New York Conservation Corps - Water Resources Field Technician

Position Summary 

The Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District (GCSWCD) is seeking two highly motivated and qualified candidates to fill two open Water Resources Field Technician positions for the 2026 field season. The Water Resources Field Technician supports collaborative watershed protection and stream management efforts within the Schoharie Reservoir watershed, part of the New York City Water Supply System. Working with the GCSWCD and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the member contributes to initiatives that protect water quality and strengthen community resilience. The position plays a role in assessments and restoration efforts that enhance stream corridors, floodplains, and riparian ecosystems. This work supports science-based watershed management and helps guide projects that improve local infrastructure and public safety near waterways. The member will also engage with landowners, municipal partners, and community stakeholders to promote effective watershed stewardship. This position plays a vital part in protecting a key source of drinking water for millions of New York residents.

 

Location 

Leeds, NY

 

Schedule 

May 22, 2026 - October 30, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The Water Resources Field Technician will assist the GCSWCD and DEP in assessing, restoring, and protecting Catskill Mountain streams within the Schoharie Reservoir watershed through the implementation of the Schoharie Watershed Stream Management Program (SWSMP). Key responsibilities include collecting and analyzing field data, participating in educational outreach, and contributing to stream management and restoration efforts.; Fieldwork duties include:; • Conducting stream corridor, road-stream crossings, and other watershed assessments using GPS or survey equipment for data collection and identification of management needs.; • Monitoring projects through topographic, longitudinal, and cross section survey, photo documentation, pebble counts, bar sampling, and vegetation monitoring.; • Maintaining native plant supplies at GCSWCD’s nursery.; • Supporting and maintaining riparian buffer plantings, stream restoration projects, and highway and infrastructure projects.; Data processing and analysis responsibilities:; • Remote sensing and map development prior to site visits and other field activities.; • Post-processing and analyzing field data, predominantly using ESRI ArcGIS Pro and Microsoft Excel.; • Assisting with report writing for stream corridor assessments, project monitoring, and design reports.; Education and outreach tasks:; • Developing educational materials such as newsletters, public service announcements, and brochures.; • Assisting with community outreach to engage stakeholders within the Schoharie Reservoir watershed.; • Participation in the annual Greene County Youth Fair.; Approximate time allocation for duties and responsibilities throughout the term:; • 50%: Field data collection (stream corridor assessments, vegetation monitoring, and reference reach and restoration project monitoring); • 20%: Supporting stream restoration, riparian plantings, and maintaining native plant inventory; • 10%: Data processing and report development; • 10%: Creating educational materials, assisting with coordination and presentation of educational programs, public workshops, and events; • 10%: Participation in SCA Hudson Valley Corps events and administrative tasks;

 

Marginal Duties 

The listed responsibilities and tasks are representative but not exhaustive; additional duties of a similar nature may be assigned.;

 

Required Qualifications 

• Degree Requirements: Associate or Bachelor of Science / Associate or Bachelor of Arts in environmental science/engineering, watershed management, geology, hydrology, botany, or related field
• Skills
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to perform physical activities in challenging outdoor settings and able to work in fast-moving streams while operating field equipment
• Knowledge:
  • Candidates should have a working knowledge of watershed science and streams, a background in conservation science, and a basic understanding of field data collection techniques and data analysis

 

 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Preferred Skills
  • Educational or work experience with field data collection, survey techniques, use of a GPS