The Southwest Conservation District (SWCD) is a natural resources and conservation focused 501c3 non-profit organization. The organization has offices in Hamden, Connecticut. Our focus is working with property owners and municipalities on environmental issues such as sediment and erosion controls, invasive plants, watershed planning, and environmental education. Our geographic service area is 43 municipalities across New Haven and Fairfield Counties.

This is a unique position with full-time (40 hr/week) expectation of work on typical week. The position consists of multiple responsibilities and includes the role of Watershed Coordinator for the Norwalk River Watershed Initiative (NRWI) as well as being the primary lead for water quality sampling efforts using the SWCD lab facilities in Hamden, Connecticut. Teleworking is available , but some time in the office/lab is expected each week.

Position Responsibilities and Tasks include:

❖ Serves as point person for meeting scheduling, communication with members, sharing information and planning for NRWI meetings

❖ Reviews Norwalk River Watershed Plan and develops project priorities for implementation

❖ Identifies and pursues grant and other funding opportunities for projects in the Norwalk Watershed

❖ Manage water quality lab in SWCD Hamden office

❖ Design and implement water quality monitoring loops and site investigation and source tracking efforts

❖ Manage seasonal interns to conduct water collection, lab process and data management and reporting

❖ Oversee development of water quality reports and presentations based on water quality monitoring

❖ Assist SWCD staff with stormwater inspections, peer review of development proposals and other tasks as assigned by Executive Director of SWCD

Expected qualifications:

❖ Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Soil Science, Natural Resources, Hydrogeology, or related fields. Master’s Degree a plus

❖Strong communication skills, including written, oral and digital (social media and video conference)

❖Must be comfortable working remotely and be self-motivated to complete tasks on short deadlines when needed

❖Ability to review and analyze technical scientific reports and plans and respond to those same documents in writing and public meeting settings

❖Familiarity with State and Local laws and regulations pertaining to environmental and land use issues in Connecticut

❖Strong communication skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office including outlook, excel and sharepoint is desired

❖Outdoor field work involving carrying and use of monitoring equipment or installation gear and tools is part of this position. Field work may occur in remote locations requiring foot travel and during weather events such as rain or snow

❖Familiarity with the Norwalk River Watershed is a plus

Compensation:

❖This is a Full-Time position (40 hours per week)

❖Salary commensurate with experience ($40,000 to $43,000 range)

❖Competitive and progressive holiday and vacation package

❖Comp Time available

❖Teleworking

❖Mileage reimbursements

❖Other benefits available and negotiable

Application Procedure:

❖ Please send a cover letter and resume to Chris Sullivan, Executive Director, Southwest Conservation District via email at SWCD@conservect.org

❖ Applications will be accepted until March 27, 2026

Southwest Conservation District

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Watershed Coordinator and Water Quality Lab Manager