About the job
Watershed Outreach & Program Assistant
Job Status: Full- time. This is a 1-year, term position with the possibility of continuation.
Salary and Benefits: $44,000-$47,000, health and dental insurance, paid time off
Schedule: Hybrid (typically 60% in-office/on-site, 40% remote); evenings and weekends required for events
Reports to: Executive Director
The Doan Brook Watershed Partnership (DBWP) is a nonprofit organization working to restore and protect the Doan Brook and its 12-square-mile urban watershed. Flowing through the cities of Cleveland, Shaker Heights, and Cleveland Heights, the brook links neighborhoods, parks, institutions, and Lake Erie. DBWP advances its mission through community-based restoration, environmental education, and collaborative stewardship. As a small but high-impact team, we work with residents, city officials, scientists, educators, and volunteers to implement creative, place-based solutions that improve water quality, community access, and ecological resilience.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Watershed Outreach & Program Assistant plays a key role in supporting both public-facing and
behind-the-scenes efforts, including field stewardship, outreach, volunteer coordination, community
engagement, educational programming, and data tracking. This is a great opportunity for an early-career
professional interested in environmental science, education, or nonprofit program work, especially in urban watersheds, environmental justice, and climate resilience contexts.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Engagement & Stewardship
● Plan and facilitate volunteer stewardship events (stream cleanups, tree plantings, invasive species
removals)
● Manage event logistics: permits, supplies, site prep, signage, registration
● Recruit and communicate with volunteers and partner organizations
● Track participation data and assist with reporting and evaluation
● Support hikes, bicycle tours, fishing and boating events in coordination with staff and partners
● Participate in rain garden, bioswale, and other green infrastructure installations
Outreach & Communications
● Maintain DBWP’s website and social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
● Draft newsletters, event announcements, signage, and outreach materials
● Create educational content focused on stormwater, watersheds, and sustainability
● Represent DBWP at events across Northeast Ohio (e.g., Earth Day, Arbor Day, festivals)
● Attend local meetings with community groups and city agencies to strengthen partnerships
● Support office management and equipment and asset management
Technical & Program Support
● Assist with stream monitoring (chemical, physical, biological) and data collection
● Support habitat assessments and green infrastructure evaluation
● Organize and maintain monitoring data in spreadsheets and internal databases
● Help prepare grant applications, reports, and program summaries
● Participate in stakeholder meetings and help support new restoration project development
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in environmental science, sustainability, ecology, or related
field
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team
● Strong written and verbal communication skills
● Organized, detail-oriented, and flexible with shifting priorities
● Commitment to environmental justice and equitable community service
● Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
● Ability to lift 50 lbs, hike uneven terrain, and work outdoors in all weather
● Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Preferred Qualifications:
● Experience in watershed science, ecology, community conservation, or environmental education
● Experience presenting scientific or technical information to general audiences
● Familiarity with water quality monitoring equipment or habitat protocols
● Experience using GIS or other mapping and data analysis tools
● Experience working with diverse partners or communities
● Cultural competency and professionalism in community-based settings
● Familiarity with stormwater management, green infrastructure, or environmental policy
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position requires both office and outdoor fieldwork, including:
● Regular travel within the watershed for meetings, events, and monitoring
● Manual dexterity to operate computers, phones, scientific and office equipment
Ability to bend, lift, and carry up to 50 lbs
● Ability to walk in streams, forests, and urban terrain for several miles
● Work in variable outdoor conditions, including heat, rain, and uneven surfaces
Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified applicants as needed.
APPLICATION
● Please submit cover letter and resume to: Dr. Mo Drinkard, Executive Director of the Doan Brook
Watershed Partnership, at mo@dbwp.org
● Please include your last name and “Watershed Position” in the subject line.
● Deadline: Open until filled, Review of applications to begin immediately
Posted: August 5, 2025
WHY JOIN US?
This is more than a job, it’s a chance to protect one of Northeast Ohio’s beloved freshwater corridors while
building your skills in environmental leadership. If you’re passionate about clean water, resilient communities,
and making a difference at the local level, we hope you’ll apply.
