College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Environmental Technician - Mamaroneck, NY
Job Posting: https://www.savethesound.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2020-Seasonal-En...
Seasonal Employment Opportunity
Environmental Technician
Spring through Fall 2020
To Apply: Please submit a resume, three references, and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for this position by March 8, 2020. You can submit your materials electronically to Elena Colón; ecolon@savethesound.org
Position Description: This is a seasonal position ‐ May 1, 2020 through October 31, 2020 ‐ reporting to the Water Quality Program Manager based out of Save the Sound’s office in Mamaroneck, New York. Office work will be in the Mamaroneck, NY office in Westchester. Field work will take place in the western Long Island Sound.
Be a part of our dynamic water quality sampling program working with citizen science volunteers from Long Island Sound shoreline communities. You will coordinate the collection and participate in the processing of water quality samples, working under the supervision of Save the Sound’s Water Quality Program Manager
in our lab located in Mamaroneck, NY. Sampling will focus on water quality parameters including pathogen indicator bacteria, dissolved oxygen, chl‐a, nutrients, pH, and others as necessary. The position will assist in data analysis and the development of figures, maps, and tables for reports. The Environmental Technician will work with a core group of approximately 20‐30 volunteers who will be trained in water quality collection protocol from shoreline/riverbank locations. The position will also work closely with monitoring groups participating in the Unified Water Study. In addition to scheduling and supporting the weekly sampling runs of volunteers and Unified Water Study groups, the Environmental Technician will also conduct monitoring from Save the Sound’s water quality vessel with supervision from the Environmental Analyst and Water Quality Program Manager. This position will involve time in the field, in the lab, and in the office. Field time will include water sampling, boat outings, stream walks, and a significant amount of driving to and from sampling locations. Lab work will include calibration of water quality instruments and bacteria measurements using IDEXX methods. In the office there will be research work associated with the water quality monitoring work. The schedule includes very early morning sampling runs once a week throughout the season.
Program Background: Bacterial pollution leading to beach closures is a critically important issue. In 2013, Save the Sound initiated a seasonal citizen‐based water quality monitoring program in Westchester that measures bacteria levels and shares the findings with the public. This program has identified and led to the elimination of several 545 Tompkins Avenue | 3rd Floor | Mamaroneck, New York 10543 | 914-381-3140 | www.savethesound.org pollution sources. Save the Sound also coordinates and participates in a Sound‐wide study, the Unified Water Study, to measure eutrophic conditions in embayments of Long Island Sound. This program is designed to support further nitrogen pollution reductions for Long Island Sound working in collaboration with state and federal environmental agencies and local communities.
Desired Qualifications: We are looking for a highly motivated individual with: • Excellent organizational skills, experience working with data, and strong familiarity with Microsoft Excel • Ability to work independently and prioritize daily tasks to meet program goals • Strong communications skills • Ability to work with and coordinate all types of people mixed together in a group setting • Science education and a passion for protecting and restoring water quality • Access to a car and a clean driving record • Desired experience: water quality monitoring, environmental education and/or operating a motor boat in the Sound are all a plus
Terms and Compensation: This is a temporary full time 6‐month position that pays $18/hour for an average work week of 35 hours/week. The work will begin in May 1, 2020 and run through October 31, 2020. This is a temporary position that does not include benefits. Reimbursement for work‐related travel is provided. Some evening and weekend hours may be required on an as needed basis. CFE/Save the Sound is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on age, color, disability, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws
Save the Sound Background: Save the Sound, a leader in protecting Long Island Sound’s shoreline, marine habitat and water quality for more than 30 years, merged with Connecticut Fund for the Environment in 2004. Linking CFE’s legal, scientific and policy expertise with Save the Sound’s stewardship, restoration, and community outreach capability has further enhanced our reputation for leadership in protecting and restoring the Sound. We are committed to making every beach and its surrounding waters in the Sound safe for swimming.