Full job description
RDRWA Summer Education & Outreach Coordinator
The organization: The Red Deer River Watershed Alliance (RDRWA, www.rdrwa.ca) is a collaborative, non-profit organization that serves as a Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) under the provincial Water for Life Strategy in Alberta. The Government of Alberta partners with WPACs to achieve the three goals of the Water for Life Strategy – healthy aquatic ecosystems, reliable quality water supplies for a sustainable economy, and safe, secure drinking water.
The position: The RDRWA seeks a Summer Education & Outreach Coordinator to support the development and delivery of outreach programs and activities related to watershed health and water quality this Summer 2025. We seek a young professional with a passion for water and the environment, with a background in science or education. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of watershed science principles (e.g., hydrology, climate change, land-use practices, ecosystem monitoring (biology, chemistry, and physics), assessment and reporting) and strong interpersonal and communication skills.
The role will focus on translating watershed scientific information to key audiences through communications and community engagement. This position will be in-person (in Red Deer) and require some remote work, with travel required across the Red Deer River basin in central Alberta.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and support virtual or in-person outreach events and education activities related to watersheds in central Alberta.
- Assist with the development and delivery of communication, education, and outreach events, prepare materials related to water quality and watershed health work for different audiences and RDRWA communication platforms;
- Work with stewardship groups to conduct community-based water monitoring projects involving water chemistry and biological sampling;
- Develop content (e.g., articles, photos) for publishing via RDRWA platforms;
- Connect daily with the Watershed Outreach and Project Coordinator and provide regular updates to the Executive Director;
- Assist with RDRWA events and meetings, and other outreach duties as required.
- Submit a formal report on work experience with RDRWA at the end of the summer contract.
Required Qualifications & Eligibility:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge and understanding of watershed science concepts
- Comfortable with public speaking and sharing information with various audiences
- Strong interpersonal skills including an ability and passion for developing and fostering professional relationships
- Innovative, creative and enthusiastic
- A valid driver’s licence, access to a vehicle, and the willingness to travel within the Red Deer River watershed in central Alberta
- Able to work on some weekends and evenings to attend events and meetings
- Respect for safety procedures and ability to do some light lifting and field work
Additional Qualifications:
These skills are not requirements for this position but are considered an asset:
- Resident of the basin with knowledge of rural and urban watershed activities
- Post-secondary education in environmental sciences, education, water resources, biology, agriculture, or a related field (degree may be in progress)
- Knowledge of watershed science, climate change adaptation, local knowledge of rural and urban watershed activities
- Experience delivering environmental education programs to the general public and youth
- Experience with GIS and website maintenance
- Experience coordinating events
Terms of Employment: This position will be potentially funded through the Federal Canada Summer Jobs program. The Outreach Coordinator must be between the ages of 15 to 30 years, a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or with refugee protection, and have a valid Social Insurance number.
The RDRWA is an equal opportunity employer and committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and in science, conservation, and the non-profit sector. We encourage applications from members of groups that are underrepresented and/or excluded from these sectors, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
To apply: Please send a resume with a cover letter to: emily@hroutlook.ca, with Subject line stating ‘RDRWA Summer Education & Outreach Coordinator’ with the cover letter addressed to Darian Coulter, Watershed Outreach and Project Coordinator, Red Deer River Watershed Alliance.
Deadline for Applications: March 10, 2024, 4:00pm MST
Thank you for your interest in working with the RDRWA. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 16 weeks
Pay: $22.00 per hour
Expected hours: 36.25 per week
Additional pay:
- Overtime pay
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2025-03-10
Expected start date: 2025-05-08
