Watershed Innovation Technician

Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Waterhed Innovation, the Watershed Innovation Technician supports applied watershed science, restoration planning, and community engagement efforts led by Washington College‘s Watershed Innovation Lab (WIL). The position is funded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation‘s Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grant (Planning & Technical Assistance) and supports the Langford Watershed Alliance, a multi-partner collaboration focused on restoring the Langford Creek Watershed, a tributary of the Chester River and Chesapeake Bay. This is a temporary appointment that ends on 10/1/2027.

This role blends field research, data analysis, project coordination, and student mentorship. The Technician plays a key role in baseline environmental data collection, site assessment, watershed planning, and community-informed restoration prioritization, while supporting Washington College and CES‘s mission of experiential, place-based learning. Work hours may vary seasonally and may include occasional early morning, evening, or weekend commitments tied to fieldwork or community events.

Essential Functions:

Field Research & Watershed Operations

• Conduct and support field-based monitoring, including water quality sampling, habitat assessments, and maintenance of environmental sensors and instrumentation.
• Assist with site assessments for potential restoration and conservation projects, including streams, shorelines, agricultural lands, wetlands, and nearshore habitats.
• Maintain field equipment, boats, sensors, and supplies to ensure safe and effective operation.
• Work in collaboration with Washington College and CES staff, faculty, partners, and student researchers in field settings.

Data Management, Analysis & Reporting

• Assist with data management, quality control, analysis, and visualization of watershed monitoring data.
• Prepare figures, summaries, and technical inputs for watershed planning documents, reports, and grant deliverables.
• Contribute to drafting components of a science-based, community-informed watershed management plan.
• Support synthesis of data across disciplines to inform restoration prioritization and adaptive management.

Project Coordination & Community Engagement

• Support logistics for meetings, workshops, field tours, and site visits involving landowners, advisory board members, agencies, and project partners.
• Assist with the preparation of maps, site materials, and summaries to support landowner engagement and restoration planning.
• Help document community engagement activities and contribute to long-term engagement strategies.

Student Mentorship & Education Support

• Assist with training and mentoring undergraduate students and interns in field protocols, data collection, safety, and data management.
• Support experiential learning activities, including interactions with visiting classes and project demonstrations.
• Model professional field and lab practices and foster inclusive learning environments.

Outreach & CES Support

• Assist with the development of outreach and educational materials related to watershed science, restoration, and climate resilience.
• Support CES events, informational tours, and public-facing activities as needed.
• Represent Washington College, CES, and the WIL professionally when interacting with partners and community members.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with the selection, training, and coordination of student interns.
• Support scheduling, site access coordination, and shared use of CES facilities and equipment.
• Assist with other CES or WIL initiatives as projects evolve, consistent with grant objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor‘s degree in hydrology, environmental science, environmental studies, natural resources, geography, biology, engineering, or a related field. Candidates who are currently completing their degree and anticipate earning a B.S. by May 2026 are encouraged to apply.
• Experience with field-based environmental or ecological research.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong quantitative skills and proficiency in Excel.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate scientific concepts to different constituent groups
• Able to lift and carry 50lbs
• Valid driver‘s license and ability to travel locally.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2-3 years of experience with watershed science, restoration planning, or water quality monitoring.
• Familiarity with GIS, environmental data platforms, and/or Python.
• Experience working with landowners, community partners, or stakeholders.
• Comfort mentoring students or volunteers.
• Enthusiasm for participating in the life of a liberal arts college and the surrounding community.