Riverkeeper Assistant/Watershed Protection Specialist – Yadkin Riverkeeper
Yadkin Riverkeeper is seeking a Riverkeeper assistant/watershed protection specialist, a position that offers the opportunity to help protect North Carolina’s second largest river basin. As the Yadkin Riverkeeper assistant and watershed protection specialist, you will identify, track and prioritize on-going water quality issues related to the health, protection, and restoration of the Yadkin and South Yadkin Rivers and the Yadkin Lakes. The position will be a salaried, 40-hr per week job with three weeks of paid time off and a monthly health care stipend. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of relevant experience with a proven track-record of effective fieldwork and data collection and analysis. An undergraduate degree is preferred in aquatic biology, chemistry, geography, wildlife, fisheries, environmental management, or another field relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
Job Description
- Work with YRK’s Riverkeeper/executive director to develop and implement goals, strategies, timelines and workplans for specific issues, campaigns, and projects to protect water quality in the Yadkin River watershed.
- Develop the South Yadkin Watershed Restoration Plan, including water quality sampling for bacteria, nutrients and DNA tracking, outreach to agricultural and government stakeholders, and overall strategy development. Responsible for drafting final report preparation, including a GIS Story Map.
- Routinely track and monitor issues impacting the health of the river and assess the need for possible action or involvement by Yadkin Riverkeeper.
- Perform water sampling and monitoring for nutrients, bacteria, chlorophyll-a, harmful algal blooms, PFAS/PFOS, heavy metals and other hazardous constituents (i.e., cyanide, fluoride) as needed.
- Conduct regular field investigations and aerial surveys/photography in the watershed to identify potential threats.
- Provide support for YRK advocacy agenda, including attending/testifying at hearings, assisting in grassroots advocacy trainings and researching permitting compliance and regulatory issues.
- Assist with organizing and providing logistical support for YRK river, stream and lake cleanups.
Major Responsibilities – 2024-25
- South Yadkin Watershed Restoration Plan – With funding from the NC Land and Water Fund and the Waterkeeper Alliance, design and implement a sampling program to identify sources of nutrient and bacterial pollution in the South Yadkin to assess the level of water quality impairment. Develop strategies to reduce nutrient and bacterial pollution. Conduct outreach to government stakeholders and the agricultural community in the South Yadkin watershed. Draft and finalize South Yadkin Watershed Restoration Plan, including a GIS Story Map. (50%)
- Yadkin Riverkeeper Swim Guide Program – Design and implement YRK’s Swim Guide program for monitoring e. coli levels at paddle access and swim areas from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Responsibilities include volunteer recruitment, sample collection and IDEXX analysis, data uploads, equipment maintenance and sampling supplies inventory/reordering. YRK sampled 23 sites in 2023. (25%)
- Harmful Algal Bloom Mitigation Project – Support YRK’s efforts to engage Yadkin Lake communities in researching and developing nature-based solutions to address Harmful Algal Blooms. (10%)
- YRK Events – Assist in planning and implementing YRK educational events, county Creek Week activities, fundraisers, paddles, and cleanups (10%).
- YRK Administration – Participate in staff and board meetings, Waterkeeper Alliance and Waterkeepers Carolina meetings, prepare and submit staff reports, and other administrative duties as necessary. (5%)
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
The Riverkeeper Assistant should have a minimum of three years of experience and:
- A demonstrated commitment and passion for the protection of the environment and love of the outdoors.
- Familiarity with water quality sampling methods and equipment, including IDEXX, YSI, microscopes and GPS.
- Technical and scientific expertise and ability to assess and understand complex scientific, political, and regulatory issues.
- Proficiency with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping software.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively articulate complex issues and technical information to a diverse audience.
- Working knowledge of boating operations, seamanship and water safety and be comfortable on the water.
- Commitment to the mission and goals of the organization.
- Commitment to environmental justice and racial equity and inclusion.
- Knowledge of the Yadkin River and the issues impacting water quality a plus.
Candidates with relevant experience should submit their resume and a cover letter to YRK Riverkeeper/executive director, Edgar Miller, at [email protected] by January 31, 2024. Yadkin Riverkeeper is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination with respect to the hiring or promotion of individuals, conditions of employment, disciplinary and discharge practices or any other aspect of employment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or veteran status.
Salary Range – $45,000 – $55,000
Yadkin Riverkeeper is a non-profit member organization that seeks to respect, protect, and improve the Yadkin Pee Dee River Basin through education, advocacy, and action. Yadkin Riverkeeper is funded by individuals and foundations who share YRK’s commitment to creating a clean and healthy river. Yadkin Riverkeeper is a member of Waterkeepers Carolina and is also a licensed member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, which connects and supports local Waterkeeper programs to provide a united voice and to champion clean water issues around the world. www.yadkinriverkeeper.org.
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