Employment

Keeping water clean, safe, and healthy is the heart of our mission.

We work to protect and restore our water and natural environment in central New Jersey through conservation, advocacy, science, and education. We hope you’ll join us!

Current Job Openings

Human Resources Specialist

Job Description: HR Specialist – The Watershed Institute

Location: Pennington, New Jersey
Job Type: Part-Time

About Us:
The Watershed Institute works to protect and restore water and the environment through advocacy, science, education, and conservation. We are seeking an experienced HR Specialist to oversee human resources operations, support organizational goals, and foster a positive workplace culture.

Position Summary:
Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance and Operations, the HR Specialist will manage all HR functions, collaborate closely with the organization’s Outreach and Inclusion Manager on The Watershed Institute’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) initiative, process payroll in collaboration with the Finance team, and oversee rental lease agreements with staff who live in Watershed housing. This role also ensures compliance with employment laws and organizational policies.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead recruitment, onboarding, and retention efforts.

Collaborate with the Outreach and Inclusion Manager to advance the JEDI initiative and integrate its principles into organizational culture.

Process payroll with the Finance team and administer employee benefits.

Maintain HR policies, employee handbooks, and compliance with labor laws.

Oversee performance management and coordinate staff training.

Serve as the primary contact for Farmhouse rental leases, ensuring tenant satisfaction and compliance with lease agreement.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field.

3+ years of HR management experience, preferably in a nonprofit setting.

Strong knowledge of employment laws, payroll systems, and HR best practices.

Experience with JEDI initiatives and fostering workplace inclusion.

Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary and benefits.

Opportunities for professional growth.

A mission-driven and collaborative work environment.

How to Apply:
Submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Watershed Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Grant/Fund Accounting Analyst

Grant/Fund Accounting Analyst

Location: The Watershed Institute – Pennington, NJ
Job Type: Full-Time | Hybrid (3 days in person)
Reports To: Senior Director of Finance and Operations

About The Watershed Institute

The Watershed Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping water clean, safe and healthy. We work to protect and restore our water and natural environment in central New Jersey through conservation, advocacy, science and education. Our team is passionate about the environment and committed to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

Position Overview

The Accounting Analyst supports the financial operations of The Watershed Institute by performing day-to-day accounting functions, supporting internal controls, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with nonprofit accounting standards. This role plays a critical part in the accurate tracking of funds—including donations, grants, and program income—and supports the integrity of both financial and donor records. Candidates must be prepared to work in a team environment to create and execute messages across The Watershed Institute’s programs. Multi-tasking, meeting deadlines, and prompt communications skills are essential qualities for this position.  The Watershed Institute is committed to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourages applications from people of color. 

Key Responsibilities

Maintain and update QuickBooks financial data and chart of accounts ensuring accuracy in the general ledger and financial records.

Manage and process accounts payable and accounts receivable, ensuring timely payments and collections, and accurate allocations by grants and programs.

Reconcile QuickBooks with donor database to ensure data consistency and accuracy in coordination with the development team.

Process checks and bank deposits for the organization.

Prepare and enter journal entries; perform monthly, year-end closing procedures and perform reconciliations for key accounts.

Assist in preparing internal and external financial reports, including grant-specific and program-level reporting.

Support the budgeting process by monitoring departmental budgets and preparing variance reports.

Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit-specific accounting standards (e.g., FASB, IRS Form 990).

Help prepare for the annual audit, including document preparation and responding to auditor inquiries.

Continuously assess and help improve financial systems, policies, and procedures.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

2–4 years of accounting experience; nonprofit accounting experience preferred.

Proficiency in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and fund accounting.

Strong working knowledge of QuickBooks and Excel;

Understanding of GAAP; knowledge of fund and grant accounting is a plus.

Attention to detail with excellent analytical and organizational skills.

Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 – $55,000 based on experience.

Health, dental, vision and Life insurance. 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution.

Benefits include paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time. Regular working hours are 40 hours per week and sometimes vary to include some evening and weekend hours, as required with this position.

Professional development opportunities. A collaborative and mission-driven work environment.

On-site housing is available for rent.

How to Apply:
Submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Watershed Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Weekend Customer Service/Visitor Center Coordinator

Job Title: Weekend Customer Service/Visitor Center Coordinator

Location: The Watershed Institute, Pennington NJ
Reports To: Sr. Director Operations
Schedule: Part-time, Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (with occasional additional hours for special weekend events and holidays)

Job Summary

Are you an organized, people-focused individual who’s passionate about environmental education and community engagement? Join the Watershed Center as our Weekend Customer Service Coordinator — a vital role that supports our mission of inspiring environmental stewardship through education, conservation, and advocacy.

