Aquatic Invasive Species Control Field Manager in CT

Position Description:

The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) seeks a motivated individual to facilitate the removal and monitoring of invasive species, such as water chestnut and hydrilla in the Connecticut River Watershed in Connecticut. Scheduling and coordinating water chestnut pulling events will be the primary purpose of this role, with support from two assistant field crews. Staff will organize four pulling events a week, one of which shall occur on Saturdays, with volunteer participation.  Each event lasts 4 hours, from time of meeting to time of 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.  

In addition, the field manager will coordinate with partners across the state to support our watershed-wide water chestnut removal efforts; they will be asked to assist in the monitoring of infested locations, participate in partner volunteer events, assist with disposal of the invasive species, participate in water quality monitoring initiatives and provide resources for our partners. Each of these programs relies on volunteer participation and, as such, the field manager should be comfortable coordinating volunteer events. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Host water chestnut pull events and recruit and coordinate volunteers.  
  • Volunteer management may include individual volunteers, school groups and community groups. 
• Collect and submit data from every pulling or scouting event for invasive species removal and spread. 
• Participate in stakeholder meetings 
• Coordinate pulling events or other relevant restoration projects with external partners 
• Assist in the sampling and testing procedures for Cyanobacteria. 
• Transport equipment (canoes/kayaks/trailers) to various work sites and drive a Jon boat as needed.  
• Make events planning decision based on weather and other conditions to consider. 

The ideal candidate will have a passion for the environment, some knowledge of invasive plant management, have paddling experience, and enjoy recruiting and managing volunteers working from boats. This person will be responsible for executing at least a dozen on-water volunteer hand-pulling events between May and August 2023 in conjunction with partner groups, as well as ensure that all data is maintained and can be effectively utilized both internally and by agency and project partners.  

The work will be supervised and supported out of CRC’s Hartford, CT headquarters. Work is anticipated to begin in April and conclude the first week of September– this schedule may vary depending on the growth of water chestnut which is dependent on water temperature. Workdays can be subject to weather cancellation. A boat is provided as needed.   

Required Skills:

• Interest for the environment and river ecology 
• Paddling and motor boating experience 
• Experience organizing events and working with volunteers 
• A valid driver’s license and a vehicle 
• Ability to participate in strenuous physical activity outdoors 
• Ability to swim 

Application Instructions:
Please submit your cover letter and resume as one PDF using the form at ctriver.org/careers. Interviews will take place during the first two weeks of April.
Deadline to apply: March 19, 2023
Hiring manager: Rhea Drozdenko (she/her), rdrozdenko@ctriver.org, 860.929.8021