Job Summary: The Conservation Foundation (TCF) is seeking a Watershed Scientist to support watershed program implementation in the Des Plaines River, DuPage River, and Salt Creek watersheds.  The Watershed Scientist will serve as the administrative coordinator to one of the Watershed Groups staffed by TCF .  Additionally, the Watershed Scientist will be responsible for the deployment and maintenance of continuous water quality sondes and the collection of water quality and sediment samples in study watersheds.  We are looking for a well-organized individual that has excellent written and verbal communication skills and is comfortable working with elected officials, municipal leadership and public works staff to implement TCF’s watershed programs. 

 Reports to: Stephen McCracken, Director – DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup

Position Details:

• Full time, exempt position
• Based at the McDonald Farm in Naperville
• Hybrid schedule available
• Starting Salary – mid-$60,000 negotiable based on skills and experience

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work directly with the Director, DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup and Senior Watershed Project Manager to support the implementation of TCF’s watershed program
• Serve as administrative coordinator to a watershed group by serving as the primary point of contact, assisting with the development of budgets, and scheduling and facilitating meetings.
• Manage the deployment, retrieval, and maintenance of continuous water quality sondes.
• Coordinate and manage the collection of water quality and sediment data including flow, stream cross sections, chemistry, and benthic algae.
• Serve as the Watershed Program’s GIS Coordinator and be responsible for organizing and managing geospatial datasets and the production of maps and exhibits for presentations and reports.
• Manage and interrupt large datasets related to water quality, habitat, and other environmental indicators. Should have a high level of competency with Microsoft Excel.
• Assist with the development of education programming and technical report writing.

Education & Experience: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resources, ecology or other relevant field and has at least five to eight years of relevant work experience in surface water quality and policy. Competent in Arc GIS, Microsoft Excel Word and Access.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong organization skills, attention to details, and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience in the collection of water quality and sediment samples using grab samplers, continuous monitoring equipment, and handheld and flow meters and the maintenance of field sampling equipment
• Experience with community engagement, education, or outreach
• Proficiency in ArcGIS Online including spatial data analysis, map production, and the integration of field data into the GIS system
• Comfort representing an organization in public-facing settings
• Excellent technical writing and editing skills
• Experience working with policy, ordinances, grants, and budgets
• Must be comfortable working in and on water and able to perform duties outdoors in varying weather conditions including heat and cold.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel to sites required, mileage reimbursed at IRS rate.

Benefits:                                                        

• Competitive Salary
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401K Match up to 3%
• Flexible work schedule
• Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave
• Cell Phone Reimbursement

Timeline: Application Deadline – 5PM March 17, 2026 

                 Estimated Start Date – April 16, 2026