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!
Keeping water clean, safe, and healthy is the heart of our mission.
Current Job Openings
Senior Director of Advancement
Job Announcement: Senior Director of Advancement
The Watershed Institute, a dynamic, multifaceted, and growing nonprofit conservation organization, seeks an experienced development professional to serve as its Senior Director of Advancement. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a vital member of the organization’s leadership team, the Senior Director of Advancement will partner with senior staff and the Board of Trustees to oversee development, fundraising, communications, and marketing functions.
The organization fields teams of scientists, educators, and advocates in pursuit of its mission to keep water clean, safe, and healthy, and is headquartered at the LEED-Platinum Watershed Center on a 950-acre nature reserve near Pennington, New Jersey. The Watershed Institute is committed to building a culturally diverse organization and is committed to the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Primary responsibilities of the position include:
Development and Fundraising
- Develop overall strategy for the advancement team to meet fundraising targets for 2025 and the ambitious goals of the organization’s five-year strategic plan.
- Manage the departmental budget of approximately $260,000 in 2025 (not including staff compensation) and work with the organization’s Executive Director and Senior Director of Finance & Operations to prepare future revenue and expense budgets.
- Supervise three full-time and one part-time development staff members; recruit, hire, and supervise one additional full-time staff member during 2025; and foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
- Engage and cultivate relationships with The Watershed Institute’s Board of Trustees and actively lead the organization’s Development Committee of Trustees and other volunteers to support fundraising goals and activities.
- Prepare all development-related reports for meetings of the Board of Trustees and Development Committee; and review, revise, and report on Key Performance Indicators for development and fundraising.
- Oversee the Annual Fund, which includes unrestricted contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Manage a major and principal gift portfolio to support the annual fund, capital needs, and endowment growth, through effective cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
- Work closely with the Executive Director, Chief of Strategy & Program, Senior Director of Finance & Operations, and other senior staff to secure and manage grants from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individuals.
- Supervise management of the organization’s annual Watershed Fest gala and other fundraising events, working with the organization’s events coordinator and volunteers to meet goals for net revenue.
Communications and Marketing
- Supervise the Senior Manager of Communications & Marketing and work collaboratively with the communications team to promote the Watershed’s mission, brand, and accomplishments to the organization’s donors, partners, and other constituents.
- Represent the organization at organizational functions and other public and private events.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree with at least ten years of experience in a fundraising setting, including a mix of frontline and operations roles and responsibilities.
- Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with Board Members, donors, colleagues, consultants, and members of the community.
- Demonstrated track record meeting fundraising revenue and expense budgets.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive projects simultaneously.
- Strong leadership and management skills, with experience building and leading high-performing teams.
- Experience with fundraising software.
- Experience with marketing and commitment to consistent use of branding.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to accept feedback, take direction, and be accountable for outcomes.
- Passion for the organization’s mission, programs, and core values.
- Genuine commitment to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Salary Range: $110,000 – $115,000
Schedule: 4-Days In Office | 1- Day Remote
Location: Pennington, NJ
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
Watershed Summer Photography Intern
Watershed Summer Photography Intern
The Watershed Institute is seeking a creative and motivated Photography Intern to join our staff for our popular summer programs. This internship offers hands-on experience in capturing and producing compelling visual content for our summer camp, High School Academy, and other educational programs. We value diversity, inclusion, and respect for all living things and the land. We are committed to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourage applications from people of color, and neighboring communities. We strive to inspire future generations of environmental scientists and naturalists. Join us in making a difference this summer through the power of storytelling!
Dates: June 23 – August 15, 2025
Hours: 20 hours per week
Stipend: $2,500
What You’ll Gain
- Hands-on experience in photography, videography, and content creation.
- An opportunity to build a robust portfolio with diverse, dynamic projects.
- Mentorship and feedback from seasoned professionals in communications and marketing.
- Insight into educational program operations and storytelling.
Responsibilities
- Photography & Videography:
- Capture high-quality photos and videos of summer camp activities, High School Academy sessions, and other educational programs.
