What are the responsibilities and job description for the Connecticut Water Quality Monitoring Assistant position at Connecticut River Conservancy?
Part-time/seasonal position up to 16 hours a week (0.4 FTE)
Start Date: Late-March (preferred), mid-June (required)
End Date: 10/31/2025
Office Location: Middletown CT/ Field work
Health Benefit Eligible: No
Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes
Supervisor: River Steward, Connecticut
Position classification: Seasonal
Pay Range: $20 /hr
Position Description:
Seasonal assistant to the River Steward in Connecticut for the Connecticut River Conservancy water quality monitoring programs taking place in Connecticut. Assistant will coordinate CRC’s participation in Save the Sound’s Unified Water Study (UWS) () from May through October, twice a month , and day of week is flexible depending on boat availability.
Assistant will also coordinate bacteria monitoring program June through August, weekly on Wednesdays. Assistant will work closely with and with direction from the Water Quality Program Manager. Opportunity to assist with community engagement and outreach efforts.
Field work will be in person, other work can be done remotely or at the Middletown office. Start date is flexible depending on official UWS training dates (late-March to early April). This position requires access to a car and mileage accrued while working will be reimbursed at the IRS rate.
Primary Responsibilities:
The Connecticut Water Quality Monitoring Assistant will be responsible for leading CRC’s participation in UWS. This includes:
- Coordinating with boat captain and other CRC staff to assist with monitoring
- Using a sonde multi-probe to sample from boat (training provided)
- Pre- and post-trip probe calibration (training provided)
- Preparing samples to be mailed
- Input and management of field and laboratory data
The Assistant is also responsible for coordinating the bacteria monitoring program which includes:
- Preparing and providing supplies to volunteers
- Training volunteers (materials and curriculum provided)
- Collecting samples (training provided)
- Picking up samples and transporting to the lab
- Verifying completeness of field sheets and maintaining chain of custody
- Assisting with lab analysis (training provided)
- Input and management of field and laboratory data
Qualifications:
CRC is an equal opportunity employer. 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.
Required Skills:
- Comfort being on a boat and working early in the morning
- Valid Driver’s License and access to a vehicle
- Experience with basic lab and field procedures
- Attention to detail and good organizational skills
- Ability to follow complex written procedures
- Experience coordinating volunteers or teaching
- Comfort using email, Microsoft Teams, Excel and web database applications
Location: Middletown CT / Fieldwork
Hourly Rate: $20/hr
Application instructions:
To apply for the position, use the form on our website at: www.ctriver.org/jobs/connecticut-water-quality-monitoring-assistant
Include resume and cover letter (as one combined PDF).
Deadline to apply: 3/1/2025
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. Learn more at ctriver.org.
Our organizational values are centered around: Inclusion, Collaboration, Resilience, and Stewardship
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 16 per week
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20