Smart Growth Circuit Rider

The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA), founded in 1969, is an award-winning environmental non-profit organization. The Association's mission is to work for a healthy ecosystem with clean water and open spaces for human and wildlife communities, where people work together to sustain mutual economic and environmental well-being in the Nashua River watershed. The NRWA serves as an educator, advocate, steward, and provider of technical assistance.

The Smart Growth Circuit Rider position was created in 2005 to work on the EPA Targeted Watershed (TW) grant received by the NRWA and its partners: "Protecting Today's Water for Tomorrow: Combating Threats to Source Water in the Squannacook-Nissitissit Sub-basin of the Nashua River Watershed in MA & NH." (See www.epa.gov and follow links.) Theposition will be based at the NRWA during the three-year project.

• Gather, review, and assemble existing educational materials regarding smart growth such as info on threats to source water, the implications of land use change, and the efficacy of protection -- into a traveling PowerPoint presentation; Prepare FAQ sheets; Provide workshops.
• Assist in the technical development of innovative ordinances and policies on the local and state level that improve regulatory resource protection (specifically, watershed management and protection); Present these approaches via individualized trainings to appropriate audiences.
• Help local boards and commissions identify appropriate additional technical assistance for the smart growth, water and land issues that concern them; Similarly assist land trusts and others, as appropriate.
• Keep abreast of the similarities and differences between the principal state regulations, environmental laws, and issues impacting the bi-state Squannacook-Nissitissit sub-basin; Help to establish an inter-state policy task force around river/lakefront protection, in-stream flow, and new initiatives such as those providing incentives to landowner stewards; Increase communication and coordination across state and town boundaries.
• Assist project partners in educating municipal boards on available options such as conservation finance approaches and the MA Community Preservation Act.
• Develop strong working relationships with the project steering committee, principal public agencies, local boards and commissions, and nonprofit groups that serve this region.
• Promote awareness of, interest in and support for the EPA TW grant program and the project partners through all appropriate means, including personal contacts, group presentations, events, etc.
• Maintain records and an organized filing system; Prepare quarterly and other reports, as required.

Hours and Duration:Most likely full-time, including some weekends and evenings; NRWA may consider candidates interested in part-time.

Qualifications:The Circuit Rider must have a graduate degree and/or three or more year's field experience in regional land use planning, environmental policy, municipal administration, or land development. S/he must be knowledgeable about resource threats/protection needs and smart growth model bylaws and policies (such as Low-Impact Development techniques, TDRs, conservation-based/cluster zoning, groundwater protection overlay districts, etc). Familiarity with the sub-basin communities is highly desirable. Excellent verbal & writing skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office software are essential. This position requires someone who is self-motivated; able to work well on his or her own; and able to set priorities and meet deadlines.

To Apply

Please submit a rsum and cover letter (specify position sought) by February 22, 2005 to:

Nashua River Watershed Association
592 Main St
Groton MA 01450-1230

Electronic mail: wtkvenvold@NashuaRiverWatershed.org(put position sought in subject line)