Long Island Soundkeeper Associate

Salary: $24 - $28 per hour

WHO WE ARE:

Save the Sound is a leader for environmental action in our region. We fight climate change and build resilient communities, save endangered lands, protect the Sound, and restore its rivers. We do this in many ways, from legislative advocacy and legal action to engineering, environmental monitoring, and hands- on volunteer efforts. For more than 50 years we’ve been ensuring people can enjoy the healthy, clean, and thriving environment they deserve—today and for generations to come.

Learn more about or mission and work at www.savethesound.org. 

Long Island Soundkeeper Background:   

The Long Island Soundkeeper Fund began in 1987 founded by Terry Backer and was a founding member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, now a global water advocacy program operating in over 40 countries with over 300 member groups. Growing from a commercial fishing advocacy group, the CT Coastal Fisherman’s Association, who organized to clean-up poor water quality Soundkeeper merged with Save the Sound in 2017.  As a regional leader protecting Long Island Sound’s shoreline, marine habitat, and water quality for more than 30 years Save the Sound merged with Connecticut Fund for the Environment (CFE) in 2004. Linking Soundkeeper’s mission of swimmable, drinkable, fishable water with CFE’s legal, scientific and policy expertise and Save the Sound’s stewardship, restoration, and community outreach capability has further enhanced our reputation for leadership in protecting and restoring Long Island Sound. In 2020, the organizations combined under one banner as Save the Sound and has remained committed to making every beach and its surrounding waters in the Sound safe for swimming, fishing, and wildlife.   

 

THE POSITION:

This is a full-time position, expected to begin in May or June 2024, reporting to the Long Island Soundkeeper and is based out of Save the Sound’s office in Larchmont, NY. Boat and field work can take place throughout Long Island Sound leaving from the home port of Mamaroneck, NY and at times Blackrock Harbor in Bridgeport, CT with a primary focus on the Western Sound. The Western Sound runs from Bridgeport, CT to Port Jeff, NY and down to Queens, the Bronx and back up through Westchester County.  The position will collaborate with the Water Quality, Legal, and Ecological Restoration Teams.

 

The Soundkeeper Program actively patrols the Long Island Coastline from Plum Island to the East River.  Boat days can be long with exposure to the elements and rough seas. Tracking down pollution sources by collecting water quality data and samples are primary duties associated with this position. Many issues are identified through citizen reports requiring frequent travel to diverse locations around the Sound. This work may involve launching a kayak from the patrol vessel to access shallow water discharge pipes. In addition, river patrols and stream walks may occur to identify inland pollution sources that drain to the Sound as well as potential habitat restoration projects and fish passage impediments.  Job responsibilities are diverse and require a flexible schedule within the 40-hour work week.   

The applicant must have a CT or NY safe boating certificate and be able to pilot vessels up to a 25’ Parker 2530 

 

ESSENTIAL TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Vessel maintenance: Cleaning, small repairs, equipment maintenance 
• Data Collection: Using scientific equipment such as handheld GPS units, water quality meters, bacteria sample bottles and data loggers. 
• Research: Online research of water pollution incidents, history, and impacts. 
• Program Development: Tabling events such as boat shows, oyster festivals and National Estuary Day  
• Outreach/Education: Supporting the Soundkeeper in scheduling and preparing for evening presentations on water quality and fishery topics to yacht clubs, conservation groups, community programs and schools. 
• Internship Mentoring: This position will assist with providing a well-rounded experience for 1-2 Soundkeeper interns. 
• Advocacy: Attend rallies, hearings, press conferences and lobby the NY state legislature for laws protecting water. 

Other responsibilities of the role

• Periodically assist academic researchers with projects by providing a sampling platform. 
• Assist in the development of an aerial drone thermal imaging and mapping program to identify potential sources of bacteria entering along the coastline. ArcGIS skills are highly desired for this application though not required. 

Specific Projects for 2024 –  

Assessment and Retrieval of Abandoned Lobster Pots - Abandoned pot retrieval is a collaboration with CTDEEP Marine Fisheries, Cornell Cooperative Extension Suffolk County, NY, the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, and Project Oceanography who may be contracting commercial vessels to retrieve pots this season depending on grant funding. The vessel will support these efforts in Bridgeport and may include scuba diving to assist the project. 

Eel Grass Restoration – We are involved with eel grass monitoring, research, and restoration. We will assist the EPA in monitoring eel grass meadows for flowering and seeding times, seed collection, gluing seeds to clams and outplacing clams on permitted experimental restoration sites. Scientific diving certification is a plus. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

We are looking for a highly motivated and independent individual with: 

• Marine Science background. 
• Extensive boating experience - boating safety certificate and/or Coast Guard approved certificate required.  
• Ability to work independently (at times with the Soundkeeper Intern) prioritizing daily tasks to meet Soundkeeper program goals.  
• Effective communication skills. 
• Ability to work with and coordinate all types of people in a group setting. 
• Excellent organizational skills, experience working with data and Microsoft Excel. 
• Passion for protecting and restoring water quality and familiarity with Long Island Sound. 
• The ability to use ArcMap is highly desirable, though not required. 

 

TERMS & COMPENSATION:

This is an at-will, full-time, non-exempt position, with a salary range of $24- $28 hourly, commensurate with skills and experience. Our comprehensive benefits package includes company sponsored health insurance, dental and vision insurance, 403(b) with company match after 1 year, life and long-term disability insurance, a generous time off package and opportunities for professional development. Office and field equipment will be provided. Some evening and weekend hours may be required as needed. Reimbursement for work-related travel will be provided.

Additional Details Common to All Positions 

Save the Sound’s Commitment to Equity and Diversity 

Save the Sound is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on age, color, disability, marital or parental status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

 

Our organizational leadership and staff are working to deepen Save the Sound’s diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek to attract a more diverse applicant pool, and to add and retain more outstanding Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to all levels of our team. We work in diverse communities and landscapes and are actively working to increase our focus on driving environmental justice and equitable outcomes through our work. 

Shared Organizational Job Responsibilities 

• Maintaining positive and productive working relationships with all Save the Sound staff members, including providing and receiving constructive feedback;
• Participating in building productive relationships with Save the Sound's members, external partners, policy makers, and the general public;
• Completing all administrative work on time, such as timesheets, purchase orders, project reports, and planning documents.

 

Hybrid Work Arrangements 

Save the Sound currently has a hybrid in-office/remote work arrangement. Staff are expected to be in either of our offices at least 2 days per week (unless their position requires otherwise). Details of this arrangement are determined upon hire and employees must notify their manager of any necessary changes. It is at the manager’s discretion to amend the agreed to work arrangement dependent upon business needs, work performance or other factors. 

 

COVID-19 Considerations

Save the Sound requires that all new hires submit proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 for the safety of all staff and the communities where we work. Office opening/closing and health policies are regularly updated based on the current state of the pandemic. All office use and fieldwork must follow Save the Sound’s most up-to-date safety protocols.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and list of three references. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications will be accepted starting February 21th until the position is filled.

We are a thoughtful and thorough organization. We will be in touch to acknowledge receipt of your application and to schedule selected applicants for an interview. The expected timeline to fill this position is 7-10 weeks. You will be informed when the hiring process is complete. Please be patient.