for submitting! Previous Next

  • Angler Survey Technicians MA | ctriver.org

    < Back Angler Survey Technicians MA Seasonal position – 25 hours/week (0.6 FTE) Start Date: 04/01/2025 End Date: 06/30/2025 Location: South Hadley, Holyoke and Chicopee, MA Health Benefit Eligible: No Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes Supervisor: Kate Buckman, Aquatic Ecologist Position classification: Seasonal Staff Pay: $18/hour Position Description The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) seeks 2 Seasonal Angler Survey Technicians to conduct angler surveys in the Massachusetts portion of the Connecticut River watershed for the 2025 season. This will consist of monitoring fishing and boating activities at designated locations and engaging with anglers on site to learn about their experience and their catches. CRC is looking for motivated candidates that are comfortable around the river and relevant activities and can initiate lively and informative conversations with members of the public. Surveys are randomly interspersed, occurring in the mornings, afternoons, weekends, and occasional holidays. The surveys are to begin on April 1st and continue until June 30th. This work takes place in several locations including Holyoke, South Hadley, and Chicopee. The MA survey technicians may also pilot surveys in NH and VT on a limited basis. Primary Responsibilities : Successfully complete training. Pass both a survey procedures test and fish identification test Fish identification guides and training provided Begin and end each 4-hour assignment on time at pre-defined locations and times Follow documented survey procedures Collect data on fishing activity visible from shore (boat and bank fishing) Collect data on fish catch (species and rate) Collect data on anglers’ experience via on-site interviews Educate anglers on the importance of restoring fish passage and collecting data Distribute outreach material while interacting with the angling public in the field Record data on electronic field tablets and data sheets Perform rigorous data review for quality control Complete, organize, and submit data and reports to supervisor in a timely manner Promote relevant US Fish & Wildlife Services, CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and CRC programs 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. Position Qualifications: High school diploma or GED equivalent Interest in river ecology and stewardship Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Outgoing and engaging personality. Individuals should be comfortable approaching and speaking with strangers to obtain interviews A valid driver’s license and vehicle Ability to undertake strenuous physical activity Ability to swim Ability to work both in the office as well as on the river Comfortable being around fish and fishing equipment Familiarity with spreadsheets and mapping tools Flexible schedule: availability and willingness to work 5-hour or longer days outdoors on randomly assigned weekdays and weekends, including some holidays Comfort with volunteer management is good Fluent English required. Conversational Spanish desired. Position requires a routine background check before hire Location: South Hadley, Holyoke, and Chicopee, MA Salary and benefits: $18/hr Application instructions: To apply for the position, use the form below and include a resume and cover letter (as one combined PDF) . Please use your cover letter to briefly describe how your qualifications and experience make you a good fit for this role. Interviews will take place during the first two weeks of March. The position will begin April 1, 2025 pending funding approval. Hiring manager : Kate Buckman (she/her) kbuckman@ctriver.org 603-931-2448 Deadline to apply: March 3, 2025 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 tributary streams since 1952. Their programs include advocacy, aquatic invasive species management, dam removal, habitat restoration, migratory fish surveys, recreation, trash cleanups, and water quality monitoring. Together through community engagement and education, they’re dedicated to ensuring equitable access and healthy rivers for all. Our organizational values are inclusion, collaboration, resilience, and stewardship. Apply Now First name Last name Email Phone Applying for Choose an option How did you hear about this job? Please upload your resume and cover letter as a single PDF file. Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Submit Application Thanks for submitting! Previous Next

