Potomac Water Quality and Volunteer Coordinator

About the Potomac Riverkeeper Network: The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and defending the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers through education, advocacy, and enforcement. Our team works diligently to ensure the health and sustainability of this vital waterway, serving as a strong voice for the river and its communities.

At Potomac Riverkeeper Network, we’re looking for more than just a person to fill a desk. We’re seeking team members who share our passion for healthy rivers and strong communities. If you want to become a part of our team, you will be empowered to work the way you work best. Your voice is important, you’ll help shape the role you’re in and the future of our organization. From the top down and the bottom up, we’re more than just a workplace, we work together, and play to win!

Position Summary:

Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) seeks an enthusiastic and highly organized Potomac Water Quality and Volunteer Coordinator to manage and grow our community science programs, coordinate on-the-water and shoreline cleanup events, support field investigations with Riverkeepers, and ensure high-quality water monitoring data collection, management, and reporting. This position is key to advancing PRKN’s mission through grassroots engagement, stewardship coordination, and science-based advocacy.

The ideal candidate will have 2–5 years of relevant experience in volunteer management, environmental science, or water quality monitoring, and a passion for clean water, community engagement, and field-based environmental protection.

Responsibilities:

Volunteer Coordination & Event Leadership (50%)

• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers for a variety of community science and stewardship programs (e.g., bacteria monitoring, river patrols, trash cleanups, microplastics sampling).
• Plan, coordinate, and lead outdoor and on-the-water events, including paddling-based cleanups, shoreline stewardship activities, and community education events.
• Develop and deliver volunteer training sessions and materials; support PRKN’s lab manager, manage field protocols and ensure safety practices.
• Maintain volunteer records, track participation metrics, and evaluate program impact.
• Create and distribute volunteer communications such as newsletters, event announcements, and updates.
• Collaborate with staff and community partners to increase accessibility and engagement, particularly in overburdened and underserved communities.

Water Quality Monitoring, Field Investigations & Data Management (50%)

• Coordinate and conduct water quality sampling alongside Riverkeepers, maintenance of water quality monitoring sondes, including field investigations in response to pollution complaints or known threats.
• Oversee and implement bacteria, nutrient, and emerging contaminant monitoring programs.
• Manage water monitoring equipment, sondes, lab logistics, and field data collection protocols.
• Maintain water quality databases and tools (e.g., Survey123, Water Reporter, Excel, ArcGIS).
• Ensure data quality control and assist with analysis and visualization of monitoring results.
• Prepare reports, maps, and summaries to support public education, advocacy campaigns, and regulatory engagement.
• Assist with grant reporting and program development related to community science and water monitoring initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 2–5 years of experience coordinating volunteers, conducting field sampling, or managing environmental programs.
• Experience with water quality monitoring techniques (e.g., bacteria sampling, in-situ equipment, lab submissions).
• Strong event planning, organizational, and communication skills.
• Data management experience with Excel; familiarity with Survey123, GIS platforms, or related tools preferred.
• Comfortable working outdoors in a range of conditions, including on boats or kayaks.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a mission-driven, fast-paced nonprofit.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend events and regional travel within the Potomac and Shenandoah Watershed.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal or PRKN vehicle for fieldwork.
• Experience working with underserved or environmental justice communities.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills are a plus.
• Knowledge of Clean Water Act principles, state/federal water quality standards, or environmental enforcement strategies.
• Paddling or boating experience/certification is a plus.
• Familiarity with trash monitoring and shoreline restoration techniques.