Watershed Management Assistant

City of Cambridge; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cambridge Water Department, through its Watershed Management Division, seeks a Watershed Management Assistant to support field monitoring, lab analyses, and data management for the Source Water Protection Program. You will work under the supervisors to gain hands-on experience in water resources management and watershed protection.

Responsibilities include field sampling, laboratory work, and GIS-related tasks, with opportunities to engage in public education events and data presentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, hydrology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Proficiency with all Microsoft Office programs.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to work in field conditions daily, in all weather.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• The City of Cambridge's workforce is diverse and requires interaction with people of varied identities and backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Collect water quality, algae, and macroinvertebrate samples in the field.
• Perform in-stream flow measurements and site inspections.
• Maintain databases and present data findings in reports and briefings.
• Create GIS maps and edit spatial data; assist ArcGIS Online dashboards.
• Assist with public education and outreach materials for watershed projects.
• Support laboratory analyses and equipment calibration and maintenance.

Skills

MS Office

Writing skills

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s in biology/hydrology/ecology

Tools

ArcGIS

R programming

Microscopes

Water quality equipment

Job description

The Cambridge Water Department (CWD) is a municipally owned and operated water utility, responsible for the treatment and delivery of water to the residents of Cambridge. Water originates from the Hobbs Brook Reservoir, Stony Brook Reservoir and Fresh Pond water supply system with the occasional supplement from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) system. The department is also responsible for the preservation, protection, and management of the City's watershed and reservoirs.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Watershed Management Division of the Cambridge Water Department (CWD) is seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual to support the Supervisor of Watershed Management and the Watershed Technical Supervisor in implementing the Source Water Protection Program. Responsibilities include reservoir, tributary, and construction site monitoring, laboratory analyses, and other field and office-based tasks. This position provides on-the-job training and experience in natural resources management, field data collection and analysis, and watershed protection. The Watershed Management Assistant will work under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Watershed Management and will receive day-to-day supervision and training from the Watershed Technical Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific duties include but are not limited to the following:

Field Work

• Water quality, algae, and macroinvertebrate sample collection
• In-stream flow measurements;

Assist with:

• watershed site and dam inspections; and hazmat spill response equipment inventories
• Assist Rangers with maintaining field sensors and performing visual surveys to quantify Fresh Pond Reservation usership

Laboratory

• Maintain and calibrate field and laboratory equipment;
• Prepare and manage sampling and laboratory supplies;
• Prepare water quality samples for laboratory analysis;
• Analyze water quality samples using a fluorometer; and
• Assist with macroinvertebrate and algal identification

Database Management

Keep Watershed Division databases up to date by entering data from:

• Stream and reservoir monitoring programs
• Fresh Pond Reservation Census Program
• Site Monitoring Program

Public Education/Event Planning

• Organize the Watershed Division's annual Cycle to the Source educational bike ride by overseeing event registration, creating promotional materials, and other tasks as needed.

GIS

• Create GIS maps
• Develop/edit spatial data
• Assist with the maintenance and creation of ArcGIS Online applications such as StoryMaps and Dashboards

Other

• Update Watershed Division website
• Assist with report writing and data presentations for Watershed Division monitoring programs
• Create posters, brochures, and other outreach materials for Watershed projects
• Perform other duties as they arise

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in one or more of the following areas: biology, hydrology, ecology, environmental sciences, or related natural sciences field
• Proficiency with all Microsoft Office programs
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to work in field conditions daily, regardless of weather
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills
• The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse, and candidates must demonstrate the knowledge and the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds and ideologies.

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with water quality monitoring equipment, microscopes, environmental monitoring, algae and/or macroinvertebrate identification
• Proficiency with ArcGIS
• Experience with R programing language

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Will vary between outdoor environment in all weather conditions and a standard office environment. Fluorescent lighting. Heating and air conditioning systems. Moderate noise level.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The Watershed Management Assistant will lead and assist in field sampling, so must be able to carry up to 25 lbs. over rugged terrain, walk distances in wooded areas, and bend. The position will require sampling from a small boat, so the applicant must be comfortable sitting and maneuvering in an aquatic vessel.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

• Resume

The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.