  • Angler Survey Technicians CT | ctriver.org

    < Back Angler Survey Technicians CT Seasonal position – 25 hours/week (0.6 FTE) Start Date: 04/01/2025 End Date: 06/30/2025 Location: Enfield, Windsor Locks, Windsor and South Windsor, CT Health Benefit Eligible: No Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes Supervisor: Kate Buckman, Aquatic Ecologist Position classification: Seasonal Staff Pay : $18/hour Position Description The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) seeks 2 Seasonal Angler Survey Technicians to conduct angler surveys in the Connecticut portion of the Connecticut River watershed for the 2025 season. This will consist of monitoring fishing and boating activities at designated locations and engaging with anglers on site to learn about their experience and their catches. CRC is looking for motivated candidates that are comfortable around the river and relevant activities and can initiate lively and informative conversations with members of the public. Surveys are randomly interspersed, occurring in the mornings, afternoons, weekends, and occasional holidays. The surveys are to begin on April 1st and continue until June 30th. This work takes place in several locations including Enfield, Windsor Locks, Windsor and South Windsor, CT. Primary Responsibilities: Successfully complete training. Pass both a survey procedures test and fish identification test Fish identification guides and training provided Begin and end each 4-hour assignment on time at pre-defined locations and times Follow documented survey procedures Collect data on fishing activity visible from shore (boat and bank fishing) Collect data on fish catch (species and rate) Collect data on anglers’ experience via on-site interviews Educate anglers on the importance of restoring fish passage and collecting data Distribute outreach material while interacting with the angling public in the field Record data on electronic field tablets and data sheets Perform rigorous data review for quality control Complete, organize, and submit data and reports to supervisor in a timely manner Promote relevant US Fish & Wildlife Services, CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and CRC programs 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. Position Qualifications: High school diploma or GED equivalent Interest in river ecology and stewardship Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Outgoing and engaging personality. Individuals should be comfortable approaching and speaking with strangers to obtain interviews A valid driver’s license and vehicle Ability to undertake strenuous physical activity Ability to swim Ability to work both in the office as well as on the river Comfortable being around fish and fishing equipment Familiarity with spreadsheets and mapping tools Flexible schedule: availability and willingness to work 5-hour or longer days outdoors on randomly assigned weekdays and weekends, including some holidays Comfort with volunteer management is good Fluent English required. Conversational Spanish desired. Position requires a routine background check before hire Location: Enfield, Windsor Locks, Windsor and South Windsor, CT Salary and benefits: $18/hr Application instructions: To apply for the position, use the form below and include a resume and cover letter (as one combined PDF) . Please use your cover letter to briefly describe how your qualifications and experience make you a good fit for this role. Interviews will take place during the first two weeks of March. The position will begin April 1, 2025 pending funding approval. Hiring manager : Kate Buckman (she/her) kbuckman@ctriver.org 603-931-2448 Deadline to apply: March 3, 2025 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 tributary streams since 1952. Their programs include advocacy, aquatic invasive species management, dam removal, habitat restoration, migratory fish surveys, recreation, trash cleanups, and water quality monitoring. Together through community engagement and education, they’re dedicated to ensuring equitable access and healthy rivers for all. Our organizational values are inclusion, collaboration, resilience, and stewardship. Apply Now First name Last name Email Phone Applying for Choose an option How did you hear about this job? Please upload your resume and cover letter as a single PDF file. Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Submit Application Thanks for submitting! Previous Next

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Blog Posts (93)

  • Speak Up for the Connecticut River!

    The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is having a public comment period from January 24th – February 24th, 2025. Help us advocate for a healthier Connecticut River! This recording was from February 5, 2025 and provides an opportunity to learn about, and take action towards, a new license for the Turners Falls Dam and the Northfield Mountain Pump Storage Facility. Nina Gordon-Kirsch, Connecticut River Conservancy’s (CRC) River Steward in MA, gives an overview of the hydropower relicensing process that CRC has been engaged in for over a decade, with focus on the current Massachusetts 401 Water Quality Certification process, which you can get involved in. Background: The permits for five hydropower facilities on the Connecticut River that impact 175 miles of the river are going through a relicensing process that will last for the next 30-50 years. Two of the facilities are in MA (the Turners Falls Dam and Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Station) and are currently being examined by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for their 401 Water Quality Certificates. This certification ensures that the operation of the hydro facilities will comply with state-level water quality standards and not adversely impact or diminish water quality and designated uses of the river. On January 24, 2025, MassDEP released their draft certificate . There is an open comment period from January 24th – February 24th, for us to weigh in on how their draft does or does not protect the Connecticut River. MassDEP is required to read every comment that is submitted and take them into consideration as they write the conditions for the new license, so this is an opportunity to have your voice heard! Additional background information can be found at ctriver.org/hydropower

