Rita Barron Fellowship – Boston, MA
Organization: Charles River Watershed Association
Job Title: Rita Barron Fellowship
Location: Boston, MA
Hours and Compensation: Full-time, provides a stipend of $30,000 plus benefits for the work period
Position Dates: one-year
Application Deadline: April 15, 2012
Posted On: April 12, 2012
Organization Overview
CRWA’s mission is to use science, advocacy and the law to protect, preserve and enhance the Charles River and its watershed.
One of the country’s oldest watershed organizations, Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) was formed in 1965 in response to public concern about the declining condition of the Charles. Since its earliest days of advocacy, CRWA has figured prominently in major clean-up and watershed protection efforts, working with government officials and citizen groups from 35 Massachusetts watershed towns from Hopkinton to Boston. Initiatives over the last four decades have dramatically improved the quality of water in the watershed and fundamentally changed approaches to water resource management.
While CRWA’s mission focuses on the Charles River, the implications and applicability of our science-based work go far beyond the watershed’s boundaries. Much of CRWA’s work is cutting edge and therein lies our unique strength and effectiveness: we use our scientific knowledge of the Charles to develop innovative, workable solutions to watershed problems. This knowledge allows CRWA not only to advocate persuasively for outcomes, but also to partner with government agencies and other environmental groups to protect the natural environment and to promote sustainable ecosystem policies and practices.
Description
The Rita Barron Fellowship is named in honor of the Charles River Watershed Association’s (CRWA) second Executive Director, who worked for fifteen years as a pioneering leader in river and watershed protection. The Fellowship provides an opportunity for a qualified candidate to work in an exciting and dynamic organization under the direction of some of the country’s leading water resources scientists. The Fellow will work closely with the science and advocacy staff of CRWA on a variety of ongoing projects and programs. This year’s Fellow may have the opportunity for some international travel. Tasks are likely to include some or all of the following: working with and training local volunteers; supervising interns; conducting field work; maintaining field equipment; managing and analyzing data; producing maps and graphic presentation materials; researching, writing and editing scientific reports and grants; and public presentations to various audiences. The Fellow will also be involved in CRWA’s work with a sister watershed organization in Central or South America or the Caribbean as part of CRWA’s Twinning program.
Responsibilities
The Fellowship is a one-year, full-time position, and provides a stipend of $30,000 plus benefits for the work period. The Fellowship, now in its eighth year, provides a short-term work experience in a dynamic non-profit organization and is intended for a well trained individual entering the field of watershed science and management. Individuals with significant experience in this field will not be considered for the position. The position will provide the right candidate with valuable real-world experience in water resources management, significant on the job-training and skill building, and opportunities to work with a variety of other environmental agencies and organizations both locally and abroad. The Fellow is expected to start on June 1, 2012. Outstanding candidates will be interviewed in April and May 2012.
Qualifications
- Be proficient in Spanish; fluency in Spanish a plus; additional language skills a plus.
- Have a documented interest in the environment.
- Have a Master’s degree in one of the following areas: environmental science, environmental management, water resources, hydrology, biology, chemistry, civil/environmental/agricultural engineering, or a related field. (In some cases a Bachelor’s degree along with a few years of relevant experience may substitute for a Master’s degree).
- Be proficient in ArcGIS.
- Have experience working as a volunteer or with volunteers; volunteer management experience is a plus.
- Be able to perform physical tasks in the field under all weather conditions, including lifting at least twenty pounds without difficulty.
- Have a valid driver’s license and regular access to a car.
- Be able to work periodic early mornings, evenings and weekends and have flexibility to be on-call for water quality sampling during wet weather events.
- Be available for international travel.
Candidates must be self-motivated and demonstrate an ability to work well with others as well as on their own with minimal supervision. Strong computer, public speaking, research and writing skills are all highly desired. Experience with environmental field work and data analysis, either paid or volunteer, is a plus. Database management or statistical analysis experience is also a plus. Candidates will be interviewed and selected based on criteria such as prior experience, recommendations, academic performance, communication skills, and technical skills.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and a resume by email no later than April 15, 2012 to:
Julie Wood, Watershed Scientist.
