Water Quality Specialist

Background
Milwaukee Riverkeeper is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect water quality and wildlife habitat and to advocate sound land use in the Milwaukee, Menomonee, andKinnickinnic River Watersheds. Milwaukee Riverkeeper is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, an international coalition dedicated to protecting and restoring our world’s waterways, and the licensed Riverkeeper® for Milwaukee. For more information, visit our website:Milwaukee Riverkeeper

Position Description
The Water Quality Specialist is responsible for coordinating our citizen based water qualitymonitoring program, and for collecting water quality samples from our rivers for bacterial analysis to better assess stream health and identify problem areas. The specialist will also helpwith monitoring of effectiveness of stormwater best management practices (BMPs); collect data from other federal, state, and local partners; analyze data, and help communicate results in both written and oral formats. Experience presenting data and projects using a GeographicInformation System (GIS) is recommended. This full time position reports to the MilwaukeeRiverkeeper and works closely with her on all aspects of the position’s work. This position will also take on special projects related to implementing our region’s water quality goals and Watershed Restoration Plans for the Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Rivers. The Water Quality Specialist works closely with, and at times supervises, citizen water quality volunteers and interns.

Responsibilities

• Map storm water outfalls and citizen monitoring sites via GPS and GIS.
• Collect water samples from storm water outfalls and arrange for, or perform, water quality laboratory tests as necessary.
• Ensure citizen monitoring data and Riverkeeper data is uploaded into appropriate state databases.
• Analyze and review water quality data collected by partner agencies and researchers.
• Review data to evaluate sources of contamination, and make recommendations for remedial actions.
• Prepare summary reports of findings in user-friendly formats.
• Recruit, help train, and coordinate volunteer water quality monitors.
• Visit volunteers in the field to assure quality of data.
• Work collegially with partners on the Southeastern Wisconsin Watershed Trust (SWWT) and other advisory teams and collaborators, etc.
• Help implement recommendations from Watershed Restoration Plans, with a focus on helping to monitor effectiveness of stormwater BMPs and other projects and programs.
• Write articles to be used for website, Riverkeeper News e-newsletter, and River Currents quarterly newsletter.
• Riverkeeper staff is expected to be flexible, and to take on additional duties as assigned,according to the organization’s needs and the staff member’s skills and abilities.

Qualifications
The successful candidate for the position of Water Quality Specialist will have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, hydrology, limnology, geographic information systems, or other relevant field.
• Experience with data analysis.
• Demonstrated field experience.
• Demonstrated writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of computers, database and spreadsheet software, GPS and GIS, as well as the ability to learn new applications.
• Ability to coordinate multiple, diverse projects, set realistic deadlines, and manage a timeline.
• Ability to resolve routine problems independently.
• Attention to detail, balanced with the ability to prioritize work according to the organization’s needs.
• Willingness to learn and grow with the organization.
• Valid driver’s license and access to vehicle will be needed for monitoring.
• Physical ability to climb stream banks and collect water samples in challenging terrain.
• Willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings, and during wet weather.
• Commitment to the environment.
• Comfort around water, and basic water safety skills.
• Canoeing, kayaking, boating or fishing experience a plus!

This position is grant-funded, and is currently budgeted to last at least through May 2012, and possibly longer based on funding. Salary range commensurate with experience andqualifications.

Applications for this position should be submitted by January 22, 2010. To apply, please sendresume and cover letter to:
Mr. Paul Schwarzkopf, Outreach Coordinator
ATTN: Water Quality Specialist Position
Milwaukee Riverkeeper
1845 North Farwell Ave, Suite 100
Milwaukee WI 53202
Or you can send digitally to:
pschwarzkopf@milwaukeeriverkeeper.org