Individual Placement - Holden Water Industry NOAA Fellowship

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Student Conservation Association

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Kirtland, OH, United States

The Water Economy Workforce Fellowship Program is a partnership between Cuyahoga County, the Student Conservation Association, and the NOAA Climate Ready Workforce program.

In this position, a resident will gain hands-on experience in the field of water management in northeast Ohio. Water management encompasses many economic and social activities, including watershed management, land use planning, industrial water products and technologies, and freshwater and wastewater utilities. This is one of the fastest growing sectors in northeast Ohio, and this program aims to prepare the workforce by offering introductory positions in utility, government, nonprofit and/or the corporate sector. The member will serve with one of the Student Conservation Association's partner organizations located in Cuyahoga, Erie, Lake, Lorain, or Sandusky county.

Schedule

September 8, 2025 - November 28, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Members will work directly with their host site on projects related to water management in the Lake Erie coastal area. Work will vary by partner, and may include but is not limited to:

  • Data collection and/or analysis
  • field work including hands-on sampling and/or measurement
  • computer or lab-based analysis
  • community engagement and/or education
  • policy analysis or review
  • supporting stakeholder engagement event planning and execution
  • environmental monitoring, mapping, and modeling
  • communications including survey design and delivery
  • stormwater infrastructure maintenance and monitoring
  • urban forestry projects such as tree planting, tree maintenance, and urban heat mapping.

Marginal Duties

  • Participate in NOAA Climate Ready Workforce learning and certification opportunities
  • Attend Fresh Water Institute convenings
  • Meet with other participants in the program as applicable

Required Qualifications

  • Must be a recent high school graduate, college student and/or recent college graduate.
  • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
  • Must have the ability to legally work in the US
  • Must be able to meet SCA's criminal background check standards

Preferred Qualifications

  • Academic focus or work experience in environment, education, business, engineering, technology, public policy, or sustainability.
  • Independent research and writing experience.
  • Competency in Microsoft programs
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule if needed including select evenings and Saturdays throughout the program.
  • Ability to work outside in normal summer conditions including heat and humidity

Hours

Full-time; 40 hours per week

Living Accommodations

No housing provided. A monthly housing stipend is provided.

Compensation

  • $850/week living allowance
  • $1000/month housing allowance (3 disbursements)
  • All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

  • Required

Additional Training and Certification Course Available

  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training
  • Water quality monitoring training
  • Stormwater infrastructure and maintenance training;
  • OSU Stone Lab workshops: https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/education/stonelab/courses/workshops
  • OSU Stone Lab courses: https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/education/stonelab/courses/cxfg1/water-quality-management

General Physical Requirements

  • Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
  • Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
  • Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
  • Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device according to US Coast Guard specifications.
  • If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, able to exit a capsized boat, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device.
  • Able to maintain a secure airway in the event of sudden water submersion.
  • Able to re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water with minimal assistance from others.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.