Join the NepRWA Team
The NepRWA team encompasses diverse skills: scientists, naturalists, planners, lawyers, artists, and writers. All have a passion for the environment and are committed to improving the Neponset Watershed for everyone, including plants and wildlife!
We’re currently seeking applications for a Water Quality Monitoring Specialist.
This is a full-time position with a well-respected regional nonprofit that combines planning and conducting hands-on data collection activities in the field with analysis, interpretation, and policy / regulatory advocacy. This opportunity is ideal for a researcher in the fields of environmental science, natural resources, or public policy with at least 2-3 years of related work experience.
The Specialist will report to the Association’s River Restoration Director, will help manage NepRWA’s Environmental Fellow, and will work closely with our Managing Director of Community Resilience, Green Infrastructure Specialist, and Executive Director.
NepRWA currently operates two volunteer-based water monitoring programs, the Community Water Monitoring Network (CWMN) and X-Cel Conservation Corp (XCC), covering 51 sites seasonally.
Key elements of the Specialist position include:
- Planning and participating in water quality monitoring events/activities, including development of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs).
- Managing and expanding our water quality monitoring database and data visualization materials.
- Writing grant applications to support water quality monitoring activities.
- Coordinating data collection based on NepRWA’s priorities and data gaps with MassDEP’s Watershed Planning Program (WPP).
- Presenting water quality findings to the public, funders, or state regulators.
Schedule and Compensation
Schedule is 40 hours per week with a minimum of three days per week in person and an option for up to two days per week of remote work. This includes regular on-site fieldwork around the Watershed and occasional early morning sampling and evening or weekend events. Compensation includes a salary of $55,000-$65,000 per year depending on experience. Benefits include health insurance with up to 80% employer contribution, retirement plan with employer match, flexible working hours, and paid time off.
Qualifications
The Specialist position is open to applicants who have a master’s or bachelor’s degree in watershed management, environmental science, civil/environmental engineering, or a related field, and who are interested in a natural resource protection career. Ideal candidates will have 2-3 years of professional experience, a Master’s degree and/or other post-baccalaureate experience.
Required:
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Self-motivation, reliability, and the ability to work independently.
- Familiarity with watershed science concepts.
- The ability to follow and develop specific sampling and safety protocols.
- The ability to respectfully engage racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse community members and volunteers.
- Experience planning and conducting surface water quality monitoring activities including field sampling, laboratory analysis, database maintenance, environmental data analysis, and communicating results to non-scientists.
- Demonstrated experience organizing, planning, and implementing projects in a fast-paced environment, working both independently and as part of a team.
- Comfortable working in the field on uneven or muddy terrain, wading, in a canoe or in a small motorboat, and under adverse weather conditions (rain, cool mornings, hot afternoons, etc.).
- A personal vehicle for transportation to and from the office and visiting remote sites with specialized equipment (mileage is reimbursed).
Preferred:
- Master’s degree.
- Experience managing volunteers.
- Experience in ArcGIS and/or RStudio.
- Familiarity with operating canoes and small motorboats.
- Experience with federal Clean Water Act compliance including QAAP development, use attainment determinations, MS4 regulations, and TMDL development.
All applications submitted per the instructions below will be reviewed with care. Applications by individuals historically underrepresented in this field, including minorities, women, and residents of our 14 watershed cities and towns are strongly encouraged. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer (details on our website).
Application Procedure
Interested applicants MUST apply by submitting a cover letter and resume via this form. Applications submitted through online job advertising platforms will not be reviewed. In the cover letter, please describe your interest in the position and your relevant academic and/or work experience. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled but are encouraged during September if possible.
Send applications via the form above, and direct questions to Sean McCanty, River Restoration Director, at mccanty@neponset.org
We’re currently seeking a part-time educator. Looking for a fun job with a flexible part-time schedule, great colleagues, and a positive impact on the environment? Join the Neponset River Watershed Association as a part-time Education Coordinator.
Duties
- Lead our established school outreach program that reaches 3,500 students every year with lessons on preventing water pollution, conserving water, and building climate resilience.
- Provide hands-on classroom instruction for 5th-grade students and occasional programs for middle school and high school students.
- Coordinate program scheduling with schools.
- Update and develop lesson plans that support NepRWA’s education goals, state curriculum frameworks, and school system needs.
- Grow the school outreach program to include additional communities, grade levels, and key populations.
- Track and report on program accomplishments and assist with occasional grant writing and communications about the school program.
- Train and mentor our Environmental Science Fellow to assist with classroom instruction.
Qualifications
- Success teaching hands-on science and environmental concepts in a formal or informal education setting.
- Experience developing compelling lesson plans that support multiple objectives.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (writing, speaking, presentation).
- Highly organized, with strong attention to detail and the ability to track and manage multiple contacts and activities simultaneously.
- Solid basic skills with Excel and Google Calendar, and willingness to learn simple database management skills.
- Must complete initial and periodic CORI checks consistent with school guidelines.
- Must have own transportation (reimbursement for work mileage).
Work Schedule, Compensation, and Hiring Practices
This is a permanent position with a part-time, seasonal schedule, averaging approximately 15-20 hours per week October through May; and averaging approximately 8 hrs per week from June to September. The schedule is flexible with some potential to work from home, but it does require being available for in-person teaching during normal school hours and participation in occasional evening or weekend events. The successful applicant will be responsible for managing their own schedule from week to week, recognizing that some weeks will be very active and others much quieter. Pay is $24-28 per hour depending on experience, and includes 11 paid holidays, sick time, and vacation, as well as an employer match toward a retirement plan.
NepRWA is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that is representative of the people we serve in the watershed. NepRWA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from everyone interested in our mission, especially those from underrepresented groups such as people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, and persons from diverse educational and economic backgrounds.
Hiring Schedule and How to Apply
To apply, submit a resume and cover letter via the online application form above. In the cover letter, describe your interest in the position, relevant academic and/or work experience, and how advancing NepRWA’s environmental mission fits with your career goals.
The most recent and detailed posting will be kept at neponset.org/employment. Applications accepted until filled, but we encourage submissions in by early September. We hope to finalize the hiring process in September and have the new hire start in October.
Send applications via the form above, and direct questions via email to NepRWA Managing Director for Community Resilience Kerry Snyder at snyder@neponset.org.
Looking for other ways to get involved? Check out our volunteer page.
NepRWA is an equal opportunity employer, and applications are encouraged from candidates with a diversity of personal and professional backgrounds.
