Part-Time Watershed Field Technician

Work location:

Oak Creek and Greater Sedona Area

Final date to receive applications:
February 24th, 2026

Estimated start date:
March 1st-15th, 2026

Oak Creek Watershed Council (OCWC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the health of Oak Creek and its broader watershed. Oak Creek is one of the last free-running streams in Arizona, stretching from its spring-fed headwaters just south of Flagstaff, Arizona, to its confluence with the Verde River near Cornville, Arizona. OCWC works to mitigate the impacts of increasing recreation to safeguard Oak Creek through stewardship, outreach and education, and scientific monitoring.

OCWC is looking for a part-time Watershed Field Technician to join its stewardship efforts. The Watershed Field Technician will implement a dynamic fieldwork program that monitors and improves water quality, reduces litter, increases native plant communities, and nurtures community awareness and involvement in Oak Creek.

The Watershed Field Technician will report to and work closely with the Watershed Program Manager as well as collaborate with project partners and volunteers to execute project deliverables. The position will include:

• Creekside education opportunities with local students.
• Outreach and awareness events for the broader public.
• Field work in Oak Creek and in the greater Sedona area, including water quality and invasive species data collection and reporting.
• Litter pickup and maintenance of pet waste stations.

The position often requires the use of a personal vehicle to travel to job sites and carry supplies; mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate.

The work of OCWC is year-round and is highly seasonal and can range from 8-20 hrs/week. Applicants can expect to work up to 4 days a week (including at least 1 weekend day) in the spring and fall, and as little as 1 day a week in the winter months. Most workdays will consist of 4-6 hours, with occasional 8-hour days.

Scheduling is generally flexible and can be adapted to accommodate personal schedules (e.g., academic coursework).

A significant portion of this position will be completed outdoors with exposure to the full weather spectrum of Oak Creek Canyon and the greater Sedona area. Individuals should be prepared for exposure to freezing, snow, wind, rain, and heat. There will be times when the employee is sitting for extended periods while driving, and other times when they are on their feet moving, including bending, reaching, lifting, pulling, pushing, and stretching.

This position includes significant periods of independent work interspursed with highly collaborative team activities. This position may change as the organization pivots to meet the area's needs.

• Perform field work, including invasive plant monitoring, water quality sampling, data collection, pet waste station management, recreation impact monitoring, and other project commitments as necessary.
• Coordinate and maintain equipment.
• Accurately collect, record, and enter/report data.
• Attend and represent OCWC at local community events (such as Farmer’s Markets, Earth Day festivals, etc.) and speak with the public about our projects and goals.
• Assist and supervise student groups of various ages during creekside outreach/education events.
• Communicate regularly with the Watershed Project Manager regarding project progress, necessary supplies, restocking, equipment repairs, and other work as needed.

• Ability to navigate uneven terrain, wade in shallow waters, navigate steep slopes, work in adverse weather conditions, and have a risk-management mindset. Must also be able to lift up to 45 lbs.
• Willingness to travel for field work throughout northern Arizona, work long hours in the field, and work many holidays and weekends during the busy summer season.
• Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and reliable personal transportation with valid insurance. Use of personal transportation is reimbursable at the federal mileage rate.
• A commitment to stewardship of water resources and ecologically important stream side habitats.
• Sel…