Position Available 

South RIVERKEEPER®

Position Description:

The South River Federation seeks a full-time RIVERKEEPER® to serve as an energetic and dedicated advocate for the health of the South River and provide a constant presence on the river, throughout the watershed, and in surrounding communities.  Primary responsibilities include being a public voice for the river, its problems and potential solutions; investigating threats to the river and actively seeking solutions; facilitating public education about river issues; planning and leading volunteer activities and events; and monitoring river conditions.

The ideal candidate will be a confident and motivated self-starter with a strong personal commitment to river conservation and enjoy working as part of a team in a fun and fast-paced environment. This position reports to the Executive Director.

 

RIVERKEEPER™ Responsibilities

Detailed responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

• Be a visible spokesperson about the river, its problems and potential solutions, and an effective communicator to a wide-range of constituents including: local residents, elected officials, the business community, researchers, educators and students, watermen, recreational boaters and other resource users, media, and other stakeholders in the region.

 

• Follow up on potential threats to river health, including responding to citizen calls and complaints, and work with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to determine the appropriate actions, including, if necessary,  litigation, to stop violations, enforce permit provisions, and otherwise protect the river.

 

• Establish and maintain relationships with key partner organizations and individuals, and work to build consensus among groups on key South River protection issues and activities.

 

• Establish and maintain relationships with local and state elected and appointed officials, especially local officials engaged in planning, zoning, enforcement, and other areas directly related to the health and well being of the river.

 

• Conduct and oversee research on the river and its problems, including establishing both routine and emergency monitoring systems on the river for water quality, habitat protection, land use, and aquatic resources. 

 

• Review and provide comments on proposed legislation and regulations that affect the South River and its watershed, and work with local, state and Federal agencies and local and regional partner organizations to influence policies and regulations to the benefit of the river and its ecosystem.

 

• Review and provide comment to influence existing permits and proposed permit applications where potential impacts of the project might adversely affect water quality or the river’s resources.

 

• Review and provide comment on plans for new construction activity on or near the river that might affect water quality or the river’s resources, including storm water management plans and sediment and erosion control plans.

 

• Monitor construction activity to ensure proper compliance with plans, report observed violations, and lead efforts to correct violations.

 

• Develop monthly reports for the Executive Director’s report to the Board on the river and the RIVERKEEPER® activities to further the South River Federation’s goals.

 

• Prepare written communication and public presentations for South River Federation volunteers, members and community stakeholders about river issues.

 

• Participate in outreach to the community and local schools to expand public awareness about the role of the river and the importance of behavior that supports the health and vitality of the river. 

 

• Support the organization’s efforts to organize volunteers to support the citizen monitoring effort and involvement in ongoing river restoration activities.

 

• Participate in and support the organization’s efforts to find new members and raise funds. 

 

• Provide data and information about the river as requested for public information materials, and grant development, tracking and reports.

 

• Drive the RIVERKEEPER® boat and keep the boat and its equipment fully operational and well maintained.

 

• Work with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Board committees to research and identify emerging issues, and to set priorities for South River Federation involvement.

 

• Serve as liaison to the WATERKEEPER® Alliance

 

• Coordinate special initiatives and projects as requested.

 

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in communicating with and building consensus among a wide-range of constituents and stakeholders, and motivating individuals and organizations to take action.

 

• Strong, persuasive, and direct written and verbal communication skills including an ability maintain composure in difficult circumstances.

 

• Excellent organizational and time management skills, natural problem solver, self-starter, ability to work independently and also as a team player with other individuals and organizations.

 

• Strong analytical and planning skills; experience in managing multiple projects/priorities.

 

• Highly functional computer skills including competency with MS Office suite.

 

• Commitment to South River Federation mission, values and issues, and a dedication to and passion for the diversity and health of river and watershed ecosystems and the various natural and human activities that depend on them.

 

• Stellar record of honesty and trustworthiness.

 

• Masters degree in marine and/or estuarine science, public policy, or law preferred (Bachelors required). Minimum five years of program experience with non-profit organizations.

 

• Experience operating and maintaining small watercraft, including proof of U.S. Coast Guard small boat operating certification or equivalent, and valid driver license.

 

Compensation: 

Competitive non-profit salary commensurate with skills and experience.  Benefits include fun and challenging work environment, generous vacation and holiday leave, health care including dental, life insurance, and matching contribution to retirement savings account.

Application Process:
Send cover letter, resume, references and salary history and requirements to: info@southriverfederation.net (Preferred), fax to 410-224-3860 or mail to South River Federation, 2830 Solomons Island Road, Suite B, Edgewater, MD 21037. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.  The Federation will begin reviewing resumes on August 4.  The search will remain open until position is filled. 

 

Organization Background:

The South River is a tidal river located to the south of Annapolis, Maryland.  It is home to many characteristic Bay species such as submerged aquatic vegetation, striped bass, great blue herons, osprey, oysters, and blue crabs.  The river watershed is undergoing increasing urban and suburban development and the river is threatened by excess nutrients, sediment runoff, chemical contaminants, and loss of habitat.

The South River Federation is a non-profit conservation and advocacy organization dedicated to protecting, restoring, preserving, and celebrating the South River and its ecosystem.  Behind this mission is a growing movement to create a new mindset about responsible behavior and active involvement of every individual who impacts the South River. Since 1999 the South River Federation has united people who are passionate abut the river and the quality of life it brings to its surrounding communities.  The Federation is a member of the WATERKEEPER® Alliance. 

 

SOUTH RIVER FEDERATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

©Copyright South River Federation 2007