POSITION DESCRIPTION
Application Deadline: July 20, 2020
Friends of the Rappahannock is hiring for a full time River Steward to serve Essex, Middlesex, Westmoreland, Richmond, and Lancaster Counties. This position is based out of our tidal office located at June Parker Marina in Tappahannock, VA.
Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) is a 501c3 watershed protection organization based in Fredericksburg, VA. FOR works to be the voice and active force for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock River. We accomplish this through three program pillars – advocacy, restoration and education. FOR is seeking a full time (37.5 hours/week) River Steward to support all three program pillars for the organization in Essex, Middlesex, Westmoreland, Richmond, and Lancaster Counties.
Reporting to the Deputy Director, River Stewards are local advocates, manage a myriad of regionally focused restoration programs, provide high value environmental education programs to local schools, and engage their community in interpretive trips.
River Stewards will lead interpretive trips, outreach events, river cleanups, and fundraising efforts in their service areas.
River Stewards will contribute to FOR social media, website content, and local media outlets in coordination with the Communication’s Director.
River Stewards will support education programs and stay trained on current lessons, activities, etc.
DUTIES
Program Management:
Working with the Deputy Director, the River Steward will oversee the implementation of each of the programs below to ensure the completion of organizational goals, grant deliverables, and other milestones outlined in the FOR strategic plan or an individual work plan. This will involve delegating specific tasks to other regional staff.
- Tree planting through the Coastal Forest Program and Urban Forest Program
- Project Design, fundraising, and project management for Living Shoreline Program
- Project Design, fundraising, project management, and monitoring for Oyster Restoration Program
- Outreach, education, and assistance with Agricultural Cost-Share Programs
- Guided boat tours with volunteers, camps, elected officials, partner staff, and more
Program Assistance:
Working alongside fellow river stewards and staff, this position will support these programs in their service area with direction from program managers and their supervisor.
- River Cleanup Program
- Urban Nutrient Management Campaigns
- Stormwater Management
- Education Field Trips
- Summer Camps
- Interpretive Trips (canoe/kayak trips, nature hikes, etc)
Fundraising:
The River Steward will work with their supervisor and development team to set goals for membership development, local fundraising, and grant writing activities to support local and regional efforts.
Outreach:
The River Steward will work with the Communications Director to plan and lead interpretive trips, attend outreach events, and develop relationships with partners in their service area. This will include guided on-water trips.
Local Advocacy:
The River Steward will be the primary contact for the majority of local policy, government, and development concerns. You are a resource to local governments, community groups, partners, and citizens. The River Steward will offer presentations to approved local groups and government bodies, participate in community planning efforts, review development plans, prepare comment letters, and organize public comment and petitions when necessary.
REQUIREMENTS
Necessary:
- Bachelor’s degree in Env. Science, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Mgmt, Fisheries or related degree
- Eligible for OUPV Coast Guard Six Pack Captains License within first year of employment
- Daily travel with some early mornings, late afternoons, evening and weekend work.
- Google Suite/Microsoft Word/Excel proficient
- Must have valid driver’s license
- Must be able to drive pickup trucks with work trailers
- Must be able to lift 50lbs
- Must be willing to work outside in varying weather conditions
- Competency in multiple social media platforms
- Comfortable speaking in front of small and large groups
- Outgoing and personable
- Team player
- Passion for environmental protection and conservation
- Comfortable with on-water activities
Preferred:
- 2-3 yrs professional natural resource or non-profit experience
- Working knowledge of Virginia fisheries, state and federal agricultural programs, local governments, and the Chesapeake Bay Program
- Current OUPV Coast Guard Six Pack License
- Experience with GIS and esri products
- Experience coordinating events/meetings
- Volunteer management experience
- Competent canoe/kayak skills
- Established network in Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula
This is an entry to mid level position. Annual salary range is $36,000-$40,000 commensurate with experience. FOR offers a flexible work schedule, paid vacation, and sick leave, retirement match, option to buy into group health care, pro-deals, and a variety of other work benefits. Willing to train the right candidate.
Friends of the Rappahannock is an equal opportunity employer. We are inclusive. We believe diversity drives innovation. We are always growing our partnerships and believe it takes a watershed to make a difference.
Please send a cover letter, resume, and references to [email protected] with River Steward Position in the subject line.
