Sassafras Riverkeeper

The Sassafras River Association is 501 (c) (3) watershed organization advocating for and protecting the Sassafras River, one of the five tributaries of the Upper Chesapeake Bay.

Position Overview: 

The Sassafras Riverkeeper is an Advocate/Scientist, serving as the eyes and ears of the River. The Sassafras Riverkeeper is responsible for the development and implementation of an advocacy program to prevent pollution and habitat degradation in the Sassafras River and its watershed. The Sassafras Riverkeeper advances the Sassafras Watershed Action Plan, ensuring the implementation of restoration efforts. The Sassafras River Association is a proud member of Waterkeeper Alliance. The Sassafras Riverkeeper ensures compliance with Waterkeeper's Quality Standards.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a full-time public advocate for the Sassafras River and its watershed, observing, documenting and reporting environmentally-harmful activities, and taking appropriate follow-up action, including initiating enforcement action when necessary.
• Develop and implement programs that provide an on-the-River and in-the-watershed presence to investigate pollution sources and monitor environmental conditions.
• Expand and diversify the constituency for healthy rivers by raising public awareness of River issues and providing training for citizen advocates.
• Review and comment on activities with the potential to impact the health of the River and watershed.
• Seek stronger laws and regulations to protect the River and watershed.
• Provide technical support for advocacy and monitoring efforts being implemented by strategic partner organizations.
• Act as spokesperson for the Sassafras River Association at public hearings, media events, public speaking engagements, and in developing partnerships with other community organizations.
• Advocate regularly and vigorously before State and local government agencies on behalf of the health of the Sassafras River to improve water quality and quality of life.
• With Executive Director, advocate for the Sassafras Watershed Action Plan implementation and funding.
• Ensure that environmental laws are enforced within the watershed.
• Ensure that the Waterkeeper Alliance's thirteen Quality Standards are met, with the support of the SRA Executive Director and Board.
• Write and develop outreach materials (newsletters, brochures, presentations, website & press release.)
• Collaborate with the Science Manager and Science Committee in developing and implementing water quality monitoring programs, including quality assurance, supervising volunteers and interns, data collection, management, and analysis.
• Participate in volunteer recruitment and management.
• Assist in planning and coordination of meetings, field days, workshops, and other events. 
• Opportunity to participate in restoration activities, dependent upon skill set.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, hydrology, natural resource management, or related field. Masters degree preferred.
• Minimum 2 years professional experience in an advocacy role in a not for profit environmental organization.
• Excellent writing and speaking skills; ability to communicate to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, GIS, Adobe and other basic computer applications. 
• Experience in public advocacy, preferably with experience developing and managing environmental campaigns.
• Experience in grassroots organizing and volunteer management.
• Experience which demonstrates an understanding of political and legislative processes.
• The ability to conduct rigorous investigations of pollution problems.
• Knowledge of and experience in interpreting Federal and Maryland State environmental laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of water resources management.
• Skill in communicating difficult technical issues to lay audiences, including both elected officials and the general public.
• Ability to argue convincingly for controversial positions.
• Demonstrated skill in advocating before State and local government agencies on behalf of environmental issues.

To Apply:

Please email cover letter, resume and writing sample. Deadline for submissions is Friday, April 2. Please include Riverkeeper in subject line. No phone calls please. All applications will be carefully considered. Only eligible candidates will be contacted.