Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Field Aquatics Crew Lead

🎯 Role Definition

The Field Aquatics Crew Lead is a hands-on leadership position at the forefront of aquatic ecosystem management and restoration. This individual is responsible for directing, training, and mentoring a field crew in the execution of diverse projects, including aquatic invasive species (AIS) control, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, and fisheries surveys. The Crew Lead ensures projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest scientific standards, serving as the critical link between project managers and on-the-ground field operations. This role demands a strong combination of technical field expertise, leadership acumen, and a passion for preserving and improving aquatic environments.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aquatic Field Technician / Ecologist I
Conservation Corps Member / Crew Member
Fisheries Technician or Aide

Advancement To:

Aquatic Project Manager
Restoration Ecologist / Scientist
Natural Resources Program Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Terrestrial Restoration Crew Lead
Wildlife Biology Team Lead
GIS Analyst (with further specialization)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lead, supervise, and mentor a field crew of 2-5 technicians, fostering a positive, safe, and productive team environment.
Oversee the day-to-day implementation of aquatic habitat restoration projects, including wetland creation, stream bank stabilization, and native vegetation planting.
Conduct and direct comprehensive surveys for aquatic invasive species (AIS) using various methods such as visual inspections, netting, eDNA sampling, and remote sensing.
Direct and participate in the application of aquatic herbicides and algaecides for invasive species control, ensuring strict adherence to label instructions and safety protocols.
Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain a wide range of specialized field equipment, including motorboats, kayaks, electrofishing units, water quality sondes, and GPS devices.
Train crew members on proper field techniques, species identification (plants, fish, invertebrates), data collection protocols, and safety procedures.
Enforce all safety policies and procedures, conduct daily safety briefings (tailgate talks), and ensure the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Navigate to remote and often challenging field sites using maps, aerial imagery, and GPS, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.
Collect, record, and manage high-quality field data using digital data forms (e.g., Survey123, Fulcrum) and traditional field notebooks, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Coordinate daily logistics, including crew schedules, equipment allocation, site access, and transportation to and from project locations.
Serve as the primary on-site point of contact, communicating project progress, challenges, and needs to project managers and stakeholders.
Implement fisheries population assessments using techniques such as electrofishing, fyke netting, and seining, including the handling and processing of live fish.
Execute water quality monitoring protocols, collecting samples and operating multi-parameter sondes to measure dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, and other key indicators.
Perform physically demanding tasks in challenging environments, which may include wading in water, hiking over uneven terrain, and lifting heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs).
Make real-time decisions in the field to adapt to changing environmental conditions or unexpected project challenges while maintaining project objectives.

Secondary Functions

Assist project managers with project planning, resource scheduling, and the development of field methodologies.
Manage and organize collected field data, performing initial quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks before submission.
Maintain detailed records of daily activities, herbicide application logs, and equipment maintenance schedules for reporting purposes.
Contribute to the preparation of technical summaries, progress reports, and final project deliverables.
Support inventory management by tracking the use of field supplies, chemicals, and equipment parts, and communicating restocking needs.
Collaborate with other internal teams, private landowners, and agency partners to ensure coordinated and effective project execution.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team, if applicable to the organization's data flow.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Aquatic Species Identification: Strong ability to identify a wide range of aquatic plants (native and invasive), fish, and macroinvertebrates common to the region.
Motorboat & Trailering Proficiency: Demonstrated competence in operating, launching, trailering, and performing basic maintenance on various watercraft.
GPS/GIS & Mobile Data Collection: Expertise in using handheld GPS units for navigation and data collection, as well as proficiency with mobile data collection software (e.g., ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123).
Aquatic Herbicide Application: Possession of a state-issued Commercial Aquatic Pesticide Applicator License or the ability to obtain one shortly after hiring.
Water Quality Monitoring: Experience operating and calibrating multi-parameter water quality sondes (e.g., YSI, In-Situ) and following standard sampling protocols.
Fisheries Survey Techniques: Knowledge and practical experience with field methods such as backpack or boat electrofishing, netting, and fish handling/measurement.
Equipment Maintenance: Mechanical aptitude for performing routine maintenance and field repairs on small engines, pumps, and other field equipment.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and train a team, providing constructive feedback and fostering skill development.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with a team, reporting to managers, and interacting with the public.
Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills to effectively troubleshoot equipment, logistical, and environmental challenges in the field.
Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to maintain a positive attitude and high performance while working long hours in physically demanding and often uncomfortable weather conditions.
Safety-Conscious Mindset: A deep commitment to personal and team safety, with the ability to identify risks and enforce safety protocols proactively.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to data collection, record-keeping, and following scientific protocols to ensure data integrity.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Equivalent professional experience (typically 4+ years in a directly related role) may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aquatic Ecology or Biology
Environmental Science
Fisheries Management
Conservation Biology
Natural Resource Management
Water Resources Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-4 years of experience in ecological field work, with at least one year or season in a leadership, training, or supervisory capacity.

Preferred:

Experience leading field crews in aquatic invasive species management or habitat restoration projects.
Experience working on a wide variety of waterbody types (lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands).
A proven track record of operating and maintaining field equipment in a professional setting.