Angler Survey Technicians MA

Seasonal position – 25 hours/week (0.6 FTE)  
Start Date: 04/01/2024 
End Date: 06/30/2024
Location: South Hadley, Holyoke and Chicopee, MA
Health Benefit Eligible: No 
Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes 
Supervisor: Ecology Planner
Position classification: Seasonal 
Pay: $18/hour 

Position Description:

The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) seeks 2 Seasonal Angler Survey Coordinators to implement Angler surveys in the Massachusetts portion of the Connecticut River Watershed for the 2024 season. This program includes monitoring fishing and boating activities at designated locations and engaging with anglers to learn about their experience and their catches. CRC is looking for motivated candidates that are comfortable around the river and relevant activities and can initiate lively and informative conversations with the public. These programs may include volunteer participation and, as such, the coordinators should also have experience and comfort with volunteer management.  Surveys are randomly interspersed, occurring in the mornings, afternoons, weekends, and occasional holidays. The surveys are to begin on April 1st and continue until June 30th. This work takes place in several location including Holyoke, South Hadley, and Chicopee. 

Position Responsibilities: 

• Successfully complete training.  Pass both a survey procedures test and fish identification test. 
• Fish identification guides and training provided.  
• Begin and end each 4-hour assignment on time at pre-defined locations and times. 
• Weekends and Holidays times detailed below are required. 
• Follow documented survey procedures 
• Collect data on fishing activity visible from shore (boat and bank fishing) 

• Collect data on fish catch (species and rate) 
• Collect data on anglers’ experience via on-site interviews 
• Educate anglers on the importance or restoring fish passage and collecting data  
• Distribute outreach material while interacting with the angling public in the field 
• Record data on electronic field tablets and data sheets 
• Perform rigorous data review for quality control 
• Complete, organize, and submit data and reports to supervisors in a timely manner 
• Promote relevant US Fish & Wildlife Services, MA Department of Recreation and Conservation and CRC programs. 

Position Requirements: 

• High school diploma or GED equivalent 
• Interest in river ecology and stewardship 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.  Outgoing and engaging personality.  Individuals should be comfortable approaching and speaking with strangers to obtain interviews 
• A valid driver’s license and vehicle. 
• Ability to participate in strenuous physical activity 
• Ability to work both in the office as well as on the river 
• Comfortable being around fish and fishing equipment 
• Familiarity with spreadsheets and mapping tools 
• Flexible schedule: availability and willingness to work 5-hour days outdoors on randomly interspersed weekdays and weekends, including some holidays.
• Fluent English required. Conversational Spanish desired. 

Application Details: 
We understand that many folks who may be impacted by biased professionalism standards, such as women, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC applicants, tend to apply only if they meet every requirement listed. If you are excited about this role and meet 75% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply and highlight your relevant experience and transferable skills in your cover letter.

Deadline to apply: March 8th, 2024
Use form below to submit a resume and brief cover letter in 1 PDF document.
Interviews will take place during the first two weeks of March.  

Hiring manager: Aliki Fornier (she/her) afornier@ctriver.org, 413.772.2020 x207 

Overview of the Organization

The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) protects and restores clean water and healthy habitats for New England’s largest river and its watershed communities.

CRC has been a steward of the Connecticut River and its tributary streams since 1952. Our programs include advocacy, aquatic invasive species management, dam removal, habitat restoration, migratory fish surveys, recreation, trash cleanups, and water quality monitoring. Through collaborative partnerships in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, CRC leads and supports efforts for resilient and life-filled rivers from source to sea. We are uniquely positioned to leverage local, state, regional, and federal resources as the only science-based nonprofit working throughout the entire watershed. Our values of inclusion, collaboration, resilience, and stewardship guide our ongoing work to address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Together through community engagement and education, we’re helping to ensure healthy rivers for all. Learn more at ctriver.org.

Connecticut River Conservancy is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and will engage in an inclusive recruiting and hiring process. It considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

COVID Policy and Benefits Package  
The Connecticut River Conservancy requires all employees to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. We offer an employer supported retirement plan for employees who expect to earn at least $5000 in the calendar year. Please reach out with any questions about our current COVID-19 safety procedures and/or benefits packages.