Job Description
TITLE: Associate Director, California River Restoration and Data Science
CLASSIFICATION: Associate Director I
DEPARTMENT: Conservation
WAGE CATEGORY: Exempt or Non-exempt
REPORTS TO: Director, California River Restoration and Dam Removal
LOCATION: Nevada City, CA, Sacramento, CA or home office within ~2-3-
hour drive from Redding, CA
About American Rivers
American Rivers believes that a future of clean water and healthy rivers for everyone,
everywhere is essential. Since 1973, we have protected wild rivers, restored damaged rivers, and
conserved clean water for people and nature. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., and
300,000 members, supporters, and volunteers across the country, we are one of the most trusted
and influential river conservation organizations in the United States, delivering solutions for a
better future, because life needs rivers. For more information, please visit
www.americanrivers.org.
At American Rivers, we embrace and celebrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) in
all that we do. We seek to build and embody this diversity in our organization and throughout the
conservation field. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that each individual
brings to our work provides perspectives and competencies that are critical to our effectiveness
in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and
nature.
JOB SUMMARY
The Associate Director of California River Restoration and Data Science will help American
Rivers compile and analyze watershed and species data to evaluate the most pressing climate
challenges our rivers face. The Associate Director will meaningfully contribute to the development
and implementation of analytical projects that support science-based decision-making for species
recovery, California water policy, and dam removal project assessment. The Associate Director
will coordinate with state agencies and other organizations conducting salmonid research in the
Sacramento and Shasta River watersheds to design, implement, and conduct field monitoring and
study plans. The successful candidate will also support American Rivers’ dam removal work by
participating in stakeholder meetings, facilitating development of and managing a public-facing
database of priority dam removal projects. There will also be opportunities to engage with other
California non-profit organizations, Tribal members, and federal agencies. The Associate Director
will also contribute to fundraising, strategic planning, DEIJ initiatives, and other internal needs of
the California region.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Collaborate with state and federal agencies, Native American Tribes and Tribally-led
organizations, non-profit partners, and private interests to accelerate river restoration and
improve watershed management policies and practices in California.
• Develop a fish study design and monitoring plan. This may include managing
subcontractors and project budgets, coordinating partners, reporting to agencies and
funders, leading outreach activities, and identifying opportunities to scale successes.
• Oversee and administer the fish monitoring plan. Develop appropriate monitoring plans
and collect and analyze data regarding salmonid populations in the Sacramento River
Watershed.
• Develop a watershed study and monitoring plan. Develop appropriate study plans and
collect and analyze data regarding water quantity and quality conditions, with the goal
of habitat and species recovery in the Shasta River watershed.
• Develop and implement water temperature models to support instream flow dedication
and other restoration strategies.
• Assist with preliminary data summaries and analyses, technical report writing, or
database management.
• Manage a database of priority dam removal projects. This will include updating and
repairing the database to ensure that it remains a publicly accessible tool for the
facilitation of dam removal projects.
• Manage subcontractors and project partners, facilitate development and kickoff of a
California Dam Removal Community of Practice, and participate in coordination
meetings with the University of California, Berkeley.
• Communicate successes and lessons learned to diverse audiences including state and
federal decision-makers, corporate and foundation funders, rural landowners, and others.
• Contribute to project and program development. Support the development and writing of
proposals for existing data science projects as well as new innovative and analytic
projects with the goal of influencing California water policy.
• Participate in California and dam removal program strategic planning, including
authentic incorporation of DEIJ. Strive to improve the existing programs and identify
new opportunities.
• Conduct outreach activities and help develop media that builds awareness about
American Rivers and the value of healthy rivers to communities, funders, and decision
makers.
• Represent American Rivers at conferences, press events, and other public events.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience coding in and managing databases that rely on R-programming language.
• Experience participating in multifaceted habitat assessment studies, including carrying
out a variety of research and survey methods, analyzing established data, restoration
effectiveness, and monitoring environmental elements such as water quality, water
quantity, temperature, etc., and how it impacts fish, other aquatic species and habitat
function.
• Knowledge/understanding of aquatic organism barrier issues and California water
resource issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice.
• Innovative thinker with excellent organization skills and demonstrated experience
meeting deadlines, setting priorities, and working in a self-directed manner.
• Ability to develop partnerships, proposals, budgets, and strategies that will accelerate
river restoration and conservation in California.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and the
ability to effectively communicate with partners and agency representatives.
• Demonstrated strength in critical thinking, judgment, and dependability.
• Experience with fundraising for restoration and watershed stewardship a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of two years relevant work
experience.
• Personal commitment to American Rivers’ mission.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Full-time and full-time equivalent employee benefits include health, dental and life insurance, a
retirement plan, and generous leave time. Anticipated salary range is $64,480 to $67,000
commensurate with skills and experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS
No phone calls please
