Pond Monitoring Technician

2026 Pond Monitoring Technician March-November 

The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) seeks a Pond Monitoring Technician to conduct pond water quality monitoring as part of APCC’s Regional Pond Monitoring Program funded by the Freshwater Initiative. 

The Cape Cod Regional Pond Monitoring Program gathers water quality data on selected ponds, incorporating new data and existing historical data into the Regional Water Quality Database, sharing updated data and analysis through a new edition of the Cape Cod Pond and Lake Atlas, and building a sustainable sampling model to continue pond monitoring. Monitoring results are being made publicly available through the Cape Cod Commission’s website for the Cape Cod Regional Water Quality Database https://waterquality.capecodcommission.org/  and will be updated on a regular basis as new information becomes available. 

Responsibilities: The Pond Monitoring Program will entail monitoring water quality in 75 ponds at monthly intervals from March through November. The Pond Monitoring Technician will be one of four technicians who will conduct pond monitoring and sampling of water for temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, water clarity, conductivity/salinity, and lab analysis of nutrients. Together with the Freshwater Science Coordinator, Pond and Cyanobacteria Operations Manager and Senior Pond Monitoring Technician, the Pond Monitoring Technician will organize logistics, mobilization, and demobilization, perform data collection with volunteers, work with partners and contractors; conduct data management and data analysis; and assist in preparation of reports. The candidate must have a reliable vehicle and driver’s license as work involves traveling to and from sampling locations. Mileage will be reimbursed according to APCC policy. 

Minimum Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., water resources, hydrology, limnology, natural resource management, environmental microbiology, etc.) and one to 3 years of relevant experience. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Field monitoring of water quality-related parameters. 

Safe handling and use of watercraft, field trucks and equipment per standard operating procedures. 

Computer skills and experience with Office 365, Microsoft Excel, and Word. 

Data management using Excel and Survey123 

Preparation of reports for final review 

Excellent communication skills (verbal, written). 

Ability to work in a timely manner to meet deadlines 

Comfort and proficiency with working independently and collaboratively as a team member 

The Pond Monitoring Technician will report to the project manager for daily, weekly and monthly tasks and will work with the APCC project team and other APCC staff as directed. 

Physical Requirements of the Job: 

Ability to drive a pickup truck with canoe and equipment properly stored and secured 

Ability to lift and carry a canoe and equipment from the parking area to the pond, sometimes on uneven, steep terrain or up and down stairs. 

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis (canoe, anchor, monitoring equipment, yeti coolers, etc.). 

Ability to paddle to and from the deepest point at each sampling event. 

Swimming skills (required for water safety). 

Ability to operate equipment (sonde, Secchi disk, water sampler, etc.), view, and record data. 

Ability to communicate with and educate volunteers while collecting data. 

Ability to stay in a stationary position, sitting in the canoe for up to 3 hours at a time in varying weather conditions. 

Work requires the wearing of a drysuit provided by APCC for sampling in cold water conditions. 

Working Conditions: 

This is a paid full-time, seasonal position from March to November. The typical work schedule is a 37.5-hour work week over five days per week Monday through Friday. Arrival at ponds by 7:00am. Work is performed outdoors in variable and sometimes inclement weather conditions. 

Candidate MUST HAVE dependable transportation and a valid driver's license. Work involves traveling to and from sampling locations. Mileage will be reimbursed. 

This is a temporary full-time position not to exceed 9 months. Wages are commensurate with experience. 

To Apply - Send your resume, cover letter, and two references. The two references must know you academically and/or professionally. Provide both their name, position, email address, and phone number. [Insert BambooHR Application Link] 

Safety Note: This position may require working in close proximity to and with potential exposure to toxin-producing cyanobacteria that may be present in ponds. While mild human exposure generally results in little or no reaction, there is potential for health impacts ranging from mild irritation from skin contact to severe illness and death associated with ingestion of water containing cyanotoxins. By taking proper safety precautions, we do not expect or foresee any negative health impacts from participation in this monitoring program, but all participants should be aware of the potential risks in order to make personal decisions about their level of participation. APCC staff will provide the Pond Monitoring Technician with training in measures to avoid or minimize contact with cyanobacteria while sampling and processing samples. Interns and staff are expected to observe these measures. 

APCC is the region’s leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization working for the adoption of laws, policies and programs that protect and enhance Cape Cod’s natural resources and quality of life. Founded in 1968, the mission of APCC is to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources of Cape Cod. Our vision is a carbon-neutral Cape Cod where waters are restored and protected, natural landscapes and wildlife habitat are preserved, and where growth respects the character of town centers and rural lands. 

APCC is an equal opportunity employer and provider. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.