Watershed Organizer

Prairie Rivers Network is Illinois' statewide river conservation organization and an affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. Founded in 1967, the organization is headquartered in a dynamic University community just 45 minutes from a national scenic river and within 20 minutes of one of the state's finest small mouth bass streams. Prairie Rivers works to restore and protect Illinois' rivers for the benefit of people, fish, and wildlife.

Watershed Organizer

Prairie Rivers seeks an energetic and outgoing individual to inspire Illinois citizens to protect the state's 87,000 miles of rivers and streams. The Watershed Organizer will report to the executive director and link the organization to groups and individuals throughout the state who share our commitment to rivers.

Necessary qualifications include understanding, of and strong commitment to, river restoration and conservation, ability to communicate technical issues to the layperson, ability to recruit and supervise a corps of volunteers critical to the success of the organization, proven writing and public speaking capabilities, good public relations skills, strong attention to detail, and a willingness to travel and work evenings and/or weekends as needed.

Desired skills include organizing experience, computer skills, website maintenance skills, and expertise in public policy analysis.

Primary Responsibilities

Outreach and Organizing

• Support the organization of new grassroots river conservation groups and provide technical and organizational development assistance to existing groups;
• Work with these groups, sporting and boating groups, and others to build coalitions and campaigns around specific issues. Recruit people to write letters to the editor, generate press, and increase public turnout at events and meetings;
• Assist local conservation groups in identifying threats and opportunities, setting goals, and developing and implementing strategies for achieving those goals;
• Develop and coordinate workshops to enhance local advocates' river protection skills, including how to use the Clean Water Act, communicate through the media, and plan campaigns;
• Represent the organization in statewide stakeholder forums developing policies that impact rivers and water quality;
• Inform activists through newsletters, action alerts, and electronic communication. Update website on a regular basis.

Volunteer Management

• Organize volunteers and develop leadership and advocacy skills among members, volunteers and other advocates, and encourage participation in conservation campaigns, state and local stakeholder programs;
• Increase the capacity of Prairie Rivers Network by increasing contacts and fostering collaboration with groups that share our goals and by building volunteer programs.

Education and Public Outreach

• Further develop and administer a media and public relations campaign concerning river conservation issues, including placement of PSAs and development and distribution of educational materials;
• Conduct extensive public outreach, speaking to a variety of audiences to encourage membership and interest in river conservation;
• Develop and organize river outings for members, potential members, and decision makers in Illinois.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree is required. Must have a proven dedication to conservation and environmental issues and a track record in advocacy efforts. Independent, self-motivated, with a passion for involving the public in protecting rivers is a must!

Compensation

Prairie Rivers Network offers an exciting, fulfilling, and challenging work environment. Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications; competitive health and vacation benefits.

To Apply

Please mail or fax (no e-mail applications, please) a cover letter, rsum, and three references to:

Jean Flemma, Executive Director
Prairie Rivers Network
809 S Fifth St
Champaign IL 61820-6215

Prairie Rivers is an equal opportunity employer.