Water Resources Monitoring Technician

Location: Providence, RI (Hybrid – primarily field-based in Roger Williams Park)
Job Type: Seasonal: May 2026 – October 2026
Salary: $22/hour and 35 hours per week.

Our Mission

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island works to protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through conservation, education, and advocacy for the benefit of people and all other life.

Climate change, biodiversity, and water quality are central priorities of Audubon Rhode Island. One of our signature initiatives is the Stormwater Innovation Center (SIC), based in Roger Williams Park, which serves as a regional hub for stormwater research, monitoring, restoration, and professional training.

Position Summary

The Stormwater Innovation Center is seeking a Water Resources Monitoring Technician to support applied water quality monitoring, cyanobacteria assessment, and aquatic restoration projects in Roger Williams Park. This position is designed for early-career professionals seeking hands-on experience with environmental instrumentation, field data collection, and real-world water quality management projects that directly inform restoration and management decisions.

The technician will support cyanobacteria monitoring and carp management efforts alongside stormwater and general water quality monitoring activities, gaining experience in projects that support water quality management and restoration efforts through high-quality field data collection. This is a hybrid position, with the majority of work conducted outdoors, supplemented by remote work focused on data collect, management, QA/QC, and visualization.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct routine and event-based water quality monitoring in freshwater ponds and green infrastructure and stormwater systems
• Collect, process, and manage cyanobacteria-related data, including field observations and water quality measurements
• Assist with carp management activities, including trapping support, fish identification, tagging, relocation, and biomass tracking
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain environmental monitoring equipment and sensors
• Perform field surveying and GPS mapping of monitoring locations and restoration sites
• Apply standardized QA/QC protocols to field and laboratory data
• Assist with data analysis, interpretation, and visualization for internal use and public dashboards
• Support development and maintenance of geospatial datasets using ArcGIS Online and related tools

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, hydrology, geology, engineering, or a related field
• 0–3 years of relevant professional or applied field experience
• Interest in freshwater ecology, cyanobacteria, stormwater management, or aquatic restoration
• Experience with or willingness to learn environmental monitoring equipment (e.g., YSI sondes, fluorometers, water level loggers, GPS units)
• Familiarity with environmental data management and QA/QC practices
• Experience with ArcGIS Online, Survey123, or similar platforms preferred
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative field team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Valid Driver’s License
• Comfort working in or near water; kayak experience a plus

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work outdoors in a range of weather conditions
• Ability to walk long distances and work on uneven terrain and from small watercraft
• Ability to safely handle field equipment and samples
• Ability to work occasional weekends, early mornings and late nights.