Water Quality Fellow

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Established in 1966, Riverkeeper is New York’s premier water quality advocate. Our mission is to protect and restore the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguard drinking water supplies through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science and law.  Riverkeeper is a mid-sized not-for-profit based in the Hudson Valley, with an annual operating budget of $4.9 million. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic organization experiencing significant growth.  For more information, visit www.riverkeeper.org. 

TITLE:                   Water Quality Fellow

REPORTS TO:     Community Science Manager

LOCATION:         Kingston, NY (hybrid) – from May 1- October 31, 2024

POSITION SUMMARY

Riverkeeper’s Science Team is looking for a Water Quality Fellow for the 2024 sampling season from May 1 – October 31, 2024. The Fellow will receive training in lab techniques and be expected to work independently to support Riverkeeper’s water quality monitoring projects. This position will primarily work out of Riverkeeper’s lab located in Kingston, NY with some field work. Field work would include getting to water sampling locations in the mid-Hudson region. Lab work will primarily consist of water sample processing using the EPA approved IDEXX system and is to be conducted in our lab in Kingston, NY. This sampling program primarily focuses on fecal indicator bacteria Enterococcus and E.Coli.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

(This is not an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.)

·Be a part of our water quality sampling program working with community science volunteers from the Hudson River watershed.

· This position will coordinate the collection and ensure the accurate processing of water quality samples according to Riverkeeper’s Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance protocols, working under the supervision of Riverkeeper’s Community Science Manager.

· The position will work with and help to organize a core group of approximately 40-50 volunteers who are trained in water quality collection protocol and analysis from shoreline/riverbank locations.

· Sampling occurs monthly and will require communication and distribution of sampling supplies to volunteers.

·Responsible for data entry including, but not limited to, scanning of physical data entry sheets, and data entry in google sheets.

EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.

·Environmental studies educational curriculum or related field of study preferred.

·Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to reliably follow instructions in order to produce reliable data in our laboratory Commitment to the values and mission of Riverkeeper

· Ability to commit to being in the lab on specific days throughout the sampling season from May to October

· After sufficient training, ability to work independently to meet program goals

·Experience with IDEXX FIB recreational water quality monitoring or other comparable lab procedures is preferred

·Ability to collaborate and work with the Community Science Manger to ensure their tasks are accomplished

·Excellent organizational skills and experience with data entry

·Familiarity with Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel

·Ability to communicate about challenges they may experience with tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines.

·Strong interpersonal skills to engage with and coordinate volunteers are required

·Must have access to reliable transportation to be used for travel within the mid-Hudson region

·Cell phone required

OTHER EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

HOURS

This temporary position will require a schedule of Monday through Friday, working up to 30 hours per week for the duration of the fellowship (5/1-10/31/24).

COMPENSATION

Base salary range: $20 - $22 per hour commensurate with experience.

BENEFITS

This position will be eligible for health insurance (Oxford Metro Plan, employee only), and participation in Riverkeeper’s 403b retirement savings plan.

Hired candidate must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

HOW TO APPLY:

Application must be done via email by sending a resume and cover letter to humanresources@riverkeeper.org and spillitteri@riverkeeper.org. Please write ‘Water Quality Fellow’ in the subject line. The position will remain open until filled.