Aquatic Invasive Species Field Assistant in CT

Field Crew for Aquatic Invasive Species Control

Seasonal position: 16 hours/week (0.4 FTE)
Start Date: 05/01/2024
End Date: 08/31/2024
Location: Hartford, CT / Field work in Glastonbury, Middletown and South Windsor
Health Benefit Eligible: No
Retirement Benefit Eligible: No
Supervisor: River Steward in Connecticut
Position classification: Seasonal
Pay: $18/hour

Position Description:

The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) seeks three motivated individuals to assist with our Community Science program that manages invasive water chestnut plants in the Connecticut River Watershed in Connecticut. Removing water chestnut from water bodies will be the primary purpose of this role. Staff will participate in 4 staff pull days a week, depending on team schedule. They will also organize weekly volunteer pulling events on Saturday. Staff will organize four pulling events a week, one of which shall occur on Saturdays, with volunteer participation. Each event lasts 4 hours, from meeting to departure, including time for an orientation and securing boats onto vehicles. This work takes place on several water bodies located in Hartford, Glastonbury, South Windsor, and Middletown.  Kayaks or Canoes and all other necessary supplies are provided to staff. There will be also opportunity to assist with CRC community engagement events, by involving youths, locals, and new friends to our work. This position requires access to a car and mileage accrued while working will be reimbursed at the IRS rate.

Position Responsibilities:

• Helping the AIS Control Field Manager host water chestnut pull events and participate in the pulls themselves. This includes volunteer management and support.
• Volunteer management may include individual volunteers, school groups and community groups.
• Supporting the AIS Control Field Manager in data collection and reporting of invasive species removal and spread.
• Assist with hydrilla prevention activities including talking to boaters at popular boat launches.

Position Requirements:

• Interest for the environment and river ecology
• Paddling experience or an interest in learning
• A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle

Application Details:

Deadline to apply: March 19th, 2024
Use form on our website to submit a resume and brief cover letter in 1 PDF document. Interviews will take place during the first two weeks of April.
Hiring manager: Rhea Drozdenko (she/her), rdrozdenko@ctriver.org, 860-929-8021

Overview of the Organization
 

The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) protects and restores clean water and healthy habitats for New England’s largest river and its watershed communities.

CRC has been a steward of the Connecticut River and its tributary streams since 1952. Our programs include advocacy, aquatic invasive species management, dam removal, habitat restoration, migratory fish surveys, recreation, trash cleanups, and water quality monitoring. Through collaborative partnerships in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, CRC leads and supports efforts for resilient and life-filled rivers from source to sea. We are uniquely positioned to leverage local, state, regional, and federal resources as the only science-based nonprofit working throughout the entire watershed. Our values of inclusion, collaboration, resilience, and stewardship guide our ongoing work to address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Together through community engagement and education, we’re helping to ensure healthy rivers for all. Learn more at ctriver.org.

Connecticut River Conservancy is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and will engage in an inclusive recruiting and hiring process. It considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

COVID Policy and Benefits Package  
The Connecticut River Conservancy requires all employees to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. We offer an employer supported retirement plan for employees who expect to earn at least $5000 in the calendar year. Please reach out with any questions about our current COVID-19 safety procedures and/or benefits packages.