NPS – RTCA – River Programs Fellow

Tracking Code

1341-984

Job Description

How to Apply

Apply on-line at: https://stewardslegacy.org/open-positions . In addition to your resume, please submit a one page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position.

For More Information Contact: Krista Rogers, Program Director, at krista@conservationlegacy.org or 970-946-0977.

Program Basics

The National Park Service (NPS) preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The NPS cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world In addition to protecting and managing America’s 413 national parks, the NPS also operates programs that extend throughout the nation to connect all Americans to their parks, trails, rivers, and other special places. NPS has responsibilities for a number of Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Programs including the Hydropower Assistance Program, Wild and Scenic Rivers Program, and Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program. The River Programs fellow will primarily work with the National Hydropower Program and also touch on and work with other programs including the Wild and Scenic Rivers and RTCA programs. The NPS Hydropower Assistance Program provides technical assistance in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) hydro proceedings and represents the national interest in recreation and helps ensure FERC hydroelectric projects recognize the full potential for meeting present and future public outdoor recreation demands, while maintaining a quality setting for those projects. In addition, the NPS Hydropower Assistance Program provides assistance to parks and Wild and Scenic Rivers affected by hydropower to protect and enhance resources.

Specifics about the Position

The member will work with staff in the National Park Service’s Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Programs, primarily the Hydropower Assistance program, and partners to develop and expand on geospatial tools and research products to assist the NPS in developing recommendations for outdoor recreation and conservation opportunities in FERC proceedings.  The goal is to improve information and tools for project managers to protect our rivers and develop best practices.

Work products will include research summary reports, excel databases, creation of new and expansion of existing geospatial databases, maps, baseline data summaries, study requests, and document summaries. The long-term benefits of the research products and tools will result in improved outdoor recreation and conservation opportunities for communities accessing water resources across the country.

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Research projects through use of the FERC record and the hydro team’s experience to develop products that summarize past results and develop recommendations for best practices. Research topics could include recreation and natural resource studies, mitigation measures, settlement agreements, economic conditions, conservation measures, and adaptive management.
• Analyze results of research projects, create databases and develop summary reports to display work.
• Develop and support development of geospatial and database tools for the hydropower program. Specific tasks could include data entry, web map and application development, and creation of new geospatial databases.
• Facilitate team meetings and calls.
• Present results of work products.
• Conduct site visits to collect information about the project site and surrounding areas.
• Support specific projects through literature reviews, development of study requests, review and summary of key project documents, and creation of baseline data reports.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to think critically and creatively.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to initiate and carry out independent research.
• Strong literature review and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of people and develop strong partner networks.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Coursework or experience in geographic information systems, watershed science, outdoor recreation, planning, law, hydrology, water resource engineering, landscape architecture, environmental education, community engagement, community organizing, river restoration, environmental studies, or a related field.
• Experience with or ability to learn the following software programs is desirable: Excel, ArcGIS, Programming languages such as Java, SQL, and Python.

* Preference will be given to qualified, local candidates (currently living in commuting distance to the NPS office).

Mandatory Requirements

• Ability to meet deadlines and communicate to supervisor when assistance is needed or desired.
• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree
• Possession of a current valid driver’s license.
• Must be 21 years or older.
• Must be a US Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the United States.
• Fellows will be required to submit a midterm report and a final report during their year of service.

Job Location

Seattle, Washington, United States

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular