ShoreRivers protects Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. ShoreRivers seeks a Watershed Scientist to lead all water quality related research and programs in order to advance the organization’s advocacy, enforcement, engagement, and development initiatives. The most critical skills for this position are data analysis, GIS, policy-based scientific research, and science communications.

The Watershed Scientist joins a $7 million nonprofit organization with 30+ professionals. Employees work in-person with the capacity for flexibility in their schedule when appropriate. This full-time position is exempt salaried and “at-will,” and reports to the Director of Riverkeeper Programs. The Watershed Scientist will work primarily out of the Easton office, and the employee must live within the communities in which we work. This position requires flexibility to work longer hours, weekends, and travel as needed. This position offers a competitive benefits package (see more below) and a salary range between $55,000-$70,000, based on experience. Position begins in May, 2025.

To apply, send your resume and a one-page cover letter to Doug Mayorga at dmayorga@shorerivers.org by April 18, 2025. In your cover letter, please describe a time when you used scientific research or data analysis to inform policy or environmental restoration. How did your work contribute to meaningful change?

responsibilities

Policy and Advocacy

The Watershed Scientist will provide scientific support for the Riverkeeper department in policy and advocacy initiatives by identifying research needs, developing and executing scientific studies, and synthesizing findings into policy and restoration recommendations. Through analysis of multiple datasets produced by ShoreRivers, partners, and government agencies, the Watershed Scientist will have a pulse on water quality health trends and provide science-based recommendations to the Riverkeepers’ policy and advocacy work.

Riverkeeper Enforcement

The Watershed Scientist will work with the Riverkeeper department to build water quality study designs to investigate pollution sources; collect water samples and other evidence of pollution impacts; and identify, track, and report trends in emerging pollution issues.

Water Quality Monitoring Programs

The Watershed Scientist will manage and coordinate the scientific logistics of multiple water quality monitoring programs at ShoreRivers, including tidal monitoring, bacteria testing, and underwater grass bed monitoring and restoration. This includes providing quality control for sampling processes; coordinating intern and volunteer involvement; maintaining equipment and supplies and coordinating with labs; managing datasets across multiple platforms including Excel and GIS; analyzing datasets and developing maps, graphs, and other content for the yearly report cards, State of the Rivers presentations, and bill testimonies; and coordinating our interactions with state agencies, the Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative, and research partners on the integrity of our programs and use of our data.

Other Responsibilities

Assist with grant writing to help grow and sustain water quality and habitat monitoring programs through the lens of enhancing community engagement, local advocacy efforts, and policy work.
Assist with communications efforts by writing content for email newsletters and creating content for social media.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

position requirements and qualifications

The employee must have a strong commitment to environmental protection and to ShoreRivers’ mission and statement of inclusion.

Experience, education, skills, & abilities

Must have a bachelor’s degree with five years of relevant work experience; a master’s degree in a water quality or environmental science related field is preferred.
Must be proficient with ESRI ArcGIS to conduct spatial analysis and develop maps.
Must have an understanding of environmental issues that affect water quality.
Must be able to identify research needs, develop and execute a research program, analyze data sets, and synthesize findings into policy and restoration recommendations.
Must have comfort and proficiency around the water; boat handling skills preferred.
Must be able to effectively communicate scientific findings to a non-science audience.
Must be proficient with Microsoft Office and the Google counterparts, Zoom, and Google Meets.
Must have strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team player and collaborate effectively.
Must have excellent organization and effective time management skills.
Understanding of the Clean Water Act, Total Maximum Daily Loads, and other federal and state stream protection designations is preferred.
Grant writing experience is a plus.
Experience with Adobe design, Canva, and other design software is a plus.

about shorerivers

ShoreRivers seeks to protect Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. We have a dedicated staff of Riverkeepers, educators, scientists, restoration specialists, and advocates focused on policies and projects that will improve the health of our rivers. Our staff are a strong, collective voice for Eastern Shore waterways.

ShoreRivers believes that diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in our staff, board, supporters, and programs is critical to achieving our mission of clean water. We believe that access to waterways fuels environmental stewardship; inclusion of diverse communities is essential to long term success; and diverse representation in our membership, staff, and board makes us stronger.

ShoreRivers believes that swimmable, fishable, clean, and safe rivers are for everyone in our communities. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome all applicants. This position uses a wide variety of skills; we encourage you to apply if you think you would be a good fit, even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications.

working at shorerivers

ShoreRivers offers an energetic and fast-paced work environment with bright, fun coworkers. We cultivate a supportive, regenerative work culture where hard work, innovation, collaboration, and professional development are priorities.

We are dedicated to providing flexibility and a genuine work-life balance for all staff, in addition to meeting our mission and serving our communities responsibly as a nonprofit organization. As such, ShoreRivers operates in person with a flexible schedule; occasional remote work is supported in alignment with individual responsibilities and supervisors.

benefits

Medical coverage, with 100% of base plan premiums for the employee covered by ShoreRivers.
Retirement plan, with ShoreRivers matching up to 4% of an employee’s salary.
25 paid days off for all employees.
11 paid federal holidays, plus the week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day (17 paid holidays total).
5 weeks paid parental leave; option to add 7 weeks unpaid.
Professional development opportunities.