Environmental Scientist or Engineer-Canton MA.

The Environmental Scientist/Engineer is a key member of the Association’s senior staff. She/he helps to formulate strategy and implement programs to restore the physical, chemical and biological integrity of the watershed. She/he provides scientific and/or engineering expertise to complement the legal, policy, political and education expertise of other staff members.

The Environmental Scientist/Engineer’s role involves elements of water chemistry, ecology, biology, civil engineering, landscape architecture, hydrology, geomorphology, and watershed modeling among other disciplines. In addition, he/she helps to build partnerships with a wide array of individuals in municipal, state and federal governments, as well with as academic institutions, the private consulting community, and among watershed residents. The Environmental Scientist regularly oversees the work of interns, volunteers, and part-time staff.

The Environmental Scientist/Engineer’s work evolves over time in response to changing opportunities, however his/her current projects include:

• Managing the Association’s volunteer-based water quality monitoring program.
• Working with municipalities and landowners to locate, prioritize and prepare conceptual designs for measures to reduce stormwater pollution.
• Working with municipalities and state/federal agencies to help locate and eliminate illicit connections to storm drains through field sampling, sample analysis and technical assistance.
• Working with landowners and local authorities to help plan, permit and implement habitat restoration projects such as small dam removals.
• Working with municipalities to help evaluate the impact of water withdrawals on stream health and develop strategies to reduce those impacts.

This position requires occasional early morning or weekend sampling, and occasional participation in evening meetings or weekend events.

The successful candidate will have a combination of technical and leadership skills. A bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology, ecology, hydrology, engineering, landscape architecture or a related field, plus three years of relevant work experience, is required. A master’s degree and/or additional work experience is preferred. It is unlikely that any one candidate will have formal training in all the disciplines that are touched by this position, but they must have a strong foundation in at least one area, and should be a lifelong learner who enjoys stepping outside his or her established areas of expertise.

She/he should be enthusiastic about the mission of the organization, and excited about the technical, social and political challenges involved in restoring an urban river. He/she must be self-motivated and must have excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills. He/she must be able to enunciate the policy and regulatory implications of watershed data, and have an ability to connect effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences. He/she should be a capable project manager, who works well in a fast-paced team environment. She/he should be comfortable working independently in the field on uneven terrain, in a canoe and wading.

The candidate should have experience with water quality monitoring, field sampling, basic laboratory analysis, database management and GIS. Experience with stormwater best management practices, low impact development, state and federal regulatory programs, physical habitat restoration methods, streamflow monitoring, watershed modeling, grant management, and working with volunteers are also valuable.

This is a full-time, permanent position, which is available to commence work immediately. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes paid time off and health insurance plan. The Association is an equal opportunity employer.