Conservation Coordinator

~ 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 an 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. 

Position Overview   

The Coordinator will lead our efforts to connect people to nature, bolster existing land and water conservation efforts, stimulate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for rural communities along the Yellowstone River. T

he Coordinator will work with community leaders, using our time tested process, to develop and implement a vision and plan for the Yellowstone that will improve family friendly recreation and protect the river and its surrounding landscapes. The Coordinator will work closely with on-the-ground partners and American Rivers' staff in our Bozeman office and Washington, DC headquarters. 

Responsibilities 

• Assist communities in improving recreational opportunities, and protecting the Yellowstone River and its riverside lands.
• Build support for these efforts through meetings with opinion leaders, local elected officials, businesses, hunters and anglers, private landowners, and scientists.
• Develop and implement a plan for improving river recreation and land protection, building on existing land and water conservation efforts.
• Coordinate a coalition of diverse partners and stakeholders to improve recreation and protect the Yellowstone River.
• Work closely with partner organizations, institutions, and local governments to prioritize and protect land that will enhance recreational opportunities, improve community livability, and protect the natural values of the Yellowstone River.
• Develop and disseminate educational and outreach tools.
• Leverage state and federal resources.
• Represent American Rivers at conferences, press events, and other public events.
• Host promotion events in and around the Yellowstone River to connect local communities to the river and educate them about the importance of river and land conservation.
• Work with state and local tourism groups to promote the Yellowstone River through travel magazines and other media. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in policy, law, natural or physical science, or other related discipline.
• A Minimum of four years of experience successfully executing similar projects in the areas of natural resource policy or management and community organizing.
• Strategic thinker; highly organized and able to meet deadlines.
• Strong passion for protecting Montana's rivers and lands.
• Experience in western water management and conservation or a related topic preferred.
• Familiarity with the political and social dynamics in the Intermountain West.
• Effective advocate with strong written and verbal communication skills and experience giving public presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders including local municipalities, conservation groups, landowners, and volunteers.
• 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 preferred.
• High energy level, flexible, self-motivated, and self-confident.
• 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, transporting gear and lifting and carrying 50 lbs. as needed.
• Ability and willingness to work some evenings and weekends and to travel extensively within the region. 

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

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!"  to email a resume and cover letter. Type "Yellowstone Position" in the subject line.
• Applications will be considered immediately.
• Application deadline: June 27, 2014.  
• No phone calls please.
• Please mention how you learned of this opening. 

~ American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. ~