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Watershed Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veolia

Watershed Supervisor

Haworth, NJ · On-site

The Watershed Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all watershed maintenance activities within ... Conservation Service, County Mosquito Commission and State Fish, Game and Wildlife Commission.

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Watershed Conservation information

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$32K

$36.9K

$42K

How much do watershed conservation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for watershed conservation in the United States is $36,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $38,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Watershed Conservation vs Watershed Technician?

AspectWatershed ConservationWatershed Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, or related fieldAssociate's or bachelor's degree in environmental science or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, community outreach, policy advocacyField data collection, site monitoring, equipment operation
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, NGOs, environmental consulting firmsEnvironmental agencies, research institutions, conservation organizations

Watershed Conservation professionals focus on protecting and restoring watersheds through planning, policy, and community engagement, often requiring a bachelor's degree. Watershed Technicians typically perform field data collection and monitoring tasks, usually with an associate's or bachelor's degree. Both roles are vital in watershed management but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What is watershed conservation?

Watershed conservation refers to the management and protection of a watershed—an area of land where all water drains into a common waterway, such as a river, lake, or ocean. This work involves preserving water quality, preventing erosion, restoring habitats, and promoting sustainable land use practices to maintain healthy ecosystems. Professionals in watershed conservation often collaborate with local communities, governments, and organizations to implement conservation strategies and educate the public. Effective watershed conservation ensures clean water, supports biodiversity, and protects communities from flooding and pollution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Watershed Conservation Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Watershed Conservation Specialist, you need a background in environmental science or a related field, with expertise in hydrology, ecology, and water quality management. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, water sampling techniques, and relevant environmental regulations or certifications like Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI) is often required. Strong communication, project management, and collaboration skills help you engage with stakeholders and coordinate conservation initiatives. These abilities are vital to designing effective watershed protection strategies and ensuring regulatory compliance while fostering community engagement.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in watershed conservation, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals in watershed conservation often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders, navigating regulatory frameworks, and addressing the impacts of climate change on water resources. Success in this role requires strong communication skills to facilitate collaboration among government agencies, community members, and private landowners. Additionally, staying informed about the latest environmental policies and scientific research helps conservationists develop effective strategies and adapt to changing conditions on the ground.
More about Watershed Conservation jobs
What states have the most Watershed Conservation jobs? States with the most job openings for Watershed Conservation jobs include:
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Watershed Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Watershed Conservation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,939 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
Watershed Innovation Technician

Watershed Innovation Technician

Washington College

Chestertown, MD • On-site

$36K - $49K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Waterhed Innovation, the Watershed Innovation Technician supports applied watershed science, restoration planning, and community engagement efforts led by Washington College‘s Watershed Innovation Lab (WIL). The position is funded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation‘s Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grant (Planning & Technical Assistance) and supports the Langford Watershed Alliance, a multi-partner collaboration focused on restoring the Langford Creek Watershed, a tributary of the Chester River and Chesapeake Bay. This is a temporary appointment that ends on 10/1/2027.

This role blends field research, data analysis, project coordination, and student mentorship. The Technician plays a key role in baseline environmental data collection, site assessment, watershed planning, and community-informed restoration prioritization, while supporting Washington College and CES‘s mission of experiential, place-based learning. Work hours may vary seasonally and may include occasional early morning, evening, or weekend commitments tied to fieldwork or community events.

Essential Functions:

Field Research & Watershed Operations

  • Conduct and support field-based monitoring, including water quality sampling, habitat assessments, and maintenance of environmental sensors and instrumentation.
  • Assist with site assessments for potential restoration and conservation projects, including streams, shorelines, agricultural lands, wetlands, and nearshore habitats.
  • Maintain field equipment, boats, sensors, and supplies to ensure safe and effective operation.
  • Work in collaboration with Washington College and CES staff, faculty, partners, and student researchers in field settings.

Data Management, Analysis & Reporting

  • Assist with data management, quality control, analysis, and visualization of watershed monitoring data.
  • Prepare figures, summaries, and technical inputs for watershed planning documents, reports, and grant deliverables.
  • Contribute to drafting components of a science-based, community-informed watershed management plan.
  • Support synthesis of data across disciplines to inform restoration prioritization and adaptive management.

Project Coordination & Community Engagement

  • Support logistics for meetings, workshops, field tours, and site visits involving landowners, advisory board members, agencies, and project partners.
  • Assist with the preparation of maps, site materials, and summaries to support landowner engagement and restoration planning.
  • Help document community engagement activities and contribute to long-term engagement strategies.

Student Mentorship & Education Support

  • Assist with training and mentoring undergraduate students and interns in field protocols, data collection, safety, and data management.
  • Support experiential learning activities, including interactions with visiting classes and project demonstrations.
  • Model professional field and lab practices and foster inclusive learning environments.

Outreach & CES Support

  • Assist with the development of outreach and educational materials related to watershed science, restoration, and climate resilience.
  • Support CES events, informational tours, and public-facing activities as needed.
  • Represent Washington College, CES, and the WIL professionally when interacting with partners and community members.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Assist with the selection, training, and coordination of student interns.
  • Support scheduling, site access coordination, and shared use of CES facilities and equipment.
  • Assist with other CES or WIL initiatives as projects evolve, consistent with grant objectives.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor‘s degree in hydrology, environmental science, environmental studies, natural resources, geography, biology, engineering, or a related field. Candidates who are currently completing their degree and anticipate earning a B.S. by May 2026 are encouraged to apply.
  • Experience with field-based environmental or ecological research.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong quantitative skills and proficiency in Excel.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment.
  • Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate scientific concepts to different constituent groups
  • Able to lift and carry 50lbs
  • Valid driver‘s license and ability to travel locally.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 2-3 years of experience with watershed science, restoration planning, or water quality monitoring.
  • Familiarity with GIS, environmental data platforms, and/or Python.
  • Experience working with landowners, community partners, or stakeholders.
  • Comfort mentoring students or volunteers.
  • Enthusiasm for participating in the life of a liberal arts college and the surrounding community.