River Conservation Associate

~ American Rivers protects wild rivers, restores damaged rivers, and conserves clean water for people and nature. ~

Since 1973, American Rivers has protected and restored more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects, and the annual America's Most Endangered Rivers® campaign. Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 200,000 members, supporters, and volunteers.

Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations.

Position Overview  

The Associate will advance the goals of American Rivers' river protection and restoration work in western North Carolina prioritizing the Little Tennessee River watershed due to its significant ecological value including robust biodiversity. The Associate will work closely with American Rivers' staff in the Carolinas as well as national Blue Trails and River Restoration team members. 

Our protection goal is to protect critical riverside lands for ecological and community benefits. This will be accomplished by leading efforts to develop a Blue Trail along the Tuckaseegee River. Through these efforts we will connect the local communities to nature, stimulating economic growth, bolstering existing land and water conservation efforts, and improving the quality of life for rural communities.

A Blue Trail is a river adopted by a local community that is dedicated to improving family-friendly recreation such as fishing, boating, and wildlife watching, and to conserving riverside land and water resources. They foster increased river recreation opportunities, stewardship, outdoor education, and a healthier, more active lifestyle, especially for underserved communities.

The Associate will guide community leaders within the Tuckaseegee River basin in the step-by-step process of developing Blue Trails. Responsibilities will also include assessing other rivers in the Carolinas and Tennessee as potential Blue Trails. River protection will comprise approximately 75% of job duties. 

Restoration goals are to restore natural river functions and will be achieved by removing dams and other stream barriers, and restoring floodplains. The Associate will serve as a community liaison in the Little Tennessee watershed and will provide general guidance and support in identifying, developing and implementing river restoration projects.

S/he will represent American Rivers while working with municipalities, state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, community leaders and the media. Restoration work will comprise approximately 25% of job duties.

Responsibilities 

• Lead American Rivers' efforts to establish the Tuckaseegee River Blue Trail, improve recreational opportunities, and protect rivers and riverside lands;
• Assist communities in the step-by-step process of developing the Blue Trail;
• Build support for the Blue Trail through meetings with opinion leaders, local elected officials, conservation organizations, businesses, residents, and private landowners, to generate excitement, and create a vision and plan for the Blue Trail;
• Develop and implement a plan for improving river recreation and land protection, building on existing land and water conservation efforts;
• Work closely with partners to identify conservation priorities that will enhance recreational opportunities, improve community livability, and protect the natural values of the Tuckaseegee River corridor;
• Work with American Rivers' staff in completing a regional Blue Trails assessment of rivers in the Carolinas and Tennessee;
• Promote dam removal and other barrier removal projects in western North Carolina, including coordinating partners and building community support;
• Assist with trainings and workshops to build capacity for dam and other barrier removal projects;
• Build upon and establish new partnerships with civic and community leaders, non-profit organizations, government agencies, consultants, and other restoration partners;
• Leverage state and federal resources; and
• Represent American Rivers at conferences, press events, and other public events. 

Minimum Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, natural or physical science, or other related disciplines;
• Minimum of two years' experience of successfully executing similar projects in the areas of natural resource policy or management and community organizing;
• Strong passion for protecting and restoring rivers and critical landscapes;
• Strategic thinker; highly organized and able to meet deadlines;
• Familiarity with the political, cultural and social dynamics in the Little Tennessee River basin desirable;
• Effective advocate with strong oral and written communications skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders including local municipalities, conservation groups, agencies, landowners, and volunteers;
• Strong public speaking and writing skills required;
• Team player and demonstrated ability to work effectively with core local partners to advance project goals;
• Experience writing grant proposals, reports, and other fundraising activities desirable;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with limited direct supervision;
• Respect for diverse viewpoints and good listening skills;
• Ability and willingness to conduct field work in rivers, including paddling, wading, hiking, extended standing, transporting gear, and lifting and carrying 40 pounds; and
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends and to travel extensively within the region. 

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience. Full-time and full-time equivalent employee benefits include health, dental and life insurance, a retirement plan, and generous leave time. 

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your resume, cover letter and salary requirements.
• Be sure to indicate "NC Conservation Associate" in the subject line. 

Or mail to: 

American Rivers, Attn: Human Resources
1101 14th Street, NW, Suite 1400
Washington, DC
20005  

Note: Applications will be considered immediately! And please, no phone calls.