Sonoma Ecology Center

Watershed Stewardship Coordinator

 

 

FLSA Status:                                    Non-Exempt

Wage Range:                                    $18-$24 per hour, FTE – 75% – 100%

 

SUMMARY:

The Sonoma Ecology Center is an environmental nonprofit serving Sonoma Valley and beyond. Now in our 21st year, our mission is to enhance and sustain ecological health in Sonoma Valley. We have grown from a tiny budget and an all-volunteer staff at our founding in 1990 to a $1.5 million budget in 2011. We currently have 22 full and part time staff, an active Board of Directors, and a corps of community volunteers. Please see SEC’s mission and program descriptions at www.sonomaecologycenter.org.

 

The SEC seeks a Watershed Stewardship Coordinator who acts as an ambassador for watershed improvements in the Sonoma Creek Watershed. The position is responsible for building community awareness and support via communication, education, events, and activities. By facilitating collaboration between diverse stakeholders, the Watershed Stewardship Coordinator also serves as the primary point person for the Sonoma Valley Stream Stewards, a community coalition with more than 500 members. The Watershed Stewardship Coordinator is housed in the Education Program, one of SEC’s three programs, and reports to the Education Program Manager.

 

The Watershed Stewardship Coordinator position is a 30 to 40 hour per week position (depending on funding). Benefits include  paid vacation and sick time, cost-sharing in one of two health care plans (Blue Shield or Kaiser), with opportunities for professional development and collaboration with leading northern California scientists.

 

Employees can enroll in one of several pre-tax retirement plans through TIAA-CREF.  Other benefits include initial fees paid to join the Sonoma Swim Center, occasional use for the qualified insured of company vehicles for transportation to required meetings, and opportunities for early participation in many processes that affect Sonoma Valley.

 

The SEC has an inspiring mission and collegial work culture. Our location near Glen Ellen, California, and our relaxed, friendly atmosphere add value to the position.

 

We are seeking candidates who are committed to inspiring a diverse community to appreciate and improve their environment.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Initiate and organize watershed planning efforts for the protection and restoration of local water resources
  • Network with agencies, organizations, and citizens to develop effective watershed management plans and sustainable long-term efforts aimed at yielding clean waterways
  • Develop and manage community education to build awareness of watershed health and concerns
  • Create communications to keep partners and the community-at-large informed and involved in watershed efforts
  • Plan and implement several pollution-reduction activities like stream clean-ups, septic system repairs and replacements, land preservation, stream monitoring, and stormwater best management practices
  • Lead groups in outdoor experiences while exhibiting excellent judgment related to safety and risk management
  • Assist with grant writing and reporting
  • Document program activities and maintain paper, photographic, and electronic files
  • Track program time using electronic timesheets.

 

EXPERIENCE, COMPETENCIES, AND EDUCATION:

  • Knowledge of and enthusiasm for watershed issues, nonpoint source pollution remediation strategies, and watershed management
  • Ability to effectively coordinate and collaborate with partners in a complex multi-organizational project
  • Ability to work with a multitude of stakeholders including residents, volunteers, governmental agencies, and private sector businesses
  • Ability to lead and facilitate group discussion and decision making with diverse groups of people
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
  • Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email and other computer programs essential for job functions
  • Good attendance and punctuality
  • Ability to take initiative and work independently
  • Ability to work well with program team
  • Willingness to try new tasks and ability to handle multiple assignments
  • Ability to follow instructions and keep the Education Program Manager informed of issues and questions
  • Ability to understand SEC’s operating context sufficient to advocate and garner interest in our mission and vision when interacting with our partners and the community at large
  • Experience with newsletters, websites, and community communications a plus.

 

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

  • Fluent in written and spoken English, Spanish a plus
  • Ability to contribute to project, program, and organization meetings
  • Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner with stakeholders and community members, on the phone and in person
  • Excellent writing, presentation, and public relations skills.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • May supervise and direct up to 10 volunteers and interns for specific activities

 

To apply: Please send or email a resume, and cover letter, to:

 

Sonoma Ecology Center

Attn: Human Resources

P. O. Box 1486

Eldridge, CA  95431

 

humanresources@SonomaEcologyCenter.org

 

Closing date for this position is August 12, 2011. You will be contacted if an interview is desired. Interviews will be held late August.