Stream Barrier Assessment Technician

Save the Sound is seeking two (2) Stream Barrier Assessment Technicians (SBAT) to assist with the Connecticut Coastal Crossings Project during the summer season. The project focuses on assessing road-stream crossings to evaluate aquatic connectivity and identify barriers to fish passage in Southeast Connecticut. 

WHO WE ARE:  

Save the Sound leads environmental action in your 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. 

The Ecological Restoration Team is a growing group of individuals who share a deep love and respect for the natural world and find joy in working with community members to identify and implement projects that restore the conditions for thriving ecosystems and diverse communities. With a wide array of lived experience and unique skills, the team is an open and curious group of professionals who support one another and are the staff members most likely to show up in the office covered in mud. Our organizational leadership and staff are working to deepen Save the Sound’s diversity, equity, and inclusion. We work in diverse communities and landscapes and are seeking to broaden the range of perspectives and lived experiences represented at all levels of our organization. 

Learn more about us and our mission and work at www.savethesound.org.  

THE POSITION: 

Across the state, many of these crossings are substandard and dysfunctional, disrupting natural drainage patterns, impeding the passage of fish and other aquatic organisms, and causing flooding and erosion. To address these concerns, Save the Sound and our project partners are working to close knowledge gaps regarding the location and aquatic connectivity of crossings across southeastern coastal Connecticut. The Stream Barrier Assessment Technicians (SBATs) will be an integral part of this project as they will identify and assess crossings for their location, condition, and ability to pass aquatic species.  

In this role, the SBATs will help to create a geospatial inventory of crossings in the Long Island Sound Coastal Watershed Boundary in CT, specifically assessing crossings for fish passage in urban, suburban, and rural locations in Southeastern Connecticut (primarily East Lyme, Waterford, New London, Groton, Stonington, Norwich, Ledyard, Preston, and North Stonington).  

To accomplish project objectives, the SBATs will work in pairs or small groups and will report to the Fisheries Technician over the course of the field season. The SBATs are expected to work collaboratively, follow the established NAACC protocol, maintain high data quality and communicate effectively. Tasks include conducting crossing assessments, coordinating field work logistics, preparing field work materials, and entering data. 

This position is based out of our New Haven, CT office but will require most days to be spent in the field. Travel to southeastern CT is  to facilitate crossing assessments. The position will begin in late May and is expected to last through mid-August, as SBAT schedules allow.  

ESSENTIAL TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. The Stream Barrier Assessment Technicians will be responsible for the following: 


2. Completing certification in three online North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity (NAACC) survey protocols: non-tidal, tidal, and crossing conditions prior to starting field work.  


3. Participating in required field training and follow all established protocols and safety procedures. 


4. Conducting road-stream crossing assessments in compliance with the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC) protocol. 


5. Working in groups of two or more, with variable weather conditions and occasionally on terrain that demands physical effort.  


6. Collecting field data using tablets or paper forms, entering data, and organizing and managing photos.  


7. Performing on-site quality control of data entry to ensure data is complete and accurate before submission.  


8. Providing proper care and use of all field equipment, and coordinate maintenance and repairs with the Fisheries Technician as needed. 


9. Assisting with basic office tasks related to the project. 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with:  

• Interest or background in ecology, engineering, fisheries, environmental science, or a related field;  

• Ability to carry heavy field gear from vehicles to the assessment sites;  

• Capacity to work outdoors, at times in inclement weather and terrain conditions;  

• Capacity to wade in streams and rivers for prolonged periods of time;  

• A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation; 

• Skills to successfully navigate to specific locations in remote (cell phone service may be limited) field settings;  

• Excellent decision making, effective communication and organizational skills;  

• Skills to work well both individually and in a group; and, 

• The ability to interact with the public as a representative of Save the Sound.  

Note from the team: The confidence gap and imposter syndrome are real things, and we are aware that it is easy to find reasons in these qualifications lists to “disqualify” yourself. If you are interested in this role, we encourage you to apply and we look forward to hearing from you!  

TERMS & COMPENSATION: 

This is an at-will, grant-driven, part-time, seasonal position, with a pay rate of $25.00 per hour. This position is expected to last from May 26 through August 28, 2026. Please note: we expect this position to work up to 32 hours/week for 10 weeks, with some flexibility in the start dates. This position does not include any health or time off benefits. Reimbursement for work-related travel is provided. Some early morning and evening hours may be  as needed. 

This position is contingent upon the continued level and availability of funding for work organizationally. Save the Sound reserves the right to modify or terminate employment if funding is reduced or unavailable. 

TO APPLY: 

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and list of references. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications will be accepted starting March 19, 2026, 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. Our hiring process can take from 7 to 10 weeks. You will be informed when the hiring process is complete. Please be patient. 

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. 

Work Authorization Requirements

Candidates must have current authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Save the Sound is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future.