Position Title: Streamflow Monitoring and Maintenance Field Technician (two positions open)
Location: Missoula, MT 
Position Type: Temporary Contract, Non-Exempt Employee; 32-40 hours/week
Period of Employment: mid-May – September 2026 (potential for extension)
Compensation: $24-26/hour DOE

JOB SUMMARY: The Water Monitoring and Maintenance Field Technicians will work closely with Clark Fork Coalition’s (CFC) Flow Team to support instream flow restoration projects in the Clark Fork River watershed. The Monitoring and Maintenance Field Technicians will work under CFC’s Legal Director and perform varied tasks such as streamflow measurement and fish screen maintenance in support of CFC’s Flow Team. As part of a small, high-impact team, the Monitoring and Maintenance Field Technicians play a significant role delivering on-the-ground conservation results, and building an informed, engaged base of constituents who will advocate for and support the cause for a healthy watershed. This is primarily a field position requiring physical exertion, efficient time-management, and often eight or more hours in the field alone on a given day. 

SCOPE OF WORK:

Streamflow monitoring: One of the ways that CFC works to restore the watershed is by purchasing and leasing water rights from landowners to ensure that tributary streams stay cold and connected to mainstem rivers during the driest months of the summer in Montana. This position will assist in the monitoring required for these projects, primarily on private land. The Field Technician will assist with all stages of monitoring including set up of monitoring sites, data collection, equipment maintenance, and data entry and analysis. CFC monitors approximately 40 sites within 2 hours of Missoula, and this position involves extensive travel within the watershed. A personal vehicle will be required for some trips, with mileage compensated at $0.70/mile.

Restoration stewardship: CFC is engaged in several river restoration projects across the basin. The Field Technician will assist CFC Project Managers in the implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of a variety of river restoration projects including fish screens, habitat restoration, road decommissioning, and culvert upgrades. This position will also coordinate with CFC’s Community Programs Manager and Project Managers to work with volunteers on project maintenance and revegetation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Monitor streamflow, including travel to monitoring sites, installation and removal of monitoring equipment, manual measurements, and documentation of streamflow on CFC project sites in  the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Ninemile, Grant Creek, and Upper Clark Fork River watersheds. 
• Communicate with landowners frequently to get permission to access sites. 
• Use Microsoft Excel and Word to keep data organized and to complete data entry, analysis, and reporting. 
• Assist CFC Restoration Project Managers in a variety of tasks including:
     o Maintenance of fish screens
     o Watering and weeding of restoration sites
     o Harvesting willows for restoration projects 
     o Other restoration tasks as necessary. 
• Other Responsibilities: 
     o Complete timesheets (daily) and expense reports (monthly)
     o Maintain organized program equipment and supplies
     o Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested collaboratively and with a sense of humor
     o Display a commitment to and professional enthusiasm for CFC’s work to protect and restore the Clark Fork River watershed.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• Basic understanding of water rights and hydrology
• Experience measuring streamflows in the field and building rating curves
• Experience with data management, spreadsheets, and technical reporting
• Experience with physical stream restoration projects desired but not required
• Must have a valid driver’s license