  • Fish Consumption Advisories & Safety in the Connecticut River Watershed

    The Connecticut River offers rich recreational resources, allowing people to exercise, enjoy nature, and release stress. When practiced with safety and awareness, these activities promote human well-being. One popular activity along the Connecticut River is fishing—for leisure and subsistence. Unfortunately, pollution threatens access to fishing—especially for subsistence fisherfolk—because of its negative effects on human and ecosystem health. This is an environmental justice issue; in addition to restricting river access, the effects of pollution most directly and negatively impact vulnerable human populations. States are responsible for promoting environmental justice to ensure all people have access to natural resources that improve their well-being. Implementing robust and in-depth fish consumption advisories to inform the public of best practices for minimizing exposure to harmful substances while consuming fish is essential to promote environmental justice. Several pollutants have made their way into our water bodies, altering relationships across the ecosystem—including our relationship with fish as food. Fish in contaminated waters take up some pollutants from sediments and plankton. When we catch and eat these fish, their accumulated contaminants are included in our meal. These contaminants linger in our systems, too. Like fish, they can accumulate in our bodies. The three contaminants most commonly found in freshwater fish tissues—based on fish consumption advisories from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont—are per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) , polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and mercury. PCBs and PFAS—often referred to as forever chemicals—along with mercury linger and then build up in the environment, animals, and humans. PFAS   comprise thousands of manufactured chemicals used for industry and consumer products since the 1940s. They can be found in drinking water, everyday items, food and its packaging, and personal care products. Research on the health impacts of PFAS is ongoing. Still, it indicates that exposure may lead to several adverse health impacts, including reproductive complications, developmental delays in children, metabolic issues, and increased risk of cancer. PCBs  are manufactured chemicals, used in building materials and electrical equipment before being banned in the United States in 1978. They are now often found in food as a result of their persistence in the environment. In addition to being listed as a probable human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agency also reports that PCBs are linked to several health issues, including neurological underdevelopment in infants, thyroid hormone imbalances, pregnancy complications, and reduced immune system responses. Mercury  is a naturally occurring element found in rock in the Earth’s crust. While its release can occur naturally, the process has been expedited by burning fossil fuels and mercury-containing wastes. Its toxicity to humans is most potent in its organic form—methylmercury. Methylmercury in sediments and plankton are consumed and taken up by smaller fish. These fish are consumed in high quantities by larger fish— the fish we are most likely to put on our plates . Exposure to high levels of methylmercury is associated with harmful impacts on the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system. Children may develop neurological issues affecting their ability to think and learn from in vitro exposure. To minimize the negative impacts of pollutants on human health, states implement fish consumption advisories. Consumption advisories inform the public of the presence of pollutants and can therefore reduce exposure to contaminants known to accumulate in fish tissues at levels that will have negative health effects for humans who consume them. Limiting how often we consume certain fish reduces our exposure to harmful contaminants. The chart above refers to general state-wide guidelines and there are more stringent regulations for specific water bodies that can be viewed on state websites. Fish consumption advisories are informed by sampling fish to determine their concentration of contaminants. The EPA does not recommend a set frequency for updating consumption advisories. It encourages states to update advisories as needed based on new data. The EPA’s main concern is that fish consumption advisories are accurate and up-to-date based on available data. The variations between consumption advisories in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont are stark. Massachusetts  has the most consumption advisories of the four states, listing restrictions and recommendations for over 250 waterbodies that are updated yearly. Connecticut’s  consumption advisories are broader—including just over 20 sites— but the state updates its consumption advisories yearly and includes additional information about fish consumption from markets and restaurants. CRC’s River Steward in CT, Rhea Drozdenko, observed advisories posted at recreational access sites in Connecticut. At one access point, signs were posted in English and Spanish. New Hampshire  last updated its advisories for just over 20 sites in 2021. Vermont   updated its consumption advisory in early January 2025, providing general statewide guidelines to minimize mercury exposure. Its advisory includes site-specific guidelines for Lake Champlain and the Hoosic River due to PCBs and site-specific guidelines for reservoirs in the Connecticut River and Deerfield River with higher levels of mercury in fish.    There is no “catch-all” recommendation for fishing in the Connecticut River Watershed. Wherever possible, fisherfolk can exercise safe fish consumption by checking consumption advisories for where they plan to fish. It is up to the individual to determine how exposure to contaminants may impact their health, and exercise caution when consuming the fish they catch. Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to prevent exposure to contamination. Subsistence and recreational fishing occurs throughout New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. People who rely on fishing to access nutritious food increase their exposure to harmful pollutants and thus their risk of negative health consequences. Subsistence fishing broadens the conversation around water pollution and environmental justice, indicating a need to include pollution reduction in our efforts to promote fishers’ health. While proper signage and accurate consumption advisories are important in educating the public, they are irrelevant in the face of hunger. Thus, fish advisories alone are insufficient in achieving environmental justice unless they are used to complement effective pollution reduction measures and more robust food security programs. Example of Fish Consumption Advisory in CT States have a responsibility to maintain and update thorough fish consumption advisories while also actively reducing pollutants in our environment to ensure subsistence fishing does not come at the expense of people’s health and well-being. These advisories promote public health—implementing advisories with depth and breadth are necessary to minimize the risks associated with contaminants, including mercury, PCBs, and PFAS. It is our responsibility to hold our state governments accountable for their obligations to the environment and more vulnerable populations. We can do this by supporting food accessibility and demanding in-depth sampling in all our waterways to ensure public health information is accurate and up to date. Fish consumption advisories are also an essential component of ensuring environmental justice; when utilized in tandem with food accessibility programs and pollution reduction measures, they protect people from the harmful effects of water pollutants and encourage fishing mindfully. These advisories give the public the tools they need to enjoy fishing and maintain access to nutritious food without concern for the health implications of their consumption.     CRC's Director of Policy and Advocacy is very grateful for extensive research support from Clare Wangard – ECO AmeriCorps Service Member. Want to stay updated on the latest river news? Sign up for Connecticut River Conservancy's newsletters  to get more river stories and updates directly in your inbox. You can also learn more about CRC's advocacy & policy work or explore all the ways we support healthy rivers.

