The Nature Conservancy of New Jersey has identified the Paulins Kill watershed (a tributary of the Delaware River) as a priority area for habitat restoration and water quality improvement. A critical component of this strategy is the restoration of floodplain forests identified within strategic segments of this watershed. Building on prior successes elsewhere in the watershed we will be restoring multiple contiguous miles of floodplain forest and riparian habitat using different conservation practices like dam removal and floodplain reforestation throughout the Paulins Kill watershed. As a measure of the success of these projects it will be necessary to conduct water quality and biological monitoring throughout the watershed and project areas. This position will report directly to the Watershed Restoration Coordinator and will assist with in-stream monitoring and implementation of floodplain restoration projects. The opportunity to participate in science-based monitoring efforts as well as hands-on management and restoration activities gives this position an attractive blend of science and stewardship responsibilities. The Technician will be exposed to a range of other opportunities during the course of the position duration, which may include learning about conservation of large landscapes, applying GIS skills to freshwater conservation issues, and gaining exposure to a global conservation organization. The position will be based at The Nature Conservancy’s New Jersey Field Office, located in Chester, New Jersey. This is a 9-month, paid position for 35 hours/week at $18 per hour without housing. Position starts February 26th, 2018.
The Freshwater Conservation Technician participates in science based surveys; habitat restoration and assists in the implementation of restoration projects. This may include one or more of the following functions:
- Conducts standardized scientific surveys including the collection of water quality and stream benthic macroinvertebrate samples, and conducts standardized visual surveys to assess the physical condition of stream reaches.
- Assists with deployment, maintenance, and data management of continuous in-stream monitors and handheld meters.
- Assists with on-site implementation of projects including: tree planting, operating hand tools, heavy equipment trucks/trailers, and planting containerized native seedlings.
- Participates in landowner outreach efforts and community engagement activities.
- Communicates regularly with supervisor and stewardship staff regarding restoration and monitoring site information.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Maintains project records, water quality monitoring data and detailed datasheets.
- May purchase equipment and supplies as provided for in budget.
- Data entry and management.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
- Experience performing administrative duties emphasizing detail-oriented and numerical tasks.
- Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software and Web browsers.
- Experience working and communicating with a diverse group of people
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in natural resources; environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months experience.
- Professional experience working with continuous instream monitoring equipment; HOBO logger, Hach multiparameter probes or similar devices, as well as GPS technology.
- Knowledgeable and passionate about freshwater ecosystems.
- Experience with Stream Rapid Bioassessment Protocols and data collection techniques.
- Proficient with water quality instruments (e.g. YSI probes) and the collection and preservation of samples for laboratory analysis
- Working knowledge of local flora and fauna.
- Ability to work independently, efficiently, and in an organized fashion with very strong attention to detail.
- Effective communication skills, whether in writing, in person, or on the telephone.
- Ability to work alone or in a team in the field, under a variety of weather conditions
- Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; pick-up truck, trailers, power tools, etc.)
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule including occasional weekends