Job role
The Program Executive (Watershed Ecology) will serve as a technical and operational anchor for water security and watershed management initiatives. This role bridges the gap between scientific hydrogeological research and impactful community-led field implementation. Operating across distinct geological landscapes, specifically the igneous, Alluvium, and coastal landscapes of Velhe (Rajgad) and the Shastri River Basin (SRB). The Executive will oversee hydrological mapping, data-driven watershed interventions, and technical capacity building to ensure long-term climate resilience and water sustainability.
A. Desk Work (Research, Reporting & Publications)
- Research: Conduct hydrogeological research on aquifer mapping, groundwater recharge, water quality for Igneous and sedimentary terrain (Velhe & SRB).
- Report Writing: Prepare technical reports, quarterly progress reports, donor reports, and impact assessment documents.
- Proposal Writing: Draft strong scientific grant proposals, concept notes, and budgets for water-security projects (targeting governments like DST & CSIR and also the international donors).
- Publications: Author/co-author case studies, policy briefs, and scientific papers for journals, conferences, and Raintree newsletters.
- Data Management: Maintain centralized databases of borewell/dugwell/springs/yield/rainfall data by using authentic softwares and GIS/QGIS for spatial analysis.
B. Field Work (Velhe & SRB)
- Regular Field Visits: Travel to Velhe and SRB at least 7–10 days per month.
- Data Collection: Supervise and conduct secondary & primary data collection (for SRB), water level monitoring, spring inventory, pump tests, water quality sampling, and geophysical surveys.
- Tracking Progress: Monitor daily progress of watershed interventions, recharge shaft construction for Salt water intrusion, and rainwater harvesting structures.
- Data Screening & Analysis: Validate field data for accuracy with established methods, perform statistical and hydrochemical analysis (e.g., water level trends, rainfall trend, electrical conductivity, TDS, salinity).
- Interpretation: Translate raw hydrogeological data into actionable insights for community action plans and aquifer recharge strategies. Also translating the scientific findings in a lucid way to key stakeholders.
C. Training & Capacity Building
- Training CRPs: Design and deliver modules on basic hydrogeology, water level measurement, handling water quality tracer, and data recording.
- Training Field Officers: Upskill field staff on use of field equipments, field test kits, and maintenance of monitoring systems.
- Stakeholder Training: Conduct participatory workshops for farmers, VDCs, GPs on groundwater budgeting, safe withdrawal, and artificial recharge.
Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Master’s or PhD in Hydrogeology, Earth Sciences, Geo-informatics or Water Resources
- Experience: At least 2 years of research and field experience
- Technical skills: Aquifer Mapping, Pump Test Analysis, Water Quality Interpretation
- Software skills: QGIS/ArcGIS, Aquachem, Surfer, Rockworks
Working Conditions & Travel
- Frequent field visits to two project sites (Velhe Taluka & Ratnagiri district)
- Weekend fieldwork may be required for time-series data collection
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Provident Fund
Work Location: In person