  • CRC Testimony: Support of HB 5017 for Tire Stewardship Program Participation

    Illegally dumped tires pulled from the Connecticut River. On Friday, January 31st, the CT General Assembly's Environment Committee heard about an important bill related to the health of the Connecticut River. HB 5017 An Act Concerning Participation in the Tire Stewardship Program by Tire Retailers  would close a loophole in the recently enacted EPR for tires bill .   While tire producers in CT are now required to join a tire stewardship organization as a result of the bill that passed in 2023 – tire RETAILERS are not currently required. Therefore, they will continue to charge consumers for tire disposal rather than participate in the EPR program, leading to further illegal tire dumping that harms our waters, habitats, and communities. HB 5017 is the bill that would close this crucial loophole and ensure both producers and retailers participate to eliminate this cost burden from consumers.   Every year, Source to Sea Cleanup volunteers pull hundreds of illegally dumped tires out of Connecticut's rivers. This is a serious issue. CRC has been at the front lines of advocating for strong Tire Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)  for years, and will continue to be vigilant until sensible and legally bound programs are in place throughout the entire Connecticut River watershed.   You can see a copy of CRC’s testimony letter in support of HB 5017 and read the full text below:   To: Honored Co-Chairs, Sen. Lopes and Rep. Parker, and distinguished Members of the Environment Committee   From: Rhea Drozdenko, River Steward at the Connecticut River Conservancy I am writing on behalf of the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC); we are an environmental nonprofit dedicated to protecting the entire Connecticut River watershed through initiatives that support clean waters, healthy habitats and resilient communities. I am writing in support of HB 5017 as it will close a loophole which allows tire retailers to avoid participation in Connecticut’s Tire Stewardship Program. CRC has long been an advocate for Extended Producer Responsibility for tires – and we are so proud that Connecticut was the first state to enact an Extended Producer Responsibility for tires bill in 2023. Since then, other states in the region have been inspired to start looking at the possibilities for their own states. However, we are missing a crucial piece of the puzzle as tire retailers are currently not required to participate. Therefore, we may see the status quo continue, and unfortunately illegal tire dumping will likely continue in our state.   Connecticut drivers produce roughly 3.5 million scrap tires per year and each year, volunteers in our Source to Sea cleanup take to their rivers to remove many of these illegally dumped tires; to-date, volunteers have retrieved over 14,000 tires from the Connecticut River Watershed. In recent years, volunteers have pulled hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of tires out of rivers during this event, signaling an ongoing problem with the management of scrap tires. Not only is our environment bearing the costs of the scrap tire crisis, but these costs are also forced on taxpayers via municipalities and state agencies that must pay for the retrieval and disposal of illegally dumped tires. We ask you to support HB 5017 to protect the health of our environment and eliminate unfair costs for taxpayers and municipalities across Connecticut by requiring tire retailers to participate in the Tire Stewardship Program.   This article will be updated with the CT General Assembly's decision once it is known. Want to stay updated on the latest river news? Sign up for Connecticut River Conservancy's newsletters  to get more river stories and updates directly in your inbox. You can also learn more about CRC's advocacy & policy work  or explore all the ways we support healthy rivers.

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