Local recruitment: Headwaters Watershed Specialist - SJ RK

Job Title: Headwaters Watershed Specialist 

Reports to:  The St. Johns Riverkeeper

Job Grade:  Full-Time, Exempt

Summary: The Headwaters Watershed Specialist reports to and works closely with the St. Johns Riverkeeper to monitor the health of the St. Johns River from Fort Drum Marsh to Astor, Florida, to evaluate/prioritize issues and emerging threats, advocate for actions to improve and protect the Upper and Middle St. Johns River’s health and expand relationships with watershed stakeholders. This position requires science and legal/environmental policy skills as well as strong communication skills.

 The Headwaters Watershed Specialist will implement strategies to address loss of fish and wildlife habitat, increasing nitrogen/phosphorous pollution, harmful algae blooms (HABs), extreme weather impacts, encroaching development, and other emerging issues.

 Activities will include pollution response, citizen science, research, governmental affairs, communications and outreach.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Identify and prioritize issues and develop strategies and action plans. This includes the development of partnerships and coalitions and the creation of content for fact sheets, petitions, and other advocacy outreach tools.
• Evaluate and address potential emerging threats to the Upper & Middle Basins of the St. Johns River.
• Gather, review and analyze existing studies, best practices, and data to support the evaluation and tracking of key issues and identification and prioritization of issue positions and policies.
• Respond SJRK Pollution Hotline calls in the Upper & Middle Basin and coordinate the appropriate response.
• Work SJRK Team to develop and implement Citizen Science Programs, such as:
  1. Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Mapping
  2. HABs Sampling
  3. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Monitoring Program
  4. Herbicide/Pesticide Use
• Implement robust permit and compliance monitoring program for encroaching development, point source pollution, stormwater impacts, and wetland impacts within the Upper & Middle Basins.
• Engage in the research and management strategies necessary to ensure effective conservation efforts in natural ecosystems, particularly using GIS and water resource assessments.
• Work with partner organizations on joint issues that strengthen our statewide presence.
• Represent St. Johns Riverkeeper at public meetings and on committees.
• Provide presentations and programs to civic organizations.
• Work with local elected officials to advocate for their support of river-friendly policies 

Desired Skills, Qualifications & Personal Characteristics:

1. Must have a deep commitment to environmental and conservation issues, especially as related to the St. Johns River.
2. Must have the ability to conduct investigations of the river and potential pollution problems.
3. Must have strong skills in communicating difficult technical issues to lay audiences, including elected officials and the public. Must be able to professionally and effectively communicate and advocate positions even when controversial.
4. Must have strong initiative and be a self-starter. Must be able to manage multiple projects concurrently, including schedules, budgets and reports and be able to effectively work independently with little supervision.
5. Should be able to work effectively with a broad range of constituents and organizations.
6. Should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resources, or a related field.
7. Must have 3-5 years of experience in the related field.
8. Knowledge of GIS is preferred.
9. Boat handling and fishing experience a plus.

Salary/Benefits:

$43,000 – $48,000, including benefits. Commensurate with experience and other qualifications.

 We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Please apply on the Jacksonville University Careers website. 

St. Johns RIVERKEEPER, Inc. is a non-profit organization that serves as an advocate for the St. Johns River, its watershed, and the citizens to whom this tremendous resource belongs. Our mission is to defend the St. Johns and advocate for its protection.