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
Preferred Qualifications
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
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.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
