Title: Watershed Council Coordinator
Reports to: Board of Directors
Status: Regular, part to full-time, exempt position
Wages & Hours: $20-30 per hour, 20-40 hours per week depending on funding
Benefits: Medical insurance stipend; paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
Position Closes: 12/12/2014
Background & Overview:
The North Coast Watershed Association (NCWA) is a locally driven, non-governmental, non-regulatory
community-based organization of diverse stakeholders that facilitates wildlife habitat stewardship and
restoration projects based on scientific analysis to improve watershed health, and develops partnerships to
plan, fund, and implement those projects.
The Watershed Council Coordinator’s primary responsibility is to oversee and coordinate the activities of
the North Coast Watershed Association (NCWA) and its members, the Ecola Creek, Youngs Bay,
Nicolai/Wickiup, and Skipanon Watershed Councils (Councils). In collaboration with the Board of
Directors, the Coordinator will manage the organization and assist the Councils with implementation of
their individual work plans, which contain recommendations for habitat restoration activities within the
member watersheds.
NCWA intends to hire a Watershed Council Coordinator with the knowledge, skills and abilities to grow
the organization through organizational development and fundraising. If successful, the position could
evolve into a full time Executive Director overseeing several staff and contractors.
Position Description: The Coordinator is responsible for the successful leadership and management of
the organization according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors and Watershed
Councils.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Leadership & Organizational Management
Work with NWCA Board to develop and implement an updated strategic plan to guide the
organization.
Recommend to the Board organizational policy, procedures, and actions that support the strategic
direction of the organization and protect its interests.
Foster communication and effective teamwork between the Board and the Coordinator, the
Coordinator and other staff and contractors, and community stakeholders.
In addition to the Chair of the Board, act as the spokesperson for the organization and produce official
correspondence on behalf of the Board and Councils.
Work with the fiscal contractor to manage NCWA non-profit status.
Coordinate and organize meetings, distribute announcements, and document meetings of the NCWA
Board and Councils. Organize and oversee activities such as preparation of meeting minutes and agendas, database
management, and record keeping.
Develop Board and Councils’ annual work plans and action plans, and track and report progress.
Attend conferences and trainings to increase skills and learn about the activities of other watershed
groups.
Keep the Board and Councils apprised of relevant meetings, hearings, policy changes, training
opportunities, etc.
Recruit, train and supervise Board, Councils, and other volunteers.
Budget & Fundraising
Work with the NCWA Board to develop annual budgets.
Work with the NCWA Board to develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan to support
organizational capacity and projects.
Write grant proposals and develop other funding sources to support the organization and implement
projects.
Maintain positive relations with granting agencies.
Track grant deadlines and provide grant-required reports and deliverables.
Manage project budgets and NCWA finances in coordination with fiscal staff.
Track and report expenditures and track in-kind and cash match.
Collaborate with the fiscal contractor to generate regular fiscal reports and payment requests for
grantors and the NCWA board.
Partnership Development & Facilitation
Design and lead collaborative facilitated processes to develop and implement community-based
watershed restoration programs (habitat restoration, environmental monitoring, educational activities)
and management strategies.
Network with stakeholders and partner organizations to develop trust and determine opportunities
where partnerships can be forged; networking includes attending meetings and participating in other
organizations’ activities.
Maintain partnerships with adjacent watershed councils and other organizations to share grants and
staff important to accomplish mutual goals.
Conduct outreach and provide presentations on watershed council activities to interested groups.
Watershed Project Management
Develop and keep current strategic watershed restoration action plans for each Council with
prioritized projects.
Implement plan-identified projects. Manage project implementation, including fundraising, securing
permits, hiring contractors, coordinating volunteers, and overseeing implementation to ensure projects
meet grant deliverables in a timely manner.
Coordinate with and supervise contractors to implement projects.
Education & Outreach
Represent NCWA and present projects at appropriate meetings, conferences and events.
Work with partners to organize and promote speaker series, volunteer and educational events.
Produce regular press releases, website updates, and social media.Job Scope, Wages & Hours:
The NCWA is able to guarantee a base salary of 20 hours per week at $20.00 per hour. It is expected that
the Coordinator will be able to secure adequate grant funding to make this a 40 hour (not to exceed 45
hours) per week position. Grant funded hours may be billed at $30/hr. For the first five months of this
position (February through June, 2015), the NCWA will fund the position full time (40 hours/week) at
$20.00/hr. During this time the Coordinator will use these supplementary hours to write grants to fund
additional hours for their position in the future.
The Coordinator performs duties independently with minimal supervision, operating from specific and
definite directions and instructions. Decisions are of a routine nature made within prescribed operating
guidelines, policies, and procedures.
The Watershed Council Coordinator is supervised by the NCWA board and under the direct supervision
of the Board Chairperson. Annual performance reviews will be conducted, at a minimum, within 30 days
of the anniversary of employment.
Job Conditions
This position requires working both independently and as a team player to coordinate a largely volunteer
organization. The Coordinator works in both office and outdoor settings. Office work involves managing
programs and finances, writing reports and grants, and attending and facilitating day and evening
meetings and activities. Outdoor work typically involves physically demanding activities such as walking
and hiking in rough terrain, as well as wading streams, rivers, and wetlands in all kinds of weather
conditions. The Coordinator must have valid driver’s license, a good driving record and a reliable motor
vehicle with drivers insurance (mileage will be reimbursed). Applicant must be comfortable working and
living in a rural coastal community. Evening and weekend work will be required. Occasional overnight
travel will be required.
Supervisory Responsibility:
The Coordinator will supervise fiscal staff and contractors.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in environmental management, natural resources/sciences (e.g., hydrology,
forestry, fisheries, biology, planning, agricultural business, or related discipline), or other relevant
subject area; a graduate degree is beneficial but not required.
A minimum of three years’ experience in two or more of the following:
a. working with private landowners, farming communities, and/or agency stakeholders to
develop conservation and/or restoration programs or projects.
b. natural resources project development and management.
c. working with Board of Directors and committees.
d. non-profit organization management.
e. working with volunteers, including active recruitment and training.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of native and non-native invasive plants and wildlife and their habitat needs.
Well-organized with excellent oral and written communications skills.
Strong interpersonal, collaboration and facilitation skills.
Familiarity with fundraising, including grant writing and management.
Basic knowledge of budgeting and financial management.
Knowledge of programs and laws related to watershed restoration in Oregon.
Good people skills and able to communicate with diverse audiences across different social and
political backgrounds.
Ability to work independently to establish priorities and manage time effectively. Computer proficiency including email, the Internet, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Working knowledge of ESRI GIS mapping software is preferred.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, email a detailed cover letter, a resume and three references to NCWA.job@gmail.com. PDF
documents are preferred. Direct questions to Board Chair Carla Cole at the above email or (503)235-
3347. All applications must be submitted by Friday, December 12, 2014.
Background Check
NCWA conducts pre-employment screening on positions in order to protect the interests of the
employees, volunteers, and resources. Pre-employment screening may include but is not limited to a
criminal background check, verification of credentials, licenses, certifications, and/or verification of work
history.
NCWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by
the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture.
Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a
priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional
origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or
other status protected by law.