Description

Who We Are 
Located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley, Mohonk Preserve is New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve. We manage over 8,200 acres of mountain cliffs, forests, fields and streams through four integrated programs – Conservation, Education, Stewardship, and Visitor Experience – and welcome over 300,000 members and visitors each year who come to hike, run, rock climb, boulder, bike, enjoy winter recreation and experience nature. 

Based in a vibrant university community, Mohonk Preserve, “Home of the Gunks,” offers a great working environment in one of New York’s greenest counties, with all-season recreation, access to Preserve lands, a dynamic, committed team of conservation professionals and long legacy of conducting ecological research and environmental education. The Preserve is also the one of America’s premier rock-climbing destinations.

Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to protect the northern Shawangunk Ridge and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. Mohonk Preserve supports thriving and resilient natural environments that are welcoming to all who explore, play and work here, and those who seek peace, wellbeing and inspiration amid its lands. To read more about our Vision and learn more about the Preserve visit https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/.

Our Core Values
   Teamwork:  We trust each other and value collaboration and accountability.
   Transparency:  We are clear, honest and ethical in our decision-making and communications.
   Belonging:  We welcome everyone and treat all with respect and compassion.
   Exploration:  We value curiosity, education and innovation as pathways to learning and growth.
   Stewardship:  We are committed to responsibly stewarding Mohonk Preserve in service to the land and the community.

About the Position: 
The Watershed Education & StreamWatch Technician (WEST) supports Mohonk Preserve’s watershed-based education and community science initiatives focused on the Hudson River Estuary and its tributaries. Working within the Conservation & Community Education department, the Technician contributes to the delivery of hands-on K–12 environmental education and the coordination of the Preserve’s StreamWatch Community Science water quality monitoring program. The role fosters environmental literacy, stewardship, and community engagement.

Approximately two-thirds of the position is devoted to watershed education programming and one-third to conservation science StreamWatch activities. This is a field-based, collaborative role involving regular interaction with students, educators, volunteers, and partner organizations.

This is a temporary, grant-funded position supported through a 3-year grant. Continued employment beyond the initial term is contingent on program needs and performance.
The position is flexible and may be part-time or full-time as needed, approximately 25-40 hours per week, for up to 1,000 hours. It is seasonal with the possibility of up to 10 months per year in subsequent grant years.

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations – 
   
  Watershed Education (65–70%)

• Deliver or assist with watershed and aquatic ecology programs for K–12 audiences in schools and outdoor field settings.
• Coordinate program logistics with partner organizations as needed.
• Support student supervision, activity facilitation, inquiry-based learning, and field-based data collection.

  StreamWatch Community Science Program (30–35%)

• Support coordination and implementation of Mohonk Preserve’s StreamWatch water quality monitoring program.
• Support the collection, organization, and quality control of StreamWatch data (e.g., pH, temperature, turbidity, macroinvertebrates).
• Assist with volunteer training workshops on macroinvertebrate identification and monitoring protocols, in alignment with DEC best practices.
• Contribute to documentation, data summaries, newsletters, and evaluation surveys for internal staff, volunteers, and grant reporting purposes. 

Physical Demands:

• Frequently uses a computer keyboard, reads, writes
• Comfortable working outdoors in variable weather and terrain, including streams and uneven natural surfaces in potentially adverse field conditions (biting insects, rain, heat, humidity, etc.).
• May require standing, walking, hiking, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, carrying equipment
• Occasional events indoors or outdoors outside standard office hours and in other locations around the Preserve

Total Rewards Package: 
This is a seasonal, temporary grant-funded position 
Salary: $20 per hour, commensurate with experience

• On-site housing available
• Mohonk Preserve membership for the duration of the position
• Access to lands and some activities of Mohonk Mountain House resort

Eligibility for certain benefits is dependent upon a variety of factors including length of employment.

Location:
Mohonk Preserve’s main offices are located at our Visitor Center in Gardiner, NY. This position will be based out of the Visitor Center but will be expected to collaborate with staff at other Mohonk Preserve facilities in the town of New Paltz. Mohonk Preserve offers hybrid work schedules at this time – coordinated with their supervisor and depending on the job, staff may be able to split time working remotely, as well as in the office and in-person on the land. This position requires a minimum of three days in the office. Generally standard working hours, with some flexibility, to be coordinated with the supervisor.  Mohonk Preserve is a smoke-free campus.

How to Apply: 
Email resume and a one-page cover letter tying your experience to specics in the job responsibilities and 3 professional references (include phone and email) to: employment@mohonkpreserve.org  with the subject line “Watershed Tech application.” Application deadline February 23, 2026.

No phone calls please. Anticipated start date for this position is April 1, 2026.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Mohonk Preserve is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request an accommodation during the application process, please contact Human Resources.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Mohonk Preserve does not currently offer employment visa sponsorship.

This job announcement is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position.  There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.

Requirements

What You’ll Bring:

At Mohonk Preserve, our priority is finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the qualifications or have a less traditional background.

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience or strong interest in aquatic ecology, watershed science, or environmental education.
• Experience working with children, youth, or volunteers in outdoor or field-based settings.
• Excellent communication abilities including written, oral, and presentation skills; experience communicating with partner organizations.
• Willingness to work occasional irregular hours, including some weekends, evenings, and/or holidays. 

Bonus If…

• Previous experience with water quality monitoring, ecological fieldwork, community science, or macroinvertebrate identification.
• Familiarity with New York State watersheds or the Hudson River Estuary.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Bilingual.