Local recruitment: Neuse Riverkeeper

Job Information

• Location: Raleigh / New Bern, NC
• Close Date: 01/30/2022
• Hiring Organization: Sound Rivers
• Contact Email: [email protected]
• Job Website

Description

Sound Rivers has a long tradition of clean water advocacy, protecting and preserving the health and viability of the Tar-Pamlico and Neuse rivers for over 40 years. Sound Rivers is committed to the goal of environmental justice and equity for all people in our watershed. We recognize the benefits and impact of diverse leadership, building of trust in impacted communities, and programs that are inclusive to ensure we serve the needs of all those communities within the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico river basins. The Neuse Riverkeeper is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance; learn more at https://waterkeeper.org/.

Sound Rivers is hiring for the position of Neuse Riverkeeper, which has a long tradition of clean water advocacy, protecting and preserving the health and viability of the Neuse River and fighting for environmental justice. The position works under the supervision of the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate ongoing environmental justice, water quality and habitat issues related to the health, protection and restoration of the Neuse River basin.
• Build a strong voice for the Neuse watershed by mobilizing local residents, educating decisionmakers and the public.
• Monitor for illegal pollution and other threats to the river; help resolve pollution issues and hold polluters and regulatory agencies accountable.
• Work with the executive director, director of advocacy programs and other staff to develop and implement goals, strategies, timelines and action plans for specific issues, campaigns and projects.
• Work with the ED and Communications Director to develop materials related to the river, including fact sheets, videos, op-eds, and blogs to educate and mobilize Sound Rivers members and the general public; and engage with the media to elevate and address issues affecting the river and communities.
• Develop effective working relationships with partner organizations, media, regulatory agencies, community and business leaders, civic organizations, and residents to achieve organizational goals, raise awareness and facilitate the protection and restoration of the river.
• Represent Sound Rivers, the interests of the river and communities at public hearings and on task forces, committees, appointed boards or commissions, and stakeholder groups involving the establishment of important permits, rules, regulations and policies.
• Work with Sound Rivers’ development team to raise support for the Neuse Riverkeeper program, including cultivating new members/donors and identifying grant opportunities, as well as supporting events to engage existing and prospective members/donors.
• Bring leadership attributes of integrity, transparency, equity, and inclusion to contribute positively to a passionate, hardworking, efficient, and collegial team.
• Other duties as needed or required.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in environmental or related field.
• Demonstrated personal or professional passion for Sound Rivers’ mission to protect the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico rivers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate issues and identify effective solutions and courses of action.
• Strong communication skills to clearly and effectively articulate complex issues and technical information to a diverse audience.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and work with a diversity of people.
• Experience and comfort being on the water, and if not already certified, eagerness to learn to safely operate Sound Rivers’ motorboats.
• Ability to independently problem-solve, make key decisions, and build collaborative partnerships with colleagues. Ability to exercise sound judgment and reflect organizational values in settings where competing viewpoints are present.
• Strong team ethic and integrity, with a desire to play a leadership role at a collaborative, inclusive, and highly effective organization.
• Be able to withstand controversy and effectively confront and negotiate with government officials, commercial interests, and policymakers in a professional manner.
• A current driver’s license with clean driving history, satisfactory passage of criminal background check.

Other desired experience:

• Passion for and knowledge of environmental and justice issues affecting eastern North Carolina.
• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.
• Experience working in advocacy, community organizing, and/or outdoor education for a nonprofit.

Physical Demands

Requires monitoring by air, water and land with frequent travel within the Neuse watershed with occasional travel overnight. Job duties include physical activity such as walking, hiking or paddling, and require ability to load and carry materials and equipment — some weighing at least 50 pounds — for research, programs and events.

Salary/Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Executive Director. The hiring range is $41,000- $49,000 depending upon experience and abilities. Sound Rivers offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, personal, holiday, and sick time; health, vision, and dental insurance; and a tax-deferred retirement plan. Sound Rivers places the highest value on its employees and employee retention and is committed to continuously building on our collaborative and flexible workplace environment. We value a healthy work-life balance and offer opportunities for staff development.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sound Rivers is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where we learn and work together to protect the Rivers. We strongly encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds in the environmental movement to apply.

Application Instructions

If you are interested in this position and meet a majority of the essential qualifications, please send a cover letter and resumé in PDF format to [email protected], subject line “YOUR LAST NAME, Neuse Riverkeeper.” If your materials indicate a potential match for our requirements, we will contact you. References will be requested from candidates chosen for interviews. Please, no phone calls or emails to the office regarding this opening. Position open until filled; initial interviews will be scheduled starting as early as Dec. 13, 2021, and will continue into January 2022, with an anticipated start date in February-March, 2022.