Contact
Sarah Lopez, Executive Director
[email protected]
About the Company
Central Coast Water Quality Preservation, Inc. (or “Preservation, Inc.” as we are known locally) is a farmer-directed nonprofit that assists Central Coast farmers in complying with regulations related to the Clean Water Act. We work with farmers, regulators, and other stakeholders in the community to bridge the gap between clean water and healthy food. We implement scientifically rigorous programs that are also cost-effective for our grower members. Preservation, Inc’s small office environment can include 2 to 5 additional staff depending on the time of year. Visit our website to learn more: ccwqp.org
Position Summary
The Agricultural Water Quality Specialist supports a variety of technical and outreach needs including data management and analysis; field visits to monitoring sites and member farms; and communicating water quality monitoring and fertilizer reporting results to the agricultural community as well as environmental and regulatory stakeholders.
This position serves as the lead role in surface water programs, which includes a newly developed follow-up program. In addition, there is potential for the position to be involved in our groundwater monitoring program. The work requires strong analytical and data management skills, as well as the ability to communicate science and regulatory compliance to diverse audiences.
The Agricultural Water Quality Staff also interacts frequently (in-person and virtually) with a large network of colleagues, contractors, partner organizations, and member farmers. Same-day travel to nearby locations is generally required on a weekly or monthly basis. Overnight travel to more distant locations (3 to 5 hours drive) can be needed a few times per year, as our organization serves farms from northern Santa Cruz County to as far south as Santa Barbara.
KEY RESPONSIBIITIES:
- Lead surface water monitoring and follow-up programs.
- Conduct field visits to monitoring sites and member farms.
- Analyze and manage environmental monitoring data and fertilizer reporting information.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and communications for growers, regulators, and stakeholders.
- Communicate technical and regulatory information to agricultural producers and community partners.
- Coordinate with laboratories, consultants, contractors, and partner organizations.
- Support groundwater monitoring activities as needed.
- Identify opportunities for program improvements and operational efficiencies.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Geology, Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Chemistry, or a related field.
- 3-5+ years of related work experience in an academic, agricultural, or environmental setting.
- Experience working with scientific, environmental, agricultural, or compliance-related data sets.
- Experience interpreting and communicating technical information to a variety of audiences, including agricultural producers, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency with MS Excel, MS Word, and MS PowerPoint.
- Strong data management, analysis, and quality control skills.
- Ability to identify trends, interpret findings, and prepare reports or presentations based on technical data.
Role Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to travel to field/ranch sites located within a 15 minute to 2 hour drive approximately 4 times per month
- Ability to travel overnight to field/ranch sites located within a 3 to 5 hour drive approximately 4-6 times per year
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with farmers, contractors, regulatory agencies, partner organizations, and internal team members.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to translate technical and regulatory information for non-technical audiences.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree or PhD in a related field.
- Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency.
- Experience with agricultural water quality monitoring, nutrient management, groundwater management, or regulatory compliance programs.
- Experience using ArcGIS, R or Python, MS Access, statistical software, CropManage, MODFLOW, SWAT, or similar analytical tools.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE:
- Serves as the primary staff lead for surface water monitoring programs and associated follow-up activities.
- Maintains accurate, organized, and reliable environmental and program data to support regulatory compliance and member reporting obligations.
- Builds productive working relationships with growers, regulators, consultants, laboratories, and partner organizations.
- Communicates technical findings and regulatory requirements in a clear, practical, and actionable manner for member growers.
- Successfully manages field activities, reporting deadlines, and stakeholder communications with a high degree of ownership and accountability.
- Identifies opportunities to improve program efficiency, data quality, and member support services as regulations and program needs evolve.
JOB TYPE/DETAILS:
- Full-Time
- The estimated hiring range is $38.00-$58.00/hour. Pay dependent on experience and skills.
- Location: Salinas, California. Candidates in the Santa Maria/San Luis Obispo areas may be eligible for additional remote work flexibility based on business needs and field coverage requirements.
- Eligible for Paid Time Off (PTO), health and dental insurance, 401k, and annual bonus opportunities.
- Eligible for a 1 day/week Work-From-Home arrangement (exceptions may be made for staff based in San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, or other approved remote locations).
WHY JOIN PRESERVATION, INC?
- Make a direct impact on agricultural sustainability and water quality across California's Central Coast.
- Work closely with growers, researchers, regulators, and community partners on meaningful environmental challenges.
- Join a small, collaborative team where employees have significant ownership, visibility, and influence on program success.
- Contribute to solutions that support both environmental stewardship and the long-term viability of local agriculture.
TO APPLY: Please submit the following to the contact above:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- 3 references (at least 2 must be professional or academic, with at least 1 of these being someone who supervised or employed you)
- Responses to application questions
Pay: $38.00 - $58.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- 1. Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Geology, Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Chemistry, or a related field?
- 2. How many years of professional experience do you have in an agricultural, environmental, academic, consulting, or regulatory setting?
- 3. Please briefly describe your experience with agricultural water quality, groundwater management, nutrient management, environmental monitoring, or regulatory compliance programs.
- 4. This role requires travel to farms and field sites throughout the Central Coast region, including occasional overnight travel several times per year. Are you able to meet these travel requirements?
Work Location: In person
