WATER QUALITY PROGRAM ASSOCIATE
Role Summary: The Water Quality Program Associate supports RHA’s surface water monitoring program and Community Well Testing Program. Reporting to the Watershed Scientist and Well Test Program Manager, this position provides field, laboratory, data, volunteer, and community program support. Responsibilities shift seasonally, with greater emphasis on well testing during spring and fall community testing seasons and on stream monitoring during field sampling and reporting periods. This is a public-facing role requiring strong organization, attention to detail, and professional communication with residents, volunteers, municipal partners, and laboratories.
Key Responsibilities
Well Testing Program (approx. 45%)
- Maintain in-person office hours at the South Branch/Flemington office on designated days (Mon/Wed, 9 AM–1 PM) for sample drop-off and participant support
- Assist with community well test events, including evenings and weekends during spring and fall seasons
- Provide professional customer service to residents and municipal partners regarding procedures, results, and water quality questions
- Prepare test kits; manage supplies, inventory, payment tracking, participant records, and chain-of-custody documentation
- Coordinate sample transfer and communication with the certified laboratory; email results and provide follow-up
- Perform data entry, quality checks, and recordkeeping; prepare summaries and reports for partners and funders
- Maintain and update groundwater educational materials and public outreach content
Surface Water Monitoring (approx. 45%)
- Conduct field sampling for biological, chemical, visual, habitat, and bacterial monitoring using approved protocols
- Support quality control for data collection, sample handling, equipment calibration, and data management
- Assist with Citizen Scientist and seasonal intern training, scheduling, and field support
- Enter, review, and summarize monitoring data; assist with reports, municipal updates, and agency data submissions
- Support laboratory certification documentation and equipment maintenance
Cross-Program Support (approx. 10%)
- Translate water quality data into public-facing materials: fact sheets, maps, website content, presentations, and reports
- Support grant reporting, funder updates, and municipal communications
- Participate in RHA events, trainings, and public programs; collaborate across science, education, and development teams
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, natural resources, public health, or related field, or equivalent experience
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent customer service and communication skills
- Ability to work professionally with residents, volunteers, municipal partners, laboratories, and staff
- Comfort with data, spreadsheets, forms, and recordkeeping; ability to follow and maintain quality control protocols
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and lift/carry field equipment
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; availability for occasional evening and weekend work
Preferred:
- Experience with surface water monitoring, private well testing, groundwater quality, or watershed science
- Experience working with volunteers, community members, or public-facing programs
- Familiarity with GIS, data QA/QC, environmental reporting, or NJ water quality issues
Work Environment & Schedule
Work includes a mix of office work, fieldwork, laboratory/program support, customer service, and community events at RHA offices, field sites, municipal facilities, and public locations throughout the watershed. Regular in-person office coverage at the South Branch/Flemington office is required on designated days. Schedules are planned in advance with seasonal variation.
Compensation & Equal Opportunity
The starting salary range for this full-time position is $45,000–$50,000, commensurate with experience, plus benefits provided in accordance with RHA personnel policies.
Work Location: RHA South Branch Office, 5 Darts Mill Rd, Flemington, NJ and Main Office at Fairview Farm, 2121 Larger Cross Rd, Bedminster, NJ
How to Apply: Please send a resume and letter of interest, to future@raritanheadwaters.org
Deadline to apply is July 10, 2026
