Watershed Science Advisor (project-based contractor)

Classification: Project-based, independent contractor

Deadline to apply: February 4, 2026
Start Date: Mid-late February 2026

End Date: Late May 2027
Office Location: Greenfield, MA + remote

Health benefits eligible: No
Supervisor: Director of Communications
Hourly Rate: $50/hour

Weekly commitment: Approx. 5 hours/week

position description

The Connecticut River Conservancy will be creating a State of the Watershed report in 2027. The report aims to synthesize existing data about the watershed’s health—such as water quality, hydrology, habitat and land use, climate and stressors, and human factors—and present a holistic view of this through metrics, graphics, grading, and narrative. The report will also make data-driven recommendations for shared conservation objectives.

Through collaboration with a Report Committee consisting of additional subject matter experts, the Watershed Science Advisor will play an important role in ensuring the process and outcome are delivered with scientific rigor and integrity.

Primary Responsibilities

• Advise the Report Committee on scientific methodology, existing research, data relevance, and health indicators
• Develop an evaluation metric to provide “grading” for portions/categories/the entire watershed
• Work closely with CRC’s Director of Communications to align on report structure, Committee efficiency, data organization, and cohesive presentation
• Participate in monthly Report Committee meetings
• Synthesize information from nonprofit organizations and state and federal agencies
• Communicate with individual Report Committee members as needed to support their data efforts
• Research a wide range of existing databases to gather and interpret relevant metrics on specific watershed categories
• Analyze CRC’s existing data and restoration project outcomes
• Troubleshoot challenges of inconsistencies in available data
• Support the design and completion of the final report through editorial input to ensure a high quality of scientific standards are met
• Ability to act as a speaker or presenter of the report to explain the methodology, key findings, rationale for data selection, or recommended actions based on evidence gathered

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in water-related science field with expertise in watershed science and reporting
• Strong scientific/technical background and quantitative skills in the areas of freshwater aquatic science, riparian science, and/or restoration science
• experience in working with local, state, and federal reporting on environmental topics relevant to the Connecticut River watershed (i.e. water quality, migratory fish, restoration, hydrology, climate resilience, etc.)
• Detail oriented with ability to manage complex data systems, data analysis, and reporting
• A proven track record of success in project leadership and collaborative partnerships
• Excellent communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate findings clearly in writing and presentation of scientific information for general and technical audiences
• Capacity to contribute approximately 5 hours/week through May 2027

Office Location

15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA for occasional in-person meetings, otherwise most of the work can be done remotely.

Salary and Benefits

This is a project-based freelance/independent contractor role that will be paid on an hourly basis as invoiced for work completed, and is not eligible for benefits.

Application Instructions

Go to: https://www.ctriver.org/jobs/watershed-science-advisor 

Application Deadline

February 4, 2026.

Overview of the Organization

The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed.

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. Learn more at ctriver.org, and read our full Strategic Plan (including a description of the State of the Watershed Report at ctriver.org/strategic-plan.