Tualatin Riverkeepers (TRK) is a community based environmental non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Tualatin River and its watershed. Located in a bustling and growing part of the Portland Metropolitan region, TRK and its members care for waters and natural resources that feed industry, agriculture, and connect residents from rural to urban areas. TRK is part of a broader global ‘Waterkeeper’ movement (http://waterkeeper.org/) that has a rich history of linking human health, justice and livelihoods to clean water and environmental protection. Our advocacy work is what founded our organization. Through community awareness and pressure on organizations to abide by the Clean Water Act, the Tualatin River is now cleaner than it has been in decades. We believe that there is still work to be done to create a healthy and sustainable watershed and are looking for someone who is passionate about protecting natural resources and improving water quality.
Position Description
The Advocacy and Public Policy Coordinator develops and implements strategies, campaigns, and initiatives to promote awareness of environmental issues in the watershed and strives for new and updated policies that will improve water quality. This position will oversee a volunteer Watershed Watch Committee that provides technical and historical knowledge to help develop advocacy strategies. This is full-time, exempt position based in the Riverkeepers office and supervised by the Executive Director.
Key Responsibilities
Research and develop strategies to update or implement new regulations and policies to improve water quality
Build and retain partnerships with community groups, municipalities, and political figures
Facilitate quarterly Watershed Watch Committee meetings. Recruit and retain new members of the group as needed
Create opportunities for community members, particularly those from underserved communities, to become involved with environmental issues and advocacy
Ensure up-to-date information on environmental issues is communicated to TRK staff, members, and partners
Present to community groups and municipalities on Tualatin Riverkeepers and environmental issues
Track and comment on permits, land use applications, proposed policies, and regional management plans
Represent Tualatin Riverkeepers and ensure the protection of natural resources at stakeholder groups, committees, and meetings
Work closely with staff on grant writing and reporting for this program
Participation in TRK events such as Discovery Day and the annual fundraising Gala
Other tasks as assigned
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in environmental or water quality related field
Minimum of 2 years’ experience in public policy, community organizing, or related field
Ability to work with community members from diverse backgrounds
Understanding of environmental regulatory processes
Excellent communication skills
Commitment to Tualatin Riverkeepers’ mission
Preferred qualifications
Master’s degree in ecology, water related field, or J.D. with environmental focus
Ability to speak Spanish or other languages
Grant writing experience
Understanding of Tualatin watershed and its political landscape
Salary: $40,000 annually plus benefits, including health insurance, paid vacation, paid sick leave and monthly retirement contribution
To apply: Send a resume, cover letter, and 3 references in a single Word or PDF document to: kris@tualatinriverkeepers.org.
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