Community River Champion — Santa Cruz, CA

Organization: Coastal Watershed Council

Job Title:  Community River Champion

Location: Santa Cruz, CA

Hours and Compensation: Half-time @ $15-17/hour

Application Deadline:  open until filled – ASAP

Position Dates: Start date ASAP for 1 year Fellowship

Posted On: Sep. 18, 2012

Organization Overview

CWC advocates for the preservation and protection of coastal watersheds through the establishment of community-based watershed stewardship programs. We work in partnerships with schools, community organizations and local government agencies. CWC emphasizes hands-on learning – getting community members out into the watershed to learn about water quality, riparian and wetland ecosystems and the problems, and solutions, affecting our watersheds.

Description

The Coastal Watershed Council (CWC) has been awarded a Packard Foundation grant that will support the hiring of CWC’s first dedicated staff person to lead stewardship activities. The individual selected for the Community River Champion fellowship will report to the Executive Director and assume responsibility for developing and implementing all stewardship programs at CWC. The Champion will also coordinate with CWC’s Education Coordinator and Monitoring Coordinator to pursue the organization’s mission: preserving and protecting coastal watersheds through education, stewardship and monitoring.

Responsibilities

 This position is a part-time (~20 hrs/week) role leading CWC’s stewardship programs, working with other CWC staff and volunteers. This position requires a flexible, creative, energetic, team-oriented, internally-driven individual who is passionate about environmental issues. Excellent computer skills and a comfort level presenting to both adults and youth in group settings are essential. Event planning and volunteer management experience are considered a plus for this role.

Examples of Duties:

 Leading CWC’s ongoing Water Tours & Water Films series  Promoting CWC’s Stewardship Toolkit  Creating presentations at local school to encourage children with diverse
backgrounds to become active in local environmental issues and consider
science careers.  Enhancing and promoting CWC’s Data & Stewardship Portal  Developing a watershed steward or docent training program to promote
CWC’s work of watershed protection throughout the community  Holding community meetings to reinvigorate dialogue about watersheds
and river health, focusing on the San Lorenzo River, to include disadvantaged communities usually not participating in environmental discussions
 Developing/expanding a network of organizations working to protect the San Lorenzo River
 Designing and leading stewardship events to be determined during the fellowship
 Working closely with the Executive Director and the CWC Fundraising Committee to coordinate with consultants who will train the CWC Board of Directors and staff in:
o fundraising o developing a database to manage volunteers and donors o cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness
 Assisting other CWC staff in fulfilling the requirements of existing contracts and grants
 Assisting in development of new CWC programs  Assisting Executive Director in grant/contract management and general
project management, including project-level accounting  Perform other assigned tasks as required

Qualifications

Required:

Experience & Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or University with major coursework in environmental science, community studies, community development or a related field, and some level of applicable experience.

Ability to:  Develop and implement environmental education curriculum appropriate
for adults  Partner effectively with CWC partners  Utilize Microsoft Windows, Excel and Word to manage files, track
expenses and manage monthly budgets, write reports, and excel at other
basic office tasks using a PC  Manage volunteers and other staff as necessary  Keep good records and maintain excellent organization  Pay particularly close attention to detail  Positively represent CWC to the general public  Adjust to varying work needs, be flexible and work with teams  Work independently as well  Create and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and
outside partners  Proficiently use standard office equipment: phone, fax, computers,
printers, copiers, etc.  Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written communication
 Write, edit and efficiently prepare professional correspondence  Use the Internet for basic research  Prioritize tasks and efficiently manage time  Strategize key activities to achieve organizational and programmatic goals
and objectives using wise judgment  Balance taking initiative with positively accepting direction  Articulate your individual interests in CWC’s work  Practice general office/vehicle safety practices and regulations

Knowledge of:  Basic environmental principles  Watershed concepts  Modern office procedures  CWC’s mission and programs

Qualifications Desired:

Knowledge of:  Behavior change programming  Social media networking tools  Marketing strategies and tools  Federal and state regulations and policies pertaining to storm water quality
and urban runoff

Ability to:  Communicate orally and in written Spanish  Write grants, fundraising proposals & lead donation campaigns  Use Excel as an advanced user  Use desktop publishing software  Plan and organize major events

Other Requirements: Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license. Possession and proof of a good driving record. Occasionally work evenings and weekends as needed for CWC events.

How to Apply

Submit resume, cover letter and 1-2 page writing sample (on any topic) to Greg Pepping, CWC Executive Director to[email protected].