This position is perfect for someone who thrives in a visitor-facing role, enjoys coordinating activities, and is excited to help manage our vibrant weekend operations. You’ll work alongside staff and volunteers to ensure our campus remains welcoming, safe, and engaging for all visitors. The weekend Customer Service Coordinator is expected to maintain a neat professional appearance. We are dedicated to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Supervise and monitor public areas of the Watershed Center and surrounding campus.

Provide a warm, professional welcome to all visitors; answer phone calls and direct inquiries.

Support and guide welcome desk volunteers during their shifts.

Respond to visitor questions, concerns, and conflicts with professionalism and courtesy.

Maintain a strong understanding of the Watershed’s mission, programs, and events, and share information with visitors.

Facilitate gift shop transactions and assist with merchandise organization.

Coordinate and assist with setup and breakdown of weekend programs and events.

Collaborate with staff to ensure smooth weekend operations and event logistics.

Serve as the point person for on-site emergencies, following established protocols.

Participate in training sessions on building systems and campus procedures.

Support volunteer recruitment efforts for events and programs.

Help schedule and coordinate the weekend welcome desk volunteer coverage. Assist in updating and managing the volunteer database.

Qualifications

A genuine enthusiasm for the mission and values of the Watershed Center.

Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask effectively.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills; a true “people person.”

Prior customer service experience preferred.

Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work independently and collaboratively.

Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and basic digital tools.

Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and perform light physical tasks.

Must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age.

Preferred but not required:

Experience working with or managing volunteers.

Interest or experience in outdoor stewardship activities such as invasive species removal or trail work.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $18-20 per hour based on experience.

On-site housing is available for rent.

How to Apply:

Submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Please include “Weekend Customer Service/Visitor Center Coordinator” in the subject line.

The Watershed Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Technician

Job Title: Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Technician
Location: Pennington, NJ
Reports To: Director of Conservation, Sustainability, and Facilities
Schedule: Part-time, 20-24 hours per week — (rotational weekends on call required)

About The Watershed Institute

The Watershed Institute is a dynamic nonprofit conservation organization working to keep water clean, safe, and healthy. Based at our LEED-Platinum certified Watershed Center on a 950-acre nature reserve in Pennington, NJ, we engage communities through science, advocacy, education, and land stewardship. We are dedicated to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Position Summary

The Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Technician plays a critical role in maintaining the safety, functionality, and appearance of our facilities and reserve. This part-time position (20–24 hours/week) with one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday) based on your availability, and on-call availability on weekends with short notice as needed. It supports weekend operations and contributes to the upkeep of our buildings, campus infrastructure, and natural landscape. Working closely with the Property Manager & Stewardship Coordinator, this position helps ensure that visitors and volunteers have a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience during their time on our campus. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization and help maintain one of New Jersey’s most ecologically rich and publicly loved nature preserves.

Key Responsibilities

Facilities Maintenance

Assist the property manager with routine maintenance of buildings and building systems.

Perform grounds maintenance including mowing, snow removal, clearing downed trees, etc.

Maintain landscaping tools and equipment in good working condition (e.g., hand powered tools, string trimmer, chainsaws, brush cutters, tractors).

Identify and respond to facility issues involving electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, geothermal, or wastewater systems, security and fire alarms.

Set up and break down for weekend programs and events.

Land Stewardship

Support stewardship of the 950-acre Watershed Reserve in collaboration with the Stewardship Coordinator and Property Manager.

Proactive trail maintenance, signage installation, upkeep of kiosks and infrastructure.

Assist in managing invasive species and supporting native plantings.

Ensure that rain gardens and green infrastructure systems are maintained and remain functional.

Work with volunteers and community groups to implement land stewardship projects.

Maintain accurate records and documentation of stewardship activities in alignment with land management plans.

Qualifications

Required

Experience in land stewardship, gardening, or natural resource management.

General knowledge of carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.

Ability to work independently and handle tasks with minimal supervision.

Comfortable working outdoors in varied weather and terrain.

Ability to lift and carry heavy objects, operate landscaping tools and equipment, and perform physically demanding tasks.

Familiarity with stewardship tools and machinery (e.g., chainsaws, tractors, snowplows).

Strong time management, organization, and communication skills.

Experience working with volunteers in outdoor or service-based settings.

Valid driver’s license and must be able to maintain and hold a background check for working around children.

Preferred (but not required)

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in conservation biology, ecology, land management, or trades.

Knowledge of LEED-certified buildings, residential systems, farm buildings, and state certified historic structures.

Familiarity with tractor maintenance and operation.

Ability to read blueprints or schematics.

Related professional certifications (land management, construction, architecture)

Experience with field data collection.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $23-25 per hour based on experience.

On-site rooms are available for rent.

How to Apply:
Submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Please include “Grounds & Maintenance Assistant” in the subject line.

The Watershed Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Employment

Keeping water clean, safe, and healthy is the heart of our mission.

Current Job Openings

The Watershed Institute

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