Environment 1700HR Environmental Steward, DEP/Watershed MGMT Unit and Volunteer River Monitoring Program, ME
Job Description
Term: January 16, 2023-November 17, 2023
Location: Portland or Augusta, ME
Housing: Not Provided
Days and Hours of Service: 40 hours per week: may include evenings and occasional weekends.
Host Site and Position Overview:
The Watershed Management Unit (WMU) within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for coordinating the assessment of priority watersheds throughout the state and for assisting local and regional groups in protecting or restoring water quality in these watersheds. Within the WMU, the ES will assist with the Volunteer River Monitoring Program to include data compilation, quality assurance, and analysis of volunteer data from the previous field season, as well as assist with organizing and conducting annual volunteer training sessions. The ES will also help coordinate, carry out and report on 2-5 volunteer lake watershed survey projects.
The purpose of this position is to provide technical support to volunteer river and stream groups, and both build capacity and assist lake associations with volunteer lake watershed surveys. The member will develop water resources management, data management, and analyses, online material development, and organizational and communication skills.
General Timeline:
January-February: Complete DEP computer training. Quality check and upload Volunteer River Monitoring Program (VRMP) data.
March-April: Prepare for VRMP training sessions and volunteer lake watershed surveys. Assist with the calibration of VRMP meters
May-June: Assist with VRMP and lake watershed survey trainings. Carry out spring lake watershed surveys.
July-August: Upload remaining VRMP data. Develop VRMP reports for volunteer groups. Prepare for fall lake watershed surveys, if scheduled. Assist with Unit stream assessments as time allows.
September-November: Assist with fall lake watershed surveys (if scheduled) and reports. Assist with post-field season data and equipment management for VRMP.
Description of Duties:
• Complete training in DEP’s database and ArcGIS (if needed)
• Proof and upload volunteer data to the DEP database
• Assist with preparations for and organization of volunteer river monitoring training sessions
• Assist at VRMP training sessions, as needed
• Attend and help organize volunteer lake watershed survey steering committee meetings
• Prepare supporting materials for surveys, steering committees
• Serve as a technical leader for lake watershed survey field days
• Assist with watershed survey reports
• Assist with VRMP reports, developing online versions if plausible
Essential Functions:
• Computer skills and ability to learn DEP computer applications (GIS skills a plus)
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
• Ability to focus and be detailed oriented
• Ability to communicate effectively with volunteers and be outgoing
• Ability to perform tasks independently as well as part of a team
• Reliable and responsible
• Positive attitude
• Ability to get along with others and be respectful
Marginal Functions:
Additional functions that the ES could complete will depend on the ES’s interests. The ES could use or learn skills (e.g. GIS, design skills, StoryMaps, or other online programs) that could improve efficiency or enhance VRMP or lake watershed survey programs, including revamping the lake watershed survey training presentation and other survey materials and developing online VRMP reports for volunteers.
Service Conditions:
The ES will be in an office environment much of the time, with their own desk and computer. Remote service may be necessary for at least part of the term of service. Remote service needs will be determined based on State of Maine COVID-19 guidance and any host site closures or restricted office use or fieldwork policies in place at any given time. The volunteer lake surveys are done generally in the spring or fall and will include some days walking on camp roads, along the lake shoreline, etc. The VRMP trainings will likely be a combination of virtual and at river locations with easy access. The ES will also attend meetings and training events outside the office at various locations.
• Service includes being in an office environment much of the time, with their own desk and computer.
• Service includes assisting with outdoor trainings in springtime.
• Service includes traversing camp roads and lake shorelines during lake surveys.
• Service may involve travel to other locations within the state.
• Service is performed independently and as part of a team.
• Service involves frequent communication with multiple parties.
Site-Specific Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field strongly preferred
• Good computer skills and experience or interest in using large databases and geographic information systems. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Quick learner
The ES must be detail oriented so that minimal data errors are made. The ES should have good communication skills and be able to collaborate effectively with DEP staff and volunteer groups – the ES needs to be at least somewhat outgoing. The ES will need to be able to physically complete the field tasks. Lastly, the ES should possess a positive attitude, be able to get along with others, and be respectful.
Website: https://www.maine.gov/dep/land/watershed/materials.html
How to Apply
To Apply: Go to our website to complete an online application, and email a copy of your resume and a cover letter to conservation.corps@maine.gov. You will then be contacted with further instructions. If you have any questions, please direct those to the email above as well.158 total views, 1 today