- Take candid and posed shots of students, staff, and events that align with our organization’s visual style.
- Content Management:
- Organize, edit, and manage storage of all photo and video assets.
- Ensure all content is easily accessible and well-labeled for future use.
- Social Media Content Creation:
- Design and create engaging posts, stories, and reels for social media platforms.
- Collaborate with the Communications Department to align content with ongoing campaigns and messaging goals.
- Support camp procedures and policies while interacting with campers
- Work with summer camp administrators and counselors.
- Spend long periods of time outdoors in summer weather while hiking 1-3 miles.
- Campaign Support:
- Assist in brainstorming and executing marketing campaigns using photo and video assets.
- Provide creative input on how to use visuals to maximize engagement.
Qualifications
- Proficiency with photography and videography equipment.
- Experience with photo and video editing software (e.g., Capcut, Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, or equivalent).
- Familiarity with social media platforms, trends, and content creation tools.
- Motivation for working with diverse children or youth in an outdoor setting
- Strong organizational skills to manage and store large quantities of digital content effectively.
- Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines.
- Passion for the mission of The Watershed Institute.
- Creativity and ability to recognize photographic opportunities.
Preferred Skills
- Experience working with educational programs, camps, or youth organizations.
- Knowledge of current social media trends and strategies for audience engagement.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a cover letter to The Watershed Institute with subject line Summer Photography Intern at [email protected]. OR complete this application.
The Watershed Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
Watershed Nature Camp Counselor (13 Positions)
Watershed Nature Camp Counselor
The Watershed Institute is seeking enthusiastic seasonal staff for our popular summer camp program. Watershed Nature Camp is an 8-week outdoor day camp that provides immersion in nature on 950 acres in Hopewell Township (Mercer Co), NJ. We value diversity, inclusion, and respect for all living things and the land. We are committed to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourage applications from people of color, and neighboring communities. We strive to inspire future generations of environmental scientists and naturalists. Watershed Nature Camp staff will uphold and model these values while providing a healthy, safe, and fun experience for campers.
For more information about Watershed Nature Camp, visit www.thewatershed.org/camp.
Dates: Camp sessions run Monday through Friday from June 23 – August 15, 2025 (staff must be available for at least 7 of those weeks)
Training: 65 hours of mandatory training will be held between June 8 – 18
Hours: A typical work day will run from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., but some Thursday overnight campouts, and offsite, overnight trips may be necessary.
Rates: $13.00-$15.00/hr, based on experience
Benefits:
- bi-weekly pay
- First Aid/CPR training will be provided
- Meals provided during extended programming (overnights)
- *Transportation to and from Trenton (see * responsibility below)
Qualifications:
- High school graduation or equivalent and age 17 or older
- Exceptions will be made for prior Watershed Nature Camp Counselors-in-Training who have completed 11th grade and are age 17 or older
- First Aid/CPR certification (we will provide, if needed)
- Experience working with diverse children or youth in an outdoor setting
- Enthusiasm for nature, the environment, and sustainability
- Demonstrated ability to work as a team in stressful situations
- Demonstrated ability in public speaking or leading group activities or games
- Adaptability and flexibility to ever-changing situations
- Ability to work outside all day during hot and humid summer weather
- Ability to walk for at least 2-6 miles a day on uneven terrain
Responsibilities:
- Maintain and support the physical and emotional safety of all campers, including relevant safety documentation
- Work as a team with 1-2 other staff and 1-2 volunteers to supervise 10-21 campers (ages 5 through 14)
- Uphold camp policies, procedures, and values
- Assist in the planning and revising of weekly schedules in order to reach thematic learning goals
- Lead and/or participate in presentation aspects of the program including environmental education activities, nature crafts, outdoor survival skills, and games
- Maintain supplies for all daily activities, including the safe-handling of food for cookouts and campouts
- For those working with campers in 3rd-9th grade, facilitate offsite field trips that may include touring other facilities, hiking, or boating
- For those working with the 7th-9th grade group, work as a team to facilitate offsite overnight trips that include boating, backpacking, and camping
- *For those who would like transportation to and from Trenton, be responsible for the duties of bus monitor for campers also riding the bus
To apply: Submit your resume and a cover letter to The Watershed Institute with subject line Watershed Nature Camp Counselor at [email protected] OR complete this application.
