Water Quality Technician
City of Albany Department of Water & Water Supply
2025 SEASONAL Employment Opportunity
Water Quality Technician $21.00 hourly rate
The City of Albany Department of Water and Water Supply (AWD) is offering seasonal employment to assist in environmental monitoring and watershed management for the City of Albany’s public water supply system. AWD manages a water supply consisting of two surface water reservoirs, a finished water reservoir, and approximately 6,000 acres of lands and forests. The seasonal Water Quality Technician will assist the Watershed Unit with duties related primarily to water quality monitoring and freshwater ecology, as well as watershed management, wildlife, and forestry. This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outside, are interested in expanding their technical skill set, and are looking for hands-on natural resource management experience.
Potential Assignments:
Water quality monitoring of reservoirs and tributaries
Routine maintenance and calibration of sampling equipment
Macroinvertebrate and zooplankton surveying and identification
Cataloging of aquatic plants and animals
Harmful algal bloom monitoring
Data analysis and reporting
Wildlife, vegetation, and invasive species surveys and management
Other various activities needed by the department
Preferred Knowledge and Skills:
Interest in natural resource and/or water supply management
Experience with scientific data collection and standard operating procedures
Microsoft Office Suite
ESRI ArcGIS Suite (computer and field use)
Comfort with a microscope and in a lab setting
Technical writing skills
Good reading comprehension skills
Minimum Qualifications:
1. An associate's or higher-level degree in environmental science, biology, limnology, watershed science, aquatic and fisheries science, civil or environmental engineering, water resource management, natural resource management, or a closely related field; OR
2. Completion of at least 18 credit hours in environmental science, biology, limnology, watershed science, aquatic and fisheries science, civil or environmental engineering, water resource management, natural resource management, or a closely related field; OR
3. 1 year experience in an environmental-related field; OR
4. Combination of any of the three requirements above.
5. Possession of a NYS Driver’s License is required at the time of appointment and for the duration of employment.
Additional Requirements:
Be fluent in both written and spoken English.
Provide proof of legal right to work in the United States.
Be able to work full-time (32 - 40 hours/week) during the seasonal employment.
Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and to work in adverse weather conditions on water and on land that may be on steep, rocky, and uneven terrain.
Able to work independently as well as with a team.
Start Date and Work Schedule: Start date is targeted for mid-April, 2025. Start date, work schedule and length for seasonal employment is flexible, but may not exceed 40 hours per week or six-month duration. The Water Quality Technician will report to the main office in Albany, NY.
To Apply: All applicants must submit a resume and cover letter by March 10th, 2025 to Hannah Doherty, Environmental Specialist, via e-mail or US Postal Mail:
Hannah Doherty
Albany Water Department
10 N. Enterprise Drive
Albany, NY 12204
Additional Information:
Participation in the Seasonal Employment does not automatically guarantee full-time employment
The City of Albany Department of Water and Water Supply does not provide medical benefits, vacation pay, sick pay or holiday pay as part of the Seasonal Employment program.