Water Quality Program Manager

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 here: https://www.ctriver.org/jobs/water-quality-program-manager