Delaware • New Jersey • Pennsylvania
New York • United States of America
The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), a federal-interstate water resource management agency, currently has one employment opportunity.
- Manager, Water Quality Assessment Section (deadline to apply: January 8, 2026, or until position is filled)
Instructions for Applicants
- Please review the job description and qualifications below.
- Send resume and cover letter via email to: jobs@drbc.gov.
- Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States without sponsorship.
- Salary within the range specified will be determined based on education and experience.
POSITION: Manager, Water Quality Assessment Section
DRBC GRADE: E-24
SALARY RANGE: $104,300 - $156,450
BRANCH: Science and Water Quality Management
SUPERVISED BY: Director, Science and Water Quality Management
Job Description
As a member of the Science and Water Quality Management Branch, the Water Quality Assessment Manager leads, supervises and directs the work of a professional staff of engineers and scientists engaged in the development of water quality standards (including physical, chemical and biological criteria) for Basin waters and supporting regulations for maintaining and improving water quality; planning and conducting water quality monitoring studies in support of assessment activities; and the preparation of water quality assessments including the biannual Section 305(b) report.
In this capacity, the manager will engage in the following:
- Water Quality Assessments
- Lead and supervise the development and updating of water quality criteria for conventional and toxic pollutants that are referenced in the Commission's Water Quality Regulations.
- Collaborate with staff for planning and executing field investigations, as well as using complex data and statistical analyses, to assess the status and trends of water quality in Basin waters and recommend management approaches.
- Coordinate with state and federal staff to assess Basin waters and supervise the evaluation of water quality data and the preparation of water quality assessments, including the Section 305(b) water quality assessment.
- Lead and supervise the development and updating of water quality criteria for conventional and toxic pollutants that are referenced in the Commission's Water Quality Regulations.
- Communication and External Partnerships
- Prepare engaging reports and presentations that effectively convey scientific findings to advisory committees, the public, the regulated community and government agencies.
- Write technical reports documenting activities performed by the Water Quality Assessment team.
- Develop data analysis and visualization tools for effectively presenting data and communicating study results to Commission members and stakeholders.
- Represent the Commission on external committees and at meetings and conferences.
- Maintain and build collaborative relationships with Commission member agencies and external partners.
- Prepare engaging reports and presentations that effectively convey scientific findings to advisory committees, the public, the regulated community and government agencies.
- Managerial and Administrative Responsibilities
- Coordinate and oversee the development and implementation of Quality Assurance and Quality Control policies and programs for the Commission.
- Manage and supervise grants and contracts related to monitoring and analytical laboratories.
- Prepare budgets, grant applications, cooperative agreements and progress reports related to Water Quality Assessment activities.
- Coordinate and oversee the development and implementation of Quality Assurance and Quality Control policies and programs for the Commission.
- Manage and administer the staff of the Water Quality Assessment Section, including but not limited to:
- Manage section staff administration (workplan development and evaluation, travel budget, timesheet, training, etc.)
- Oversee staff for the maintenance of a small water quality laboratory.
- Provide technical guidance and reviews for report preparation.
- Supervise staff liaisons to Commission Advisory Committees.
- Manage section staff administration (workplan development and evaluation, travel budget, timesheet, training, etc.)
- Cross-departmental Activities
- Participate in community outreach activities.
- Support cross-departmental activities through the development of data evaluation tools to support water quality models (for example, pre- and post-processing scripts for model inputs/outputs and assessment of model results).
- Participate in community outreach activities.
Qualifications
- Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in a science or engineering field related to water resources. A Master's degree or Ph.D. is preferred. Coursework related to environmental science, water quality/chemistry, data science, hydrology, advanced statistics, water pollution control or similar is desired.
- Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of water resources, including demonstrated success in conducting water quality monitoring and analysis, water quality criteria development and/or application, data assessment techniques, including statistical analyses, and technical report preparation. A candidate with leadership, project management and supervisory experience, and existing understanding of the Clean Water Act and Basin state water quality programs, is desirable. Graduate work may be substituted for up to two years of required experience on a year-for-year basis.
- Desired Skills/Experience:
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- Design and implementation of field monitoring programs, including knowledge of fundamental sample collection equipment and best practices.
- Strong statistical background in analysis and interpretation of environmental data.
- Proficiency in databases, spreadsheets and programming in R, Python and/or similar tools to process and visualize environmental and geospatial data.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
- Boat operator experience and ability to obtain certification.
- Ability to lead and work with cross-disciplinary teams.
- Ability to compile, review and summarize scientific reports and articles.
- Ability to apply machine learning techniques in data evaluation is a plus.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) proficiency is a plus.
- Design and implementation of field monitoring programs, including knowledge of fundamental sample collection equipment and best practices.
Information & Instructions for Applicants
DRBC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health (including prescription drug coverage), dental and vision insurance. Participation in retirement and deferred compensation plans, as well as flexible spending and health savings accounts, may also be available. DRBC also offers long-term disability insurance and State of New Jersey Temporary Disability and Family Leave coverage. Eligible employees receive annual paid sick and vacation leave, as well as four (4) personal days and twelve (12) paid holidays. Positions may offer telework or compressed work schedules. Benefit eligibility may vary based on job duties, operational needs and funding.
→ How to Apply
- Send resume and cover letter via email to: jobs@drbc.gov.
- Application Deadline: January 8, 2026 (position will remain open until filled)
- Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States without sponsorship.
- Salary within the range specified will be determined based on education and experience.
