Organization Description
Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) has spent over 50 years connecting people to nature with diverse environmental programs and services. As one of the most well respected environmental organizations in the region, we envision a healthy and sustainable environment for all plants, animals, and people living in our region. Our mission is to connect people with the natural world to improve our environment through education, advocacy, and conservation. Working state-wide in Delaware and the surrounding region, we operate four sites where people experience nature in unique hands-on ways reaching thousands of visitors each year.
Selected candidates will be required to submit to a criminal background check. While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
DelNature aspires to be inclusive multicultural organization that celebrates the rich dimensions of diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious and political beliefs. Diversity creates an awareness of and acknowledges respect for differences and translates into understanding and valuing each other’s perspective. We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.
Job Description
The Delaware River Watershed Fellow will serve as an ambassador for the Delaware Nature Society and the Delaware River watershed by engaging our community, emphasizing the importance of taking care of our local rivers and creeks, and helping DelNature better reach new audiences and audiences of color in Wilmington. By the end of the 12 weeks of service, the Watershed Fellow will be a local watershed expert and an ambassador to their community and will have introduced many new people to their local trails, waterways, and environmental center, as well as the steps they can take to help restore and protect the Delaware River Watershed.
The Fellow will spend much of their time in and around the neighboring communities and Wilmington Riverfront.
Delaware River Watershed Fellowship Background
DelNature is a member of the Alliance for Watershed Education, (AWE), a coalition of 23 environmental education centers focused on constituency building and stewardship of the Delaware River Watershed. Centers in the Alliance are connected along Circuit Trails, the regional trail network of multi-use bike/pedestrian trails and waterways (rivers, streams, creeks.) The Alliance, now in its fourth season, is again seeking to hire young people at each center for a 12-week summer fellowship designed to advance their collective impact of improving water quality across the watershed.
Responsibilities
- Engage target communities in Wilmington and the Delaware Rivers watersheds through stewardship, education, recreation and civic engagement.
- Participate in a 3-day supportive watershed stewardship training at Pocono Environmental Education Center (overnight, June 10-12).
- Participate in weekly webinars and check-ins with Fellows at other AWE centers.
- Attend two in-person regional meetings.
- With guidance from their supervisor, complete a required Capstone Project and present at the end program Watershed Fellowship Summit (August 14). Project should align with program goals, deepen the connection and engagement of trail and water users and expand watershed protection and restoration.
- Greets visitors and interprets the natural and cultural history of the Christina River Watershed and urban water issues to visitors and the community.
- Engage the Wilmington community, talking with trail users in and around the riverfront and community parks, providing resources such literature and flyers.
- Document through conversation and surveys the communities’ knowledge of and experience with the local waterways and water issues.
- Lead or assist with environmental education programming. Assist with daily office tasks as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
- Age 18+ by June 1, 2020 start date.
- Oral and written communication skills; superior interpersonal skills with an understanding of environmental/social justice concerns relevant to the region.
- Must be people oriented, have a team-focused attitude, and the ability to professionally represent DelNature and the Alliance for Watershed Education to the public.
- A positive attitude, as well as comfort working independently as a leader and part of a team, when needed.
- Ability to work in a dynamic fast-paced environment, juggle multiple priorities, changing activities; strong time and project management skills needed. Must be self-motivated and willing to work in a flexible, non-structured environment.
- Occasional evening and weekend hours required.
- Able to lead walks through varied terrain.
- Willingness to learn kayaking and canoeing.
- Able and willing to ride a bicycle along the 2-mile Wilmington Riverfront and associated paved trails.
- Must be able to get to and from work.
- Delaware Nature Society is dedicated to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourages applications from minorities and women.
- Wilmington residents strongly encouraged to apply.
Essential Dates
- June 1, 2020: Fellows start date at DelNature
- June 10 – 12: Required Watershed Stewardship Training (overnight) at Pocono Environmental Education Center. (Meals, transportation and accommodations provided.)
- July 7, 2020: Regional Meeting
- August 4, 2020: Regional Meeting
- August 14: Watershed Fellowship Summit (Location TBD)
- August 21, 2020: Last day of Fellowship
Salary and Benefits
This position pays $12/hr. Fellows will serve 35-40 hrs/week for 12 weeks.
Applicants Must Submit
- DelNature employment application
- Cover Letter
- Resume
