Watershed Conservation Assistant

The Tennessee Aquarium is seeking a Watershed Conservation Assistant in Chattanooga, TN, to support stream health conservation efforts. Responsibilities include community outreach, data collection, and collaboration with conservation scientists. Applicants should have a high school diploma, with a preference for an environmental science background. This seasonal, hourly position runs June to August, requiring some evening and weekend work, and pays $15/hour.
Our Watershed Conservation Assistant will advance the mission of the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute by working with conservation scientists to protect and restore stream health. They will assist with the implementation of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program: Ridges to Rivers project, a project that provides southeast Tennessee's farmers and landowners with financial and technical assistance to address resource concerns that impact aquatic animals and their habitats. This position will assist the Watershed Coordinator in creating a river protection ethic in our region to increase knowledge and awareness of life in southeastern rivers and stream by engaging citizen scientists, school groups, and community groups in experiential freshwater conservation science.

Key Responsibilities
• Effectively communicate with people of various backgrounds within the Ridges to Rivers RCPP Project Area regarding conservation practices that improve stream health for aquatic animals.
• Conduct public outreach and community engagement to increase participation in freshwater habitat conservation and restoration.
• Assist with data collection on the impacts of land management, best management practices, and innovative water quality programs and their benefit to landowners.
• Assist Conservation Institute and Education Department with River Teachers, a professional development workshop for local STEM educators. Interface with conservation partners to maximize outreach and educational opportunities to farmers and landowners in the six-county RCPP area.
• Assist Watershed Coordinator with expanding efforts for a water quality monitoring citizen science program.
• Interact with other Conservation Institute science staff to support ongoing research projects in the RCPP Project Area.
• Occasional assistance with outreach programs.
• Occasional assistance with the development of online and print media.

Key Requirements
• High school diploma or GED.
• Undergraduate degree in environmental science, biology, or a related field preferred.
• Driver's license required to operate Aquarium vehicles.
• Background knowledge in terrestrial and/or aquatic conservation is preferred.
• Good working knowledge of computers, frequent use of Excel and Word.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision, and as part of a team.

Seasonal, hourly ($15/hour); position runs June - August for 8 hour/day, 40 hours/week. Some evening, weekend, and holiday work is required.

All submissions must be received by March 18, 2025.

The Tennessee Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting an inclusive environment that values and supports diversity and equity among staff, volunteers and all of its audiences.