Ocean Career: MBNEP Monitoring Coordinator

Morro Bay National Estuary Program

The Morro Bay National Estuary Program brings the community, local governments, nonprofits, government agencies, and landowners together to protect and restore Morro Bay. The Estuary Program is a non-regulatory, not-for-profit organization that conducts monitoring and research, restores natural habitats, and educates residents and visitors on how to keep Morro Bay clean and healthy. The Morro Bay National Estuary Program is one of 28 national estuary programs around the country that are working to safeguard and improve the health of some of our nation's most important coastal waters.

The Estuary Program achieves results by closely collaborating with many partners to accomplish our shared goals of protecting and restoring the estuary and the watershed.

These are the anticipated duties and responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Monitoring & Coordination (70%)

• Conduct and coordinate monitoring of water quality and flow in local creeks. (Approximately 80% of field time.)
• Conduct seasonal fieldwork in Morro Bay to monitor eelgrass and other habitats. (Approximately 20% of field time.)
• Coordinate, oversee, train, and recruit water quality monitoring volunteers.
• Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot monitoring equipment.
• Conduct simple lab analysis for bacteria and other analytes.
• Conduct quality assurance tasks to ensure data quality.
• Support restoration project monitoring and maintenance activities as needed including invasive species management and plant surveys.

Data Management & Analysis (30%)

• Manage monitoring and quality assurance data using spreadsheets and databases.
• Support data analysis to share monitoring results in memos, reports, blog posts, etc.
• Use GIS mapping software as needed to analyze results spatially.

• BA/BS in natural resources management, environmental science, biology, or related field
• One to two years of relevant fieldwork experience following safety protocols
• Experience with surface water hydrology concepts and fieldwork, including water quality and surface flow monitoring
• Experience with detailed data management
• Ability to hike and work outside in inclement weather conditions
• Must be able to swim, and comfortable on water in kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft
• Must be able to carry up to 50 lbs and traverse over rough terrain to remote field sites
• Must be detailed-oriented with strong organization skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities
• Strong communication skills, flexibility, and problem-solving skills

• Experience using monitoring equipment to measure basic water quality (temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, nutrients), stream flow velocity, surface water elevation, slope, etc.
• Experience coordinating and working with volunteers
• Experience with detailed data management using Microsoft Excel and Access
• Experience working in a lab setting
• Experience with statistical analysis of environmental data
• Knowledge of quality assurance procedures and protocols
• Knowledge of basic mapping principles or experience using ESRI software

Salary: $24 to $27/hour depending on experience

Final date to receive applications:
August 29, 2025