2026 Pond Monitoring Technician March-November
Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: Wages are commensurate with experience.
2026Pond Monitoring Technician March-November
The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) seeks a Pond Monitoring Technician to conduct pond water quality monitoring as part of APCCs Regional Pond Monitoring Program funded by the Freshwater Initiative.
The Cape Cod Regional Pond Monitoring Program gathers water quality data on selected ponds, incorporating new data and existing historical data into the Regional Water Quality Database, sharing updated data and analysis through a new edition of the Cape Cod Pond and Lake Atlas, and building a sustainable sampling model to continue pondmonitoring. Monitoring resultsarebeingmade publicly availablethrough the Cape Cod Commissions website for the Cape Cod Regional Water Quality Databasehttps://waterquality.capecodcommission.org/and will be updated on a regular basis asnew informationbecomes available.
Responsibilities: The Pond Monitoring Program will entail monitoring water quality in75pondsat monthly intervals from March through November. The Pond Monitoring Technician will be one offourtechnicians who will conduct pond monitoring and sampling of water for temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, water clarity, conductivity/salinity, and lab analysis of nutrients. Together with the Freshwater Science Coordinator, Pond and Cyanobacteria Operations Manager and Senior Pond Monitoring Technician, the Pond Monitoring Technician will organize logistics, mobilization, and demobilization, perform data collection with volunteers, work with partners and contractors; conduct data management and data analysis; and assist in preparation of reports. The candidate must have a reliable vehicle and drivers license as work involves traveling to and from sampling locations. Mileage will be reimbursed according toAPCCpolicy.
MinimumRequirements: A bachelors degree in a relevant field (e.g., water resources, hydrology, limnology, natural resource management, environmental microbiology, etc.) and one to 3 years of relevant experience.
Required Knowledge,Skillsand Abilities:
- Field monitoring of water quality-related parameters.
- Safe handling and useof watercraft, fieldtrucksand equipment per standard operating procedures.
- Computer skills and experience with Office 365, Microsoft Excel, and Word.
- Datamanagement usingExcelandSurvey123
- Preparation of reportsfor final review
- Excellent communication skills (verbal, written).
- Ability to workin a timely mannerto meetdeadlines
- Comfort andproficiencywith working independently and collaboratively as ateam member
The Pond Monitoring Technician will report to theproject managerfordaily,weeklyand monthlytasks andwill work with the APCC project teamand other APCC staff as directed.
Physical Requirements of the Job:
- Ability to drive a pickup truck with canoeand equipmentproperlystoredandsecured
- Ability to lift and carry a canoe and equipment from the parking area to the pond, sometimes on uneven, steep terrain or up and down stairs.
- Ability tolift upto 50 pounds on a regular basis (canoe, anchor, monitoring equipment, yeti coolers, etc.).
- Ability to paddle to andfrom thedeepest pointat each sampling event.
- Swimmingskills(requiredfor water safety).
- Ability tooperateequipment (sonde,Secchi disk, watersampler, etc.), view, and record data.
- Ability to communicate with and educate volunteers while collecting data.
- Ability to stay in a stationary position, sitting in the canoe for up to 3 hours at a time in varying weather conditions.
- Work requires the wearing of a drysuit provided by APCC for sampling incold waterconditions.
Working Conditions:
This is a paid full-time, seasonalpositionfrom March to November. The typical work schedule is a 37.5-hour work week over five days per week Monday through Friday.Arrival at ponds by 7:00am. Work is performed outdoors in variable and sometimes inclement weather conditions.
Candidate MUST HAVE dependable transportation and a valid driver's license. Work involves traveling to and from sampling locations. Mileage will be reimbursed.
This is a temporary full-time position not to exceed 9months. Wages arecommensuratewith experience.
To Apply- Send your resume, cover letter, and two references. The two references must know you academically and/or professionally. Provide both their name, position, email address, and phone number.
Safety Note: This position may require workingin close proximity toand with potentialexposure totoxin-producing cyanobacteria that may be present in ponds. While mild human exposuregenerally resultsin little or no reaction, there is potential for health impacts ranging from mild irritation from skin contact to severe illness and death associated with ingestion of watercontainingcyanotoxins. By taking proper safety precautions, we do not expect or foresee any negative health impacts from participation in this monitoring program, but all participantsshould be aware of the potential risksin order tomake personal decisions about their level of participation. APCC staff will provide the Pond Monitoring Technician with training in measures to avoid or minimize contact with cyanobacteria while sampling and processing samples. Interns and staff are expected toobservethese measures.
APCC is the regions leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization working for the adoption of laws, policies and programs that protect and enhance Cape Cods natural resources and quality of life. Founded in 1968, the mission of APCC is to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources of Cape Cod. Our vision is a carbon-neutral Cape Cod where waters are restored andprotected,natural landscapes and wildlife habitat are preserved, and where growth respects the character of town centers and rural lands.
APCC is an equalopportunityemployer and provider. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.