Natural Resources Job Board

Basin Assessment Crew Lead

Coquille Watershed Assocation (Private) | https://www.coquillewatershed.org/

Details
Application Deadline:
05/21/2025
Published:
05/05/2025
Starting Date:
6/2/2025
Ending Date:
9/30/2025
Hours per Week:
35 - 40
Salary:
$19 to $23 per hour
Education Required:
Some Undergraduate
Experience Required:
at least 2 years
Location:
Coquille, Oregon
Description
About the Coquille Watershed Association

The Coquille Watershed Association (CoqWA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was formed by a small group of local citizens who were concerned about the health of the watershed and its fish and wildlife resources. Since that humble beginning, CoqWA has established a restoration, monitoring, and educational programming that is valued and supported throughout the watershed. Our mission is to work collaboratively with landowners to develop and implement voluntary watershed restoration, enhancement, and engagement activities that promote healthy and resilient ecosystems and economies in the Coquille watershed. CoqWA is supported by a diverse volunteer Board of Directors representing landowners, business owners, and community members. The Board of Directors selects the members of the Executive Committee (a subset of the Board), which oversees the running of the Association. CoqWA is also advised local technical advisors housed in local, state, and federal natural resource agencies. The Board and technical advisors vet and approve each project initiated by the organization.

Here at CoqWA, we value our collaborative, supportive workplace culture that contributes to our success in accomplishing high value, high impact projects throughout the watershed. By applying to work with us you have the opportunity to join a small but mighty staff team working cohesively to enhance our organization and our watershed.

Position Summary

The Coquille Watershed Association (CoqWA) is seeking a Basin Assessment Crew Lead to assist in coordinating and conducting field surveys focused on aquatic and riparian habitat conditions, as well as road assessments, throughout the Coquille watershed. This position will work closely with the Monitoring Program Coordinator and Monitoring Project Manager to ensure the day-to-day execution of fieldwork between June 2, 2025, and September 30, 2025, with the potential for rehire for future seasons based on performance. The crew lead will supervise survey technicians, manage field logistics, and ensure adherence to established protocols. The ideal candidate will have strong field leadership skills, technical proficiency with habitat and road survey methodologies, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in rugged outdoor environments. In addition to leading basin assessment surveys, the Crew Lead will assist with other monitoring and restoration-related field tasks during the summer field season (June through September). These tasks may fall outside of a leadership role. This position is considered at-will and is non-benefitted.

Essential Functions of the Position

Field Survey Leadership and Coordination
  • Lead daily field operations for Aquatic Habitat Inventory (AQI) and GRAIP (Geomorphic Road Analysis and Inventory Package) surveys (GRAIP and AQI training will be provided prior to the start of the field season).
  • Conduct and/or participate in regular field safety meetings to promote a safe working environment.
  • Supervise survey technicians to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate data collection.
  • Coordinate field schedules, organize daily logistics, and ensure proper care and maintenance of field equipment.
  • Ensure field data is collected according to protocol standards.
  • Troubleshoot and solve field challenges in coordination with the Project Manager and Program Coordinator.

Landowner Coordination and Public Relations
  • Represent the Coquille Watershed Association professionally when encountering landowners in the field.
  • Work with the Project Manager and Program Coordinator to assist with securing access agreements and navigating access restrictions.
  • Communicate fieldwork plans clearly and diplomatically to landowners and partners when needed.

Data Management and Reporting Support
  • Support the Project Manager and Program Coordinator in organizing field data for reporting purposes.
  • Maintain organized field notes, data sheets, and digital records.
  • Assist with photo documentation and survey locations.

Qualifications

Education
  • A bachelor’s degree related to natural resources, environmental sciences, biology, forestry, geology, or a closely related field is preferred. Applicants with an associates degree in these fields will be considered.

Professional Experience
  • Minimum two years of fieldwork experience in natural resource monitoring, fisheries, forestry, watershed science, or a related field.
  • At least one year of experience in a leadership role (e.g., crew lead, field supervisor, project coordinator) strongly preferred.
  • Proficiency in field data collection techniques (training will be provided for AQI and GRAIP).
  • Strong organization skills and ability to manage daily field logistics under dynamic conditions.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills to work diplomatically with landowners, staff, and project partners.

Technical Skills
  • Ability to safely and efficiently work outdoors in rugged, uneven, and often remote terrain in varying weather conditions.
  • Comfortable navigating using GPS units and field maps.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) required; basic GIS skills is a plus.
  • Ability to follow scientific protocols and accurately collect and record field data.

General Requirements
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds over uneven terrain.
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, occasionally including early mornings, evenings, or weekends based on fieldwork needs. Typically, the work week will be Monday-Thursday, 7am-5pm.
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required (work truck will be provided; however mileage reimbursement will be provided at the current state-approved rate if personal transportation is required to complete field duties).
  • First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain (training may be provided).
  • Commitment to working as part of a collaborative, positive, and solutions-oriented team.

Application Instructions and Timeline

Please submit application materials to jfacer@coquillewatershed.org with the subject line “[LASTNAME]_Basin Assessment Crew Lead Application”

Required application materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Three references with contact information provided (professional references preferred)

Application Deadline is May 21, 2025 or until position is filled. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis as applications are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to be fully considered for the position.

Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), women, and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role. CoqWA supports diversity and equity, and we encourage applications from all group.
Contact
Jeremy Facer
jfacer@coquillewatershed.org (preferred contact method)