Angler Survey Technicians MA
Seasonal position – 25 hours/week (0.6 FTE)
Start Date: 04/01/2025
End Date: 06/30/2025
Location: South Hadley, Holyoke and Chicopee, MA
Health Benefit Eligible: No
Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes
Supervisor: Kate Buckman, Aquatic Ecologist
Position classification: Seasonal Staff
Pay: $18/hour
Position Description
The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) seeks 2 Seasonal Angler Survey Technicians to conduct angler surveys in the Massachusetts portion of the Connecticut River watershed for the 2025 season. This will consist of monitoring fishing and boating activities at designated locations and engaging with anglers on site to learn about their experience and their catches. CRC is looking for motivated candidates that are comfortable around the river and relevant activities and can initiate lively and informative conversations with members of the public. Surveys are randomly interspersed, occurring in the mornings, afternoons, weekends, and occasional holidays. The surveys are to begin on April 1st and continue until June 30th. This work takes place in several locations including Holyoke, South Hadley, and Chicopee. The MA survey technicians may also pilot surveys in NH and VT on a limited basis.
Primary Responsibilities:
Successfully complete training. Pass both a survey procedures test and fish identification test
Fish identification guides and training provided
Begin and end each 4-hour assignment on time at pre-defined locations and times
Follow documented survey procedures
Collect data on fishing activity visible from shore (boat and bank fishing)
Collect data on fish catch (species and rate)
Collect data on anglers’ experience via on-site interviews
Educate anglers on the importance of restoring fish passage and collecting data
Distribute outreach material while interacting with the angling public in the field
Record data on electronic field tablets and data sheets
Perform rigorous data review for quality control
Complete, organize, and submit data and reports to supervisor in a timely manner
Promote relevant US Fish & Wildlife Services, CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and CRC programs
Qualifications
We understand that many folks who may be impacted by biased hiring standards, such as women, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC applicants, may only apply if they meet every requirement listed in a job posting. If you are interested in this opportunity and believe you meet most of the job requirements, we encourage you to apply.
Position Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Interest in river ecology and stewardship
Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Outgoing and engaging personality. Individuals should be comfortable approaching and speaking with strangers to obtain interviews
A valid driver’s license and vehicle
Ability to undertake strenuous physical activity
Ability to swim
Ability to work both in the office as well as on the river
Comfortable being around fish and fishing equipment
Familiarity with spreadsheets and mapping tools
Flexible schedule: availability and willingness to work 5-hour or longer days outdoors on randomly assigned weekdays and weekends, including some holidays
Comfort with volunteer management is good
Fluent English required. Conversational Spanish desired.
Position requires a routine background check before hire
Location:
South Hadley, Holyoke, and Chicopee, MA
Salary and benefits:
$18/hr
Application instructions:
To apply for the position, use the form below and include a resume and cover letter (as one combined PDF). Please use your cover letter to briefly describe how your qualifications and experience make you a good fit for this role.
Interviews will take place during the first two weeks of March.
The position will begin April 1, 2025 pending funding approval.
Hiring manager: Kate Buckman (she/her) kbuckman@ctriver.org 603-931-2448
Deadline to apply:
March 3, 2025
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 tributary streams since 1952. Their programs include advocacy, aquatic invasive species management, dam removal, habitat restoration, migratory fish surveys, recreation, trash cleanups, and water quality monitoring. Together through community engagement and education, they’re dedicated to ensuring equitable access and healthy rivers for all.
Our organizational values are inclusion, collaboration, resilience, and stewardship.