Position Summary:

The Sandy River Watershed Council (SRWC) seeks a temporary, part-time Diverse Outreach and  Invasive Species Assistant.   The Council is looking for a candidate who has both excellent outreach skills and knowledge of native and invasive plants. This position will work mainly in two areas:

Outreach:

February – May

Focus on direct public engagement and increasing diverse participation at planned Council events, particularly in the Beaver Creek watershed in Gresham and Troutdale.  This will include supporting several Saturday planting events, tabling at the Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) Saturday market and other outreach events, and office based activities promoting and tracking outcomes from these events.  Cultural competency and the ability to speak a second language is highly desirable.  Hours will be 5-10 hours per week (including the Saturdays) and can accommodate a class schedule.

Invasive Species:

June – August

Focus of this position will shift to supporting the Invasive Species “Smackdown” in the Salmon River basin 20 minutes east of Sandy, OR.  The Assistant will work with SRWC staff and partners including Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District, Portland Water Bureau, and contractors, to build relationships with