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Field Technician

Cahaba River Coalition
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CAHABA RIVER COALITION FIELD TECHNICIAN

WHO WE ARE

Cahaba River Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in the Cahaba River watershed with an office located in the heart of Birmingham, AL. The Cahaba River Coalition combined the legacies of Cahaba Riverkeeper and Cahaba River Society in 2025 to become the unified voice of the Cahaba River. Guided by science and empowered by community, we preserve and protect the integrity of the Cahaba River and its watershed. 
 

OUR PROGRAMS

Swim Guide addresses citizen questions about the river’s health and monitors the water for bacteria such as E. coli and general water quality parameters at popular recreational sites on the river. The need for Swim Guide started in response to the baseline question of “Is it safe to swim?” as there was no easily accessible and public information available about the health of the river.

CLEAN (Conservation Leadership through Educational Activities in Nature) provides hands-on environmental education to youth and adults wanting to learn about the river and its impact on our communities. CLEAN allows participants to experience outdoor education and foster a deeper connection to Alabama’s waterways.

Through collaboration, river restoration advocacy, hands-on river education, guided recreational opportunities, and volunteer stewardship projects, the Stewardship Program organizes volunteer service projects such as clean-ups and invasive species removal from the river, as well as educates the public on river restoration.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Cahaba River Coalition is seeking individuals who have a passion for clean water to be part of our team to collect weekly water quality samples in the field, while adhering to proper sampling protocols, procedures, and QA/QC guidelines to ensure accurate data quality. Field Technicians will be assigned to one of three sampling routes each week and are responsible for managing bacteria and water quality sample collection on Thursdays. In addition to sampling, field technicians will assist with the CLEAN education program, Stewardship Program, and other CRC-related projects and events throughout the week. 
 

This position requires availability on Thursdays and flexibility on other days, starting on 

May 21st until September 4th. This is a paid position rated at $14/hr with the expectation of working no more than 20 hours/week.  Mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate of $0.725/mi to cover fuel expenses while driving on sampling routes. Upon request and on an as-needed basis, class credit documentation is available.

 

There will be a mandatory training & orientation scheduled before the start date.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Interns are expected to participate in CRC field programming to receive a well-rounded internship experience. Field technicians will be required to participate in Swim Guide on Thursdays and have the ability to be more flexible with their participation in other programs as they fit their interests and scheduling throughout the week. 

SWIM GUIDE 

  • Collect weekly bacteriological water samples for a designated route every Thursday by vehicle
  • Record weekly water quality data using water quality meters
  • Manage and organize data collected during sampling
  • Engage with the public at sampling sites to answer citizen questions
  • Follow sampling protocols and QA/QC guidelines to ensure data quality

CLEAN PROGRAM 

  • Assist with streamwalks, teacher training sessions, and canoe-based education trips
  • Provide field instruction on river ecology, biodiversity, and conservation under the direction of the CLEAN Manager
  • Support the creation of virtual learning materials
  • Ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for participants during CLEAN programs
  • Maintain and organize education materials and field equipment

STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM 

  • Assist with stewardship field trips such as invasive plant management, streambank restoration, and river clean-ups
  • Maintenance of equipment such as field vehicles, trailers, paddling gear, and stewardship tools
  • Plan, coordinate, and implement restoration projects and clean-ups with field staff
  • Support the production of educational best practices guides for riverfront property owners and landowners

LAB COORDINATOR 

  • Communicate with the Lab Manager from the field during sampling days to ensure quality assurance
  • Assist the Lab Manager with processing and analyzing water samples
  • Support the Lab Manager with management and maintenance of the lab

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Reliable transportation with proof of a valid driver’s license and car insurance, and willingness to drive up to 100 miles per week
  • Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions
  • Interest in rivers, conservation, or other environmental/outdoors work
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established protocols and procedures
  • Effective communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment
  • Eager to learn new skills in a unique setting and contribute to a meaningful environmental initiative

HOW TO APPLY

The deadline to apply is March 6th, 2026!