HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM PROGRAM COORDINATOR (Job ID 49549)

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM PROGRAM COORDINATOR (Job ID 49549)

Location: US: NH: CONCORD

Occupation Category: 19-0000 Life Physical and Social Science Occupations

Employment Type: FULL-TIME Post Date: 04/23/2026 Close Date: 05/26/2026

Salary: 31.330-42.600 USD

Description

State of New Hampshire Job Posting

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES WATER DIVISION / WATERSHED MANAGEMENT BUREAU 29 HAZEN DRIVE, CONCORD NH 03301 HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM PROGRAM COORDINATOR Position #44543 Typical Starting Salary is $31.33 - 42.60/hr.

*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.

The State of New Hampshire, Department of Environmental Services, Water Division, Watershed Management Bureau has a fulltime vacancy for a Harmful Algal Bloom Program Coordinator.

Summary:

Implements the Watershed Management Bureau's harmful algal bloom (HAB) program. Determines the frequency and extent of HAB organisms and associated biotoxin production in fresh and marine waters to assess the risks to human and environmental health. Works closely with public water suppliers, statewide bathing facilities, and other relevant entities to develop statewide policies and maintain a rapid response notification system to minimize human biotoxin exposure risks.

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS: Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 4.5 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 8.5 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in the fields of environmental engineering, environmental science or marine science.

License/Certification: Valid NH driver's license, or access to transportation for statewide travel.

Other Requirements: None

Trainee Option: Not applicable

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will have academic training and work experience in cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom taxonomy and identification, ecology, and cyanotoxin analysis. They should also have experience with water quality monitoring programs, developing and implementing specialized environmental studies, data management and analysis skills, skills with geo-spatial technologies and environmental dashboards, technical report writing, and the ability to communicate technical information across a broad range of interest groups. The candidate should be willing to work in the office, laboratory and the field as needed to execute the duties of this position.

AFTER-HIRE REQUIREMENTS: None

CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

In-Band Advancement Available: No Criteria: None Broad Group Level Advancement Available: No Criteria: None

DISCLAIMERS:

The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that job title.

When applicable, the work of an employee in trainee status in this position shall be overseen by a fully qualified individual. Anemployee in trainee status shall meet the minimum qualifications within the period of time specified on the SJD, not to exceed one year of being hired into this position.

Responsibilities:

• Implements all aspects of a statewide environmental program including monitoring of freshwater and marine waters, staffing, and policy development with the overall intent of understanding and minimizing human and environmental health risks with respect to harmful algal blooms (HABs).
• Coordinates monitoring efforts and assesses the condition of surface waters for designated uses with a particular focus on cyanobacteria in freshwaters and harmful algae in marine waters that can interfere with public water supply availability, recreational activities, and business operations.
• Coordinates highly specialized studies to examine the current frequency and extent of HABs and related biotoxin production in surface waters using computer models and programs and analyzes results in order to project future environmental conditions.
• Reviews, researches, and evaluates technical summaries, scientific reports, and government documents to achieve work objectives, evaluate program effectiveness and develop or revise program policies, procedures, field protocols, and standards, including new field testing procedures and laboratory analytical methods.
• Manages all data associated with harmful algae and biotoxins for freshwater and marine programs in accordance with department policies and procedures. Implements and updates quality assurance measures for all related programs.

Prepares technical reports and presents programmatic development efforts and study results to senior management, environmental professionals, partnering state agencies, and the general public to achieve program goals and to evaluate program effectiveness.

• Identifies and enumerates live and preserved microscopic aquatic organisms, especially phytoplankton, for the purposes of evaluating human health risks.
• Interacts extensively with intra- and inter-agency personnel to effectively and efficiently implement all elements of a HABs program in New Hampshire waters, including implementing a statewide notification system that informs the public of waters with an increased risk of biotoxin exposure.
• Continually seeks to improve practices to add quality and value in support of the Department's mission while identifying and eliminating unnecessary or redundant actions.

Disclaimer Statement:

The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed

on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.

Criminal background and driving record review required.

For further information please contact Amy Smagula, Chief Aquatic Biologist at Amy.p.smagula@des.nh.gov or at 603-271-8865.

*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including: HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits: The actual value of State-paid health benefits and the amount of employee health benefit contributions may vary depending on the type of plan selected and the bargaining unit with which a position is associated.

See this link for details on State-paid health benefits:

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.aspx

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement