Watershed Projects Coordinator

Position Overview: The seasonal Watershed Project Coordinator will work with Conservation Science staff and partners to coordinate grant-funded and fee-for-service projects relating to water quality improvements, wildlife habitat, and public accessibility on public and private lands within the watersheds of Vermont

Main duties include:

• Making appropriate preparations for, and overseeing, the implementation of water quality best management practices on public and private lands. Projects will include installation of infiltration steps, encapsulated soil lifts, shoreline gardens, open-top culverts, riparian buffers, rain gardens, bioswales, post assisted log structures, and other practices designed to treat stormwater and improve water quality in surface waters
• Maintenance of project records and grant reporting tasks including taking before, during, and after photos and compiling project daily summaries
• Oversight of the Conservation Services Crew including training, scheduling, quality control, partner communications, and evaluation of personnel

Through these projects, the Watershed Project Coordinator will gain experience in water quality project management, as well as building skills in communicating with landowners, other conservation organizations/professionals, and the public.

Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Build a deep understanding of project designs to be ready for implementation by the seasonal Conservation Services Crew
• Do project site visits before, during, and after project implementation to gather baseline data and check for project quality and durability. Perform quality control checks on ongoing work to correct issues as they arise.
• Take site and project photos before, during, and after implementation for grant reporting, publicity, and progress tracking
• Communicate and work with project partners and landowners regarding scheduling and shared concerns for the Conservation Services Crew
• Take accurate measurements and assess project duration, materials, and tools required for implementation, adjusting pace and tasks as necessary
• Work closely with the Conservation Services Crew Leader and/or Field Supervisor to coordinate work done by the Conservation Services Crew
• Ensure that all necessary equipment, materials, tools, and supplies are available to the crew and on project sites when they need to be
• Orient the Conservation Services Crew to each new project site under the Watershed Program purview
• Communicate with the Director, Project Partners, Landowners, Field Supervisors, and Crew Leaders to ensure projects are implemented as planned and any in-field changes or challenges are noted
• Maintain communication with Crew Leader and Crew Members throughout the season to keep tabs on morale and interpersonal communication issues and provide council and mediation if necessary
• Coordinate restroom facilities for the crew while they are at a site if necessary
• Coordinate overnight reservations/accommodations for the crew as needed
• Track project expenses and crew time to ensure adherence to proposed budget
• Ensure that NorthWoods is a resource for the community for high-quality professional services, programming, facilities and expertise
• Maintain good communication and professional working relationships with NorthWoods staff, program participants, partners, and the general public
• Work independently and with coworkers to produce project outcomes on-schedule
• Adhere to all NorthWoods procedures and policies related to staff conduct, safety and project implementation
• Engage in professional development activities, as needed, to stay current with necessary job skills and knowledge
• Attend meetings, workshops and special events as necessary to represent NorthWoods and support conservation science programs
• Complete other general support tasks for the organization as needed, including maintenance, events staffing, weekend and evening hours, etc.
• Maintain NorthWoods tools and equipment in good working condition; keep work sites organized and safe; ensure that offices, woodshop, storage areas, lodge, etc. are clean, usable and appealing to visitors

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in environmental science or related field AND/OR equal experience that demonstrates the ability to think critically and with practical applications in water quality and watershed health, riparian ecosystem health, and habitat restoration
• Working knowledge of stormwater and shoreline best management practices
• Project coordination, team leadership, and personnel management experience
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to oversee the implementation of high-quality finished project outcomes with minimal oversight and good attention to detail, safety, and timeliness
• 3 or more seasons of experience in a fieldwork setting with demonstrated ability to work effectively in a wide variety of weather and terrain conditions
• Familiarity with reading and interpreting technical designs to determine project work flow, feasibility, coordination considerations, and implementation needs
• Troubleshooting and creative problem solving skills for resolving project issues as they arise
• Experience communicating with the public on topics of conservation, nature, wildlife, etc.
• Valid Driver’s License & ability to work in the US

Preferred Skills/Knowledge:

• Physical fitness and positive attitude to thrive in an outdoor setting for extended periods in varied weather
• Hand tool & power tool proficiency and light carpentry skills
• Experience identifying and removing terrestrial invasive plants
• Safety-consciousness and situational awareness
• Wilderness safety training
• Curiosity and willingness to learn new practices and methods of implementation
• Preference given to candidates with prior, positive experience at NorthWoods

Please consider applying for this position even if you do not meet all the qualifications, or currently possess the preferred skills and knowledge. The review committee values a wide range of experience and education related to this position, and NorthWoods is committed to professional development to train the best candidate.

Employment Period: April – November 13, 2026 with potential for extension pending funding.

Workweek: 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, with occasional overnight projects, weekend trainings, and evening events. Some project types and locations will require a four 10-hour day schedule, which will be notified well in advance.

Compensation: Hourly wage of $20.00-21.53/hr, based on experience. Paid bi-weekly. This position is eligible to earn 5 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), with 2 days available before July 1st and 3 additional days becoming available after July 1st unless all days are used during the 1-week mid-season break. This position is eligible for a gear stipend of $250, half paid in the first week and half paid in the final week of the season. Employment at NorthWoods includes personal use of outdoor equipment, wood shop, and access to gear lending library.

Housing: Options may be available for on-campus housing based on availability; for rental rates reach out to Maria Young (maria@northwoodscenter.org).

Reports to: Meg Carter, Conservation Science Director

How to Apply: Email PDF of cover letter & resume to Meg Carter, (meghann@northwoodscenter.org) by March 27th, 2026. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NorthWoods:

People of every race, color, gender, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, belief system and background are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation will be made for applicants with disabilities.  NorthWoods believes that diversity in our workplace is essential to building vibrant human and natural communities and strives to provide opportunities for everyone without discrimination.

About NorthWoods

NorthWoods Stewardship Center is a non-profit conservation and education organization based in East Charleston, Vermont.  We serve the communities of Northern Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as facilitating conservation projects and programs throughout New England.  Our main lodge and facilities are part of a 1,500 acre conserved campus and demonstration forest, open to the public, year-round. We achieve our mission to connect people and place through the synergy of four program areas:  Environmental Education, the Conservation Corps, Conservation Science, and Forest Stewardship. Learn more about us.