Job Information
- Location: Winston-Salem, NC
- Close Date: 02/10/2024
- Hiring Organization: Yadkin Riverkeeper
- Contact Name: Edgar Miller
- Contact Email: edgar@yadkinriverkeeper.org
- Job Website
Description
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 ideal candidate will have at least three years of relevant experience with a proven track-record of effective fieldwork and data collection and analysis.
Responsibilities
- 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.
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.
Salary/Benefits
$45,000-$55,000, with monthly health care stipend.
Application Instructions
Candidates with relevant experience should submit their resume and a cover letter to YRK Riverkeeper/executive director, Edgar Miller, at edgar@yadkinriverkeeper.org by February 10, 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.
About Yadkin Riverkeeper
Yadkin Riverkeeper is a nonprofit, membership organization whose mission is to protect and enhance the Yadkin Pee Dee River basin through education, advocacy and action.
Only 1% of the earth’s water is available fresh water. The Yadkin Pee Dee River Basin is North Carolina’s second largest basin, including 5,862 stream miles and 22,988 lake acres, and spanning 21 counties and 93 municipalities. It is the principal source of water for the central Carolina region; however, it is threatened by industrial pollution and poor management. Yadkin Riverkeeper promotes, protects, and advocates for the river and the communities that depend on it.
