Join the NepRWA team and help make a difference in your community!
Employment Opportunities
Neponset Environmental Science and Engineering Fellowship
This is a full-time position that runs for 13 months (ideally June 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020).
The Neponset River Watershed Association is seeking applications for the Neponset Environmental Science and Engineering Fellowship. This is a 13-month full-time position that provides the opportunity for a recent graduate to gain intensive hands-on experience working with a well-respected regional nonprofit.
The Fellowship is intended to provide broad exposure to the full range of science, education, advocacy, and community organizing functions involved in watershed work. The Fellow will work closely with the Association’s Environmental Scientist, Executive Director, Outreach Director, and other staff.
The Fellow’s core responsibilities will include day to day supervision of the Association’s volunteer-based water quality monitoring program and a leadership role in organizing spring and fall river-cleanup events. The Fellow will play a supporting role in other projects potentially including our hotspot monitoring program, development and construction of stormwater best management practice retrofits, stream habitat restoration projects, and stormwater and/or water conservation education programs. The Fellow will be exposed to at least one public speaking and grant writing opportunity, and will prepare comments on a development or permitting issue.
Schedule and Compensation
Qualifications
This is a full-time position that runs for 13 months (ideally June 1 to June 30). Compensation includes a salary of $30,000 per year, health insurance and paid time-off benefits. The position requires occasional early morning sampling and evening or weekend events.
The Fellowship is open to applicants who have recently received a master’s or bachelor’s degree in watershed management, environmental science, civil/environmental engineering, or a related field, and who are interested in a natural resource protection career. Applicants should have excellent written, telephone, and interpersonal communication skills, and should be comfortable working with a diverse collection of volunteer personalities. They must have a demonstrated ability to plan and implement projects in a fast paced environment, working both independently and as part of a team. Applicants must be comfortable working outdoors, in poor weather, on uneven ground, and in a canoe, and must have their own transportation. Applications by minority candidates, candidates interested in a career in the nonprofit sector, and residents of the 14 Neponset Watershed communities are particularly encouraged.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter via email. In the cover letter, please describe your interest in the position, relevant academic and/or work experience, and how a one-year fellowship would fit into your overall career goals. We recommend submitting application materials by mid-April. We hope to make a final hiring decision by early May and to have the new fellow start work in June 2018.
Send applications to Chris Hirsch, Environmental Scientist at hirsch@neponset.org
Volunteer Positions
Summer Water Quality Intern
Opportunity Description
The volunteer intern will help with all aspects of the volunteer water quality monitoring program and hot spot monitoring program, and culvert assessment program during the summer of 2018. This includes preparing sampling materials and supplies, field work, data management, sample analysis in the lab, and volunteer coordination. The intern will also assist with planning and coordination for the 2019 Hyde Park Neponset River Cleanup. Depending on the intern and their level of interest there may be the opportunity to take a leadership role on an independent project in analyzing historic water quality data sets or conducting a literature review. The Water Quality Intern works in close collaboration with the Association’s Environmental Scientist, Environmental Science Fellow, Executive Director, and community volunteers; providing the intern with a unique, hands-on, environmental science and community organizing experience.
Where
Work will occur at the Neponset River Watershed Association offices (2173 Washington Street Canton, Massachusetts 02021) and in the field throughout the watershed.
When
Schedule is 2-3 days a week for a minimum of 10 and maximum of 20 hours weekly depending on the intern’s availability, interests and other commitments. Help is needed beginning in May and running through October. A minimum commitment of 10 weeks is requested. The schedule is flexible, but must be consistent from week to week. Work occurs primarily during normal business hours, with occasional early morning or evening activities.
Skills and Special Requirements
The volunteer should be an undergraduate or graduate pursuing a degree in environmental science or a related field. Familiarity with environmental sampling and analysis techniques is desirable but not required. Self motivation, reliability and the ability to work independently and follow specific sampling protocols are all critical, as is attention to safety procedures. Basic computer skills are necessary and having your own transportation is required. Interns should be enthusiastic to work in the field on uneven terrain and under adverse weather conditions (i.e. rain).
To Apply
To apply, please send an email describing why you are interested in the position with a copy of your resume to Andres Ripley, Environmental Science Fellow ripley@neponset.org.
Citizen Water Monitoring Network Volunteers Needed!
“CWMN” is an important Water Sampling Volunteer Program that NepRWA has been managing for over 20 years.
Water Sampling Program
Volunteers are needed to collect water quality samples in Dedham and Norwood, as part of the Citizen Water Monitoring Network (CWMN). Sampling occurs once a month, on the second Thursday, from May through Oct.
We always need back up or fill-in volunteers to sample on days when our regular volunteers aren’t able to.
If you or anyone you know might be interested in helping us out, please email Andres Ripley at ripley@neponset.org.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Neponset River Spring Cleanup
Sat., April 27 from 9am-noon
Cleanup volunteers and sites captains needed! Bring a team to help
Our Annual Cleanup takes place during the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Park Serve Day, a statewide volunteer service day to get our parks and open spaces ready for the summer recreation season.
More at www.neponset.org/cleanup
Neponset RiverFest
Sat., July 20 from 10am-2pm
DCR Neponset Park, 180 Granite Ave., Dorcheste
Volunteers needed for parking, set up and break down. Volunteers get a pass to the front of the boat rental line
RiverFest is a family-friendly, public event. Activities include FREE canoeing and kayaking, fishing clinics, kid’s activities, crafts, music, food trucks and more.
More at www.neponset.org/riverfest
Road Crossing Assessment
Volunteers are needed to help measure stream crossings to identify culverts in the Neponset Watershed that need replacement. Must be able to navigate steep banks in waders. This project will take place throughout the year, weather permitting. Volunteers will be trained by NepRWA Enviro. Scientist, Chris Hirsch, at the NepRWA office in Canton.
Email Chris with questions at hirsch@neponset.org