Science and Technical Coordinator

Estuario; San Juan (PR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Estuario, the San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership, seeks a Science and Technical Coordinator to support environmental monitoring and data analysis in Puerto Rico.

The role includes water quality monitoring, QA/QC compliance, data management, and coordination of citizen science programs with partners and volunteers.

The Coordinator will assist the Scientific Director on projects and ensure reporting, with duties spanning field work, telemetry systems, and stakeholder outreach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4–6 years in environmental monitoring or related field.
• Experience with water quality monitoring and environmental databases is desirable.
• Proficient in data management and reporting to satisfy QA/QC requirements.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate water quality monitoring across the San Juan Bay Estuary watershed.
• Maintain environmental data, manage databases, and ensure QA/QC compliance.
• Prepare technical reports, summaries, and presentations for partners and agencies.
• Support Citizen Science Certification Program and volunteer training.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Spanish-English bilingual

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Drive/Cloud

Adobe

Job description

The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership (Estuario) is seeking an outstanding, highly qualified professional to fill the full-time position of Science and Technical Coordinator.

The Science and Technical Coordinator is responsible for supporting the implementation of the San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership’s scientific and environmental monitoring efforts. This position conducts water quality monitoring activities throughout the watershed, supports the Citizen Science Certification Program, manages and analyzes environmental data, and ensures compliance with EPA-approved Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and other applicable monitoring protocols. The position supports implementation of the Collaborative Water Quality Monitoring Program, telemetric monitoring systems, environmental indicators monitoring, and other scientific initiatives established under the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). The Science and Technical Coordinator will also maintain field equipment and monitoring supplies, support technical reporting efforts, and work closely with and assists the Scientific Director in carrying out scientific projects and partnerships.

ABOUT ESTUARIO

The Corporation for the Conservation of the San Juan Bay Estuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that operates the Estuario. Established in 1994, we are the only tropical and non-continental location within the National Estuary Program (NEP) under Section 320 of the Clean Water Act. The Estuario is a partnership committed to restore and conserve the waters and associated ecosystems of the San Juan Bay Estuary and its watershed as a sustainable axis of social and economic development. Estuario operates as a partnership committed to their collective responsibility to restore and conserve the waters and associated ecosystems of the San Juan Bay Estuary and its watershed as a sustainable axis of social and economic development. Estuario’s work is guided by a master restoration plan known as the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) for the San Juan Bay Estuary.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for coordinating and conducting water quality monitoring activities throughout the San Juan Bay Estuary watershed in coordination with the Scientific Director.
• Conducts routine field sampling activities in accordance with EPA-approved Quality Assurance Project Plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Supports implementation of the Estuario Water Quality Volunteer Monitoring Program and related monitoring initiatives.
• Conducts the Water Quality Module of the Citizen Science Certification Program and supporting volunteer training activities.
• Assists in implementing telemetric and remote water quality monitoring systems, including sensor deployment, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Manages, validates, analyzes, and maintains environmental monitoring databases and records.
• Uploads monitoring results and maintains data quality assurance documentation.
• Supports implementation of environmental indicators monitoring and other scientific assessment activities.
• Assists with monitoring efforts associated with watershed restoration and illicit discharge detection initiatives.
• Prepares technical reports, summaries, presentations, and supporting documentation related to monitoring and scientific projects.
• Supports implementation of the Collaborative Water Quality Monitoring Network and associated partnerships.
• Provides technical support for CCMP implementation and scientific projects.
• Supports the Scientific Director in maintaining compliance with all applicable EPA monitoring requirements and protocols.
• Coordinates field monitoring schedules, sampling logistics, laboratory submissions, and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Coordinates volunteers participating in monitoring activities and scientific events.
• Assists with planning and execution of Puerto Rico Water Quality Day and other citizen science initiatives.
• Develops training materials, monitoring guides, presentations, and educational resources related to water quality monitoring.
• Coordinates maintenance schedules and inventory management for monitoring equipment, field supplies, and laboratory materials.
• Assists with the development of data visualizations, maps, dashboards, and communication products that support science-based decision making.
• Supports coordination with federal agencies, academic institutions, municipalities, contractors, and community partners involved in monitoring activities.
• Supports implementation of organizational work plans as necessary.
• Assists with grant-funded projects and technical deliverables.
• Maintains monitoring equipment, field instruments, telemetry systems, and associated software platforms.
• Assists in troubleshooting equipment and coordinating repairs or replacement when necessary.
• Supports audits, inspections, and quality assurance reviews.
• Assigns duties and responsibilities to project-assigned contractors and volunteers as needed.
• Creates technical presentations and reports for delivery to government agencies, community groups, contractors, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Continuously evaluates and improves monitoring procedures, field protocols, and data management practices.
• Assists in any other tasks required to advance the organization’s work plans and scientific priorities.

Required Qualifications (Education and Experience):

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Marine Science, Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources Management, or a related scientific discipline, with a minimum of four (4) to six (6) years of work-related experience in environmental monitoring, water quality assessment, environmental data management, or a related field.

Experience with water quality monitoring, environmental sampling, citizen science programs, environmental databases, and EPA quality assurance requirements is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Analytical mind with problem-solving aptitude
• Understanding of research and data analysis
• Ability to apply scientific knowledge to make a case to government agencies for increased resources for research.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with scientists and non-scientists at a variety of levels in a collaborative, effective manner; a record of success in working with a team to achieve common goals.
• Flexible and a self-starter; able to manage multiple projects at a time while also being highly detail oriented with an attention to quality.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Affinity for/comfort with working with volunteer leadership in a mission-based organization.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to thrive in a small, fast-growth organization.
• Strong commitment to the Estuario’s mission
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office, cloud-based data access and share software such as Google Drive, and other software such as Adobe, etc required.

Start Date:

Language Required:

Proficient in Spanish and English

Sources of funding:

4T-96213322-3, CE99206930, (Pending EPA Approval), State Revolving Funds

The Corporation for the Conservation of the San Juan Bay Estuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that operates the San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership. The Corporation for the Conservation of the SJBE provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics. MBE/WBE and other certified minorities and small businesses are encouraged to apply.

Contacto