Watershed Resource Center Manager

Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

First review: July 23, 2018

Since 1999, the Southwest Watershed Resource Center (WRC) has inspired awareness and action on behalf of watershed health in SW Portland. The WRC is a program of Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc., with funding from the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services.

Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. (SWNI) is a coalition of 17 neighborhood associations working to enhance livability in SW Portland. SWNI is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity and inclusion with respect to race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age, citizenship, nationality, religion and all other identities protected by law. We encourage applications from people of color, other underrepresented groups, and all those who share our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

*Position Summary*

The WRC Manager is a community-serving, watershed-stewarding role that works with diverse partners across the SW Portland area to complete watershed improvement projects. WRC projects require partnership and collaboration with a wide variety of landowners, partners, funders, agencies, groups and others. A good candidate for the Manager role should have some experience in environmental restoration, biology, environmental studies, or a related field, as well as a background that includes some knowledge of outreach and engagement strategies. Under the guidance of Bureau of Environmental Services staff and the SWNI Executive Director, the Watershed Resource Center Manager will oversee and innovate WRC programs, projects and overall capacity with the goal of increasing watershed health, with an emphasis on building relationships, meeting community needs and increasing equity.

*Essential Functions*

– In cooperation with the Bureau of Environmental Services and other key

community partners, determine program goals, projects and target outcomes

within the areas of watershed education/outreach and water quality/habitat

enhancement.

– Explore partnerships and build relationships with SW Portland

organizations, institutions, groups, businesses, etc.

– Build off of and leverage these partnerships and relationships to

innovate new watershed improvement projects in SW Portland area.

– Write grant proposals, community partner and landowner agreements;

manage contracts, budgets, and grant-funded staff in order to complete

projects as proposed.

– Assess, develop, monitor, track outcomes and report on projects.

– Present educational programs and workshops as lead or assistant

instructor.

– Produce WRC communications, including newspaper articles, flyers,

electronic newsletter, and social media.

– Respond to inquiries for site visits, referrals, information on best

practices, tool loans, data, and general watershed-related assistance from

residents and community partners.

– Assist SW Portland stewardship groups, SWNI Watershed Committee, and

community partner coalitions with organizational development needs.

– Be an active presence in the SW Portland community, tabling events,

fairs and meetings to share watershed information with community members.

*Other Duties and Responsibilities*

– Manager must be highly self-directed with the ability to lead

collaborative team projects.

– Participate in SWNI staff meetings and WRC staff check-ins to

coordinate work.

– Staff 2-4 weeknight committee meetings and/or weekend events per month.

– Perform work in conditions that include a shared office space with

frequent interruptions, standing and walking outdoors for up to 3 hours in

adverse weather and steep terrain conditions, lifting up to 40 lbs, and

sitting/standing at a computer.

– Maintain positive, cooperative relationships with staff and public.

Conduct work responsibilities in a professional, compassionate and

inclusive manner.

– Complete other duties as assigned.

*Required Qualifications*

– Ability to manage multiple programs and projects simultaneously,

including grant writing, outcome tracking, budgets, and reports, with

strong attention to detail.

– Basic knowledge of PNW native and invasive plants, stormwater and

related topics.

– Experience building long-term partnerships within marginalized

communities or culturally specific organizations, demonstrating competence

in outreach, communication, rapport and inclusion.

– Experience conducting outreach, putting on events, tabling, and

relating to the public.

– Ability to interpret technical information, maps and data for others.

– Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.

Knowledge of additional languages is preferred.

*Preferred Qualifications:*

– Prior experience as a program/project manager, including delegating

and supervising work to others; ability to anticipate challenges and manage

risk.

– Intermediate or greater knowledge of plants, stormwater and hydrology

sufficient to assess site challenges, recommend a course of action that

utilizes best practices to enhance watershed health metrics, and recommend

native plants appropriate to site conditions.

– Proficiency with ArcGIS and Adobe InDesign.

– Experience writing articles, developing educational materials, and

delivering workshops or other programs.

– Prior experience with Constant Contact e-newsletter platform.

*Classification:* Regular, exempt 0.9 FTE position.

*Compensation:* $41,184-$44,928 DOE. Benefits include 104 hours paid sick leave and 80 hours paid vacation leave annually (available after 6 months),

10 paid holidays, 2% employer retirement contribution, and flexible work schedule; position is eligible for the SWNI health plan on the first day of the calendar month following 30 days of service.

*To apply*: Please send cover letter, resume and writing sample to sylvia@swni.org with ?WRC Manager? in the subject line.

*Hilary Hunt*

Manager, *SW Watershed Resource Center*

A program of Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. and the Bureau of Environmental Services http://wrc.swni.org watershed@swni.org

Office: 503-823-2862

Mobile: 503-489-9806