New York Education & Field Engagement Associate

Come work for clean water! Want to help connect communities to the health of Lake Champlain? The Lake Champlain Committee is looking for a NY education & Field Engagement Associate to help lead hands-on environmental education efforts, support community science initiatives, and collaborate with regional partners to inspire stewardship across northeastern New York in the Lake Champlain watershed. From field outreach to public programs, this role plays a key part in protecting the lake through science, education, and engagement. 

Lake Champlain Committee

New York Education & Field Engagement Associate
HOURS: Full-time, 40 hours per week, including occasional weekends and evenings
LOCATION: New York portion of the Lake Champlain Basin via a combination of remote work, on-site, and field locations, with one day per week at the LCC office in Burlington, VT for the first six months.
SUPERVISOR: Executive Director
Application DEADLINE: April 24, 2026

ORGANIZATION: The Lake Champlain Committee (LCC) is a watershed-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting Lake Champlain’s environmental integrity and recreational resources for this and future generations through science-based advocacy, education and collaborative action. LCC has a distinguished 63-year history and is the home organization for the Lake Champlain Paddlers’ Trail. LCC’s office is in Burlington, VT; our staff conduct field work and outreach throughout the Lake Champlain basin.

OVERVIEW: LCC’s NY Education & Field Engagement Associate is responsible for supporting LCC’s science-based environmental field programs and delivering environmental education lessons and information related to the mission of LCC. The NY Education & Field Engagement Associate is the lead for LCC’s collaborative work with New York State community partners to develop and organize educational events and outings to raise awareness of lake issues, natural history, and foster stewardship and community engagement. The NY Education & Field Engagement Associate produces informational columns and outreach materials, develops and fosters relationships with partner organizations, and supports and promotes the Lake Champlain Paddlers’ Trail.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide information and deliver environmental education lessons on native and invasive aquatic species, stormwater, marine debris, pollution, and other key natural history and environmental protection topics relating to LCC’s environmental and science policy and stewardship initiatives to children and adults at schools, camps, fairs, workshops, and other community events.
• Conduct in-person meetings and trainings for New York-based community science volunteers. Work to foster relationships with public and private landowners to promote and expand voluntary stormwater assessment programs and beach clean-ups.
• Expand and develop science, resource management, and advocacy networks to further LCC’s mission and serve as LCC representative to related groups, particularly in New York State. Work with other LCC staff and community partners to develop and organize educational events and outings to raise awareness of lake issues, natural history, and foster stewardship and community engagement.
• Support LCC community science programs, including annual community-based cyanobacteria monitoring, aquatic invasive species monitoring and eradication/management efforts, and stormwater reduction education programs by interfacing with volunteers to provide materials, answer questions, track data, and disseminate communications about the work.
• Promote and develop Lake Champlain Paddlers’ Trail including assisting with production of the annual online guidebook, expanding day trip guides and content materials, developing new partnerships and trail locations, discussing maintenance needs with landowner partners, and creating educational programs and materials to promote safe access to and utilization of the Trail system.
• Assist with production of informational columns, special bulletins, alerts and informational materials on topical issues to engage LCC and community members in our advocacy and field work. Help develop and expand LCC’s web and social media presence through regular content development and updating and frequent postings. Assist in maintaining web pages for science and issues work to foster broader understanding of lake issues and expand support for LCC’s work.
• Transport, set up, and manage outreach exhibits and activities; maintain mobile inventory of LCC merchandise, outreach materials, and member resources, and track related distribution or sales.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR position:

• Bachelor’s degree with strong academic and fieldwork background in biology, environmental science, water resources, environmental policy, or related field.
• Successful experience totaling at least one year (can include internships with substantial responsibility) of developing and delivering environmental education, engaging in environmental outreach and advocacy, and/ or conducting environmental field programs.
• Ability to effectively and persuasively communicate scientific and technical information to diverse audiences using a variety of media.
• Interest in and familiarity with environmental issues on which LCC works, including understanding of environmental science, laws, regulations, and policy.
• Personal commitment to protecting Lake Champlain’s environmental integrity and recreational resources.
• Valid driver’s license and consistent access to a reliable vehicle. Frequent travel throughout the basin, including the Vermont as well as the New York portion of the watershed will be required.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, PowerPoint), cloud-based file sharing, and ArcGIS. Comfort with virtual meeting platforms and remote collaboration tools.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills and an ability to deliver high quality products and programs.
• Thoughtful, collaborative work style and a commitment to team cohesion.
• Professional demeanor, confidentiality, and good judgment in all interactions.
• Initiative in identifying needs and following through on responsibilities; capacity to learn new systems and adapt to changing technology and priorities.
• Flexibility to shift comfortably and readily from office and remote work to formal meetings, community settings, and field environments throughout work tenure.
• Ability to perform frequent in-person field and outreach work, particularly in summer and fall. This position operates four days per week in New York and one day per week in our Vermont office; while New York residency is preferred, it is not required.

ADVANTAGEOUS SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Familiarity with geography, history, and governance structures within the Lake Champlain Basin.
• Experience and interest in paddling and human-powered recreation.
• Outdoor experience or certifications.
• Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp or Constant Contact), social media tools, and basic website content management systems.

SALARY RANGE: $40,000-$52,000, depending on experience

BENEFITS: Generous benefits package in addition to salary, including at minimum: 12 paid holidays per year, health insurance (or substitute benefit), personal and sick/disability leave, 10 vacation days per year (after 6 months); 403(b) deferred compensation plan with employer match (after one year). This position requires the incumbent to work five days a week, 8 hours per day, except for approved compensatory time.

Equal Opportunity Employer – The Lake Champlain Committee is an equal opportunity employer. LCC is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in all aspects of its relations with its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, date of birth, sexual orientation or handicap. LCC intends that all matters related to hiring, training, compensation, benefits, advancement, reductions in force and all treatment on the job be free of discriminatory practices.

For full job posting, check out the LCC website here.