AWI Field Technician I

Position: Field Technician I

Status: Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt

Department: Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI)

Reports to: Field Operations Manager

Salary: $20-22.50/hour

Description:

The Adirondack Watershed Institute is a program of Paul Smith’s College, a private undergraduate college located in the heart of the Adirondack Park in upstate New York. The mission of AWI is to protect clean water, conserve habitat and support the health and well-being of people in the Adirondacks through scientific inquiry, stewardship, and real-world experiences for students.

This position supports AWI’s Science Field and Water Quality Research Team assisting with the numerous research and monitoring projects on water bodies and terrestrial environments across the Adirondacks. The position is scheduled for 40 hours per week with the potential for overtime. It is based on Paul Smith’s College campus but involves a significant amount of time working in the field and driving to and from field work locations. Fieldwork can include hiking up to 16 miles, frequently involves the use of canoes/motorboats and often requires working 10+ hours/day.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Collect and prepare environmental samples (water, soil, plants) following established protocols.

• Collect hydrologic (stream velocity, flow rate, and stage) and other environmental (e.g., temperature, pH, conductance, dissolved oxygen, turbidity) data from lakes and streams under supervision of senior staff.

• Assist with deployment and retrieval of environmental sensors.

• Enter and organize field data according to established procedures.

• Assist with equipment preparation, cleaning, and organization.

• Maintain accurate field notes and metadata.

• Support laboratory operations as needed.

• Operate AWI vehicles and watercraft after training.

• Provide logistical support for the Adirondack Lake Assessment Program.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by senior field and research staff.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience/coursework in environmental science, chemistry, biology, or related field.

• Interest in freshwater systems and environmental science.

• Experience working outdoors in physically demanding conditions.

• Ability to follow detailed protocols and work safely in field conditions.

• Comfort working around water, boats, and uneven terrain.

• Basic computer and data entry skills.

• Ability and willingness to work in inclement weather, both off and on the water (including on ice covered lakes).

• New York State Driver’s license and driving record acceptable to the College’s insurance.

• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive campus community.

Preferred:

• Previous environmental or research field experience.

• Familiarity with limnological field work, including sampling of both lakes and streams.

• Familiarity operating motorized and non-motorized watercraft.

• Basic mechanical skills.

Submission of applications due by: May 1st, 2026

To Apply:

Applicants should complete the online application and submit a cover letter, resume or CV, and contact information for three professional references.

Paul Smith’s College is an equal opportunity employer. Position descriptions are created that focus on essential functions, using inclusive language, and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory requirements.