Watershed Management Assistant

Taleo; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cambridge Water Department seeks a Watershed Management Assistant to support the Watershed Management team in implementing the Source Water Protection Program. The role covers field and office duties, including sampling, data entry, and GIS tasks to protect local water resources.

Will train in on-the-job methods, work under supervisors, and contribute to education and outreach efforts for the watershed community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, hydrology, ecology, environmental sciences, or related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and field data reporting.
• Ability to work outdoors daily in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Field sampling of water quality, algae, and macroinvertebrates.
• Laboratory sample preparation and basic analyses.
• Maintain and update Watershed databases with monitoring data.
• Organize educational events and assist with promo materials.
• Create GIS maps and spatial data; support ArcGIS Online apps.
• Assist with site inspections, sensor maintenance, and reporting.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong writing and verbal skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Ability to work in field conditions

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, hydrology, ecology, environmental sciences, or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

R (preferred)

Job description

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

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
• Attention to detail
• 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:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

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.