PFAS Water Quality Specialist

Program Overview: River Science is the lead organization for River Corps and is a 501c(3) nonprofit located in Canon City, CO. The River Corps program places AmeriCorps members at organizations and agencies throughout Colorado to focus on helping the efficiency, efficacy, and scale or healthy rivers and watersheds. To thrive in these technical positions, Members will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support. Specifically, all members will receive training in water quality sampling, stream flow measurement, on-the-ground project monitoring with GIS, and essential watershed coordination techniques to ensure they are adding valuable capacity to watershed actions and initiatives across Colorado. Some positions will require members to be trained in low-tech process-based restoration (ltpbr).  

Service Position Summary: This position will focus on River Science’s 2025 PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) sample analysis plan (SAP). This member will focus on the logistics and landowner communication necessary to collect PFAS water quality samples at the identified SAP locations, periodically sample PFAS in the field, and to help collate the PFAS data for reporting.

Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities):

• Outreach and communication to landowners
• PFAS sample collection and shipping
• Coordination among other AmeriCorps members who are sampling PFAS
• Collate PFAS data
• Update GIS datasets for PFAS geographic data
• Prepare reports

Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):

• Collect other water quality data (metals, nutrients, macroinvertebrate)
• Collect water quantity data (stream flow measurements)

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

• Strong interpersonal communication skills (written and oral)
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and work within a team
• Computer skills (MS Word, Excel)
• Willing to work outside and sometimes alone
• Willing to work in inclement weather
• Capable of lifting 35 pounds

Qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have their driver’s license, their own vehicle, and proof of auto insurance
• Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during the term of service. Members must obtain either a diploma or GED before using an education award.
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States
• Able to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks)

Additional Knowledge/Skills/Abilities necessary for this position.

• Effective time management and how to prioritize various tasks
• Strong algebra skills
• Basic computer skills:
  • Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Email
  • Managing a shared calendar
• Desire to learn
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to engage with the public and build relationships

Term of Service / Time Commitment: This position can be completed as either three-quarter-time (TQT) or half-time (HT) position (see Table 1 below for hours, living allowance, and Segal Award). Either position will start March 3, 2025 and end on November 21, 2025 (around 38 weeks of service). While the position service will occur mostly between Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, flexible hours may be required including occasional evening and weekend commitments. Within these hours, there will be sufficient opportunity to fulfill the specified term hours, including holidays, time off, and missed hours to makeup.

Training and Support Provided: River Corps members receive significant training and experience in technical skillsets (e.g. water quality data collection, water quality data collection, assessment with GIS) and community engagement (e.g. watershed coordination, stakeholder communication). Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved trainings. Members will be supervised and supported by River Science’s Director (Luke Javernick, luke@river.science) as well as by Allison Palmasano, Project Director, allison@river.science

/ 719.429.3707. The cohort of members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.  

Location and Service Conditions: This position is based at 430 Main Street, Canon City, CO 81212.

Benefits:

• A living allowance will be made in bi-weekly (every other Friday) payments. See Table 1 for details. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
• An education award upon successful completion of term of service (see Table 1 for details).
• It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service
• Training certificates in Water Quality & Ecology, and Hydrology Technician 1
• Non-tangible benefits including valuable hands-on experiences, networking, opportunity to help river and watershed health in a local community.
• Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity Statement:

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, there shall not be any discrimination against an employee, volunteer, or program participant on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital, parental, veteran or military status, political service, or membership, participation or association with any organization. We provide equal employment, volunteer, and experience opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities. River Science prohibits any such discrimination or harassment.

River Science will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of the position, including: selection, assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. If you believe you need an accommodation due to a disability, contact the Executive Director immediately. Employees with questions or concerns about discrimination in the workplace are encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of the Executive Director.