The Watershed Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
Watershed Nature Camp Group Leader (7 positions)
Watershed Nature Camp Group Leader
The Watershed Institute is seeking enthusiastic seasonal staff for our popular summer camp program. Watershed Nature Camp is an 8-week outdoor day camp that provides immersion in nature on 950 acres in Hopewell Township (Mercer Co), NJ. We value diversity, inclusion, and respect for all living things and the land. We are committed to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourage applications from people of color, and neighboring communities. We strive to inspire future generations of environmental scientists and naturalists. Watershed Nature Camp staff will uphold and model these values while providing a healthy, safe, and fun experience for campers.
For more information about Watershed Nature Camp, visit www.thewatershed.org/camp.
Dates: Camp sessions run Monday through Friday from June 23 – August 15, 2025 (staff must be available for at least 7 of those weeks)
Training: 65 hours of mandatory training will be held between June 8 – 18
Hours: A typical work day will run from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., but some Thursday overnight campouts, and offsite, overnight trips may be necessary.
Rates: $15.50-$16.50/hr, depending on experience
Benefits:
- bi-weekly pay
- First Aid/CPR training will be provided, and reimbursement for Lifeguarding certification, if applicable
- Meals provided during extended programming (cookouts and overnights)
Qualifications:
- High school graduation or equivalent and age 19 or older
- First Aid/CPR certification (we will provide, if needed)
- Lifeguarding or Wilderness First Aid preferred
- Experience working with diverse children or youth in an outdoor setting
- Experience facilitating programs or experiences about nature, the environment, or sustainability
- Demonstrated ability to work as a team and make decisions in high-stress situations
- Ability to remain calm and professional during an emergency situation
- Adaptability and flexibility in ever-changing situations
- Ability to work outside all day during hot and humid summer weather
- Ability to walk for at least 2-6 miles a day on uneven terrain
Responsibilities:
- Maintain and support the physical and emotional safety of all campers, including relevant safety documentation
- Lead a team of 1-2 other staff and 1-2 volunteers to supervise 10-21 campers (ages 5-14)
- Be a role model for camp policies, procedures, and values
- Lead the planning and revising of weekly schedules in order to reach thematic learning goals
- Lead and participate in presentation aspects of the program including environmental education activities, nature crafts, outdoor survival skills, and games
- Maintain supplies for all daily activities, including the safe-handling of food for cookouts and campouts
- Provide excellent customer service to families during check-in and check-out and other in-person interactions
- Provide constructive feedback to volunteer Counselors-in-Training on a weekly basis
- For those working with campers in 3rd-9th grade, lead offsite field trips that could include touring other facilities, hiking, or boating.
- For those working with the 7th-9th grade group, lead offsite overnight trips that include boating, backpacking, and camping
To apply: Submit your resume and a cover letter to The Watershed Institute with subject line Watershed Nature Camp Group Leader at [email protected] OR complete this application.
The Watershed Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
Watershed Nature Camp Administrative Assistant
Watershed Nature Camp Administrative Assistant
The Watershed Institute is seeking enthusiastic seasonal staff for our popular summer camp program. Watershed Nature Camp is an 8-week outdoor day camp that provides immersion in nature on 950 acres in Hopewell Township (Mercer Co), NJ. We value diversity, inclusion, and respect for all living things and the land. We are committed to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourage applications from people of color, and neighboring communities. We strive to inspire future generations of environmental scientists and naturalists. Watershed Nature Camp staff will uphold and model these values while providing a healthy, safe, and fun experience for campers.
For more information about Watershed Nature Camp, visit www.thewatershed.org/camp.
Dates: Camp sessions run Monday through Friday from June 23 – August 15, 2025
Training: 65 hours of mandatory training will be held between June 8-18
Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday-Friday between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Rates: $17/hr
Benefits:
- bi-weekly pay
- First Aid/CPR training will be provided
Qualifications:
- High school graduation or equivalent and age 20 or older
- Previous experience working with Watershed Nature Camp preferred
- First Aid/CPR certification (we will provide, if needed)
- Experience working with diverse children or youth in an outdoor setting
- Motivation for positive, professional customer service
- Motivation for organized, efficient use of databases and online systems
- Demonstrated ability to work as a team and make decisions in high-stress situations
- Adaptability and flexibility in ever-changing situations
- Ability to occasionally walk 2-6 miles on uneven terrain
Responsibilities:
- Serve as a member of the Camp Administration team
- Assist in overseeing day-to-day operations of camp
- Manage and maintain registration records
- Manage and maintain accurate transportation records
- Support successful attendance of campers and camper families attending on scholarship
- Serve as a point-of-contact for organizations sending campers on scholarship
- Pack and distribute bag lunches for campers on scholarship
- Provide excellent customer service to parents with face-to-face conversations, timely phone calls, and email responses on a daily basis
- Provide regular communications and trainings to parents to empower them to complete necessary health and medical records
- Assist with the inventory, ordering, pickup, distribution of supplies and groceries
- Create and maintain expense records
- Accept other duties necessary for the smooth operation of summer camp
To apply: Submit your resume and a cover letter to The Watershed Institute with subject line Watershed Nature Camp Administrative Assistant at [email protected].
The Watershed Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
Watershed Nature Camp Assistant Camp Director
Watershed Nature Camp Assistant Camp Director
The Watershed Institute is seeking enthusiastic seasonal staff for our popular summer camp program. Watershed Nature Camp is an 8-week outdoor day camp that provides immersion in nature on 950 acres in Hopewell Township (Mercer Co), NJ. We value diversity, inclusion, and respect for all living things and the land. We are committed to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourage applications from people of color, and neighboring communities. We strive to inspire future generations of environmental scientists and naturalists. Watershed Nature Camp staff will uphold and model these values while providing a healthy, safe, and fun experience for campers.
For more information about Watershed Nature Camp, visit www.thewatershed.org/camp.
Dates: Camp sessions run Monday through Friday from June 23 – August 15, 2025
Training: 65 hours of mandatory training will be held between June 8-18
Hours: A typical work day will run from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., but some Thursday overnight campouts, and offsite day trips will be necessary.
Rates: $19/hr
Benefits:
- bi-weekly pay
- First Aid/CPR training will be provided, and reimbursement for Lifeguarding certification, if applicable
- Meals provided during extended programming (overnights)
Qualifications:
- High school graduation or equivalent and age 21 or older
- Previous experience working with Watershed Nature Camp
- At least one season of supervisory experience or a similar leadership role
- First Aid/CPR certification (we will provide, if needed)
- Experience with health safety like Wilderness First Aid, Lifeguarding, EMT, or Nurse Aide
- Experience working with diverse children or youth in an outdoor setting
- Experience facilitating programs or experiences about nature, the environment, or sustainability
- Demonstrated ability to work as a team and make decisions in high-stress situations
- Ability to remain calm and professional during an emergency situation
- Adaptability and flexibility in ever-changing situations
- Ability to work outside all day during hot and humid summer weather
- Ability to walk for at least 2-6 miles a day on uneven terrain
Responsibilities:
- Act as the Health Director, as required by the NJ Youth Health Safety Act
- Maintain accurate health and safety records
- Respond to emergency situations
- Remain on site during evening and overnight programs
- Communicate with parents about camper health and behavior related issues
- Assist in facilitating staff and CIT training
- Assist in conducting staff meetings
- Encourage staff development through mentoring, performance evaluation, skill development, and on-going training
- Assist in overseeing day-to-day operations of camp
- Serve as a member of the Camp Administration team
- Accept other duties necessary for the smooth operation of summer camp
To apply: Submit your resume and a cover letter to The Watershed Institute with subject line Watershed Nature Camp Assistant Camp Director at [email protected].
The Watershed Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
Human Resources Specialist
Job Description: HR Specialist – The Watershed Institute
Location: Pennington, New Jersey
Job Type: Full-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.