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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 1 individual who has a passion for clean water to join our team as lab manager to oversee our on-site lab during the Swim Guide season. The Lab Manager has an overall responsibility to process and analyze water samples collected by the field team, while adhering to strict lab protocols. It is the job of the lab manager to ensure the lab is operating smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, the lab manager will have the opportunity to participate in field work, professional development, and other CRC programs.

This position must have availability on Thursdays and Fridays, starting on May 21st until September 4th. This is a paid position rated at $16/hr with the expectation of working 15-20 hrs/wk, though hours can be flexible. Mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate of $0.725/mi to cover fuel expenses if driving on a sampling route. 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:

  • Managing the lab to ensure smooth and efficient operations
  • Coordinating with sampling teams to adhere to QA/QC protocols
  • Processing and analyzing bacteriological water samples
  • Managing and organizing data collected for public viewing
  • Maintaining the cleanliness of the lab each week

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The Lab Manager will be required to participate in Swim Guide on Thursdays and Fridays, and has the ability to be more flexible with their participation in other programs as they fit their interests and scheduling throughout the week. Other responsibilities may include assisting our education programs, recreation and stewardship, and fieldwork.  
 

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
  • Input water quality data collected from the field into database
     

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
  • Track and maintain accurate metrics of program participation, evaluation, and expenses

FIELDWORK

  • Collect bacteriological water samples for a designated route on Thursdays by vehicle
  • Record 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

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Effective time management skills
  • Ability to adhere to strict quality control measures
  • Familiarity with Excel/Google Sheets and ability to maintain accurate records
  • Familiarity or willingness to learn ArcGIS or other GIS mapping tools
  • Willingness and ability to teach others, along with effective communication skills
  • Interest in rivers, conservation, environmental work, or public health
  • Reliable transportation with proof of a valid driver’s license and car insurance, and willingness to drive up to 100 miles per week, if needed

HOW TO APPLY

The deadline to apply is March 6th, 2026!