Massachusetts Water Quality Monitoring Assistant

Massachusetts Water Quality Monitoring Assistant

Classification: Part-time/seasonal position (0.6 FTE). 10-20 Hours a week.
Start Date: Late April (preferred)/mid May (required)
End Date: Early September (required) /end of October (preferred)
Office Location: Greenfield
Health Benefit Eligible: No
Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes
Supervisor: Water Quality Program Manager
Position classification: Seasonal
Pay Range: $20/hr

Position Description

Seasonal assistant to the Water Quality Program Manager for the Connecticut River Conservancy water quality monitoring programs taking place in Massachusetts. The Assistant will coordinate the weekly volunteer bacteria monitoring program. Bacteria sampling occurs on Thursday mornings. The Assistant will also be a lead sampler for the cyanobacteria monitoring program and may also help with additional lab work on Wednesdays (optional).

Field and lab work will be in person; other work can be done remotely or at the Greenfield office. This position requires access to a car, and mileage accrued while working will be reimbursed at the IRS rate.

Primary Responsibilities

The Massachusetts Seasonal Water Quality Assistant will be responsible for coordinating the bacteria monitoring program which includes:

• Preparing and providing supplies to volunteers
• Communicating weekly with volunteers via email to keep program on track
• 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

Additional responsibilities for cyanobacteria monitoring include:

• Scheduling and conducting biweekly monitoring trips
• Collecting data using handheld meter (training provided) from provided canoe/kayak
• Transporting canoe/kayak between sampling locations
• Entering data in database and supporting mapping initiatives

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:

• Experience with basic lab and field procedures
• Attention to detail and good organizational skills
• Ability to follow complex written procedures
• Experience coordinating volunteers
• Comfort sampling from a kayak or canoe
• Comfort using email, Microsoft Teams, Excel and web database applications
• Experience with R (preferred)

Office Location

Field and lab work will be in person; other work can be done remotely or at the Greenfield, MA office.

Salary and Benefits

Hourly Rate: $20/hr
Health Benefit Eligible: No
Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes

Application Instructions

Please apply at ctriver.org/careers, we will not be checking Indeed for applications.

Application Deadline

4/13/26

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.

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Greenfield, MA 01301