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
  • Experience with the installation, maintenance, and/or monitoring of native vegetation on riparian restoration sites.
  • Experience or training in ArcGIS Pro and other ESRI applications
  • Vehicle Operation
  • The preferred candidates will maintain a clean motor vehicle record, with the authorization to safely operate a GCSWCD-provided vehicle for job-related duties, including travel and transportation of equipment and supplies to various job sites.;

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Member will be responsible for securing their own housing within commuting distance to Leeds, NY

Compensation  

Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term: $3,697.50; Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $440/week, and $1,000/month housing allowance for positions outside of NYC

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits 

• Healthcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for free health insurance
• Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments, (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans
• AmeriCorps and SCA Training
• SCA Risk Management
• Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Environmental Leadership Institute
• New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
• Hudson River Ecology
• Leave No Trace Level I Certification
• Professional Development & Job Readiness
• Defensive Drive Training
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

Salary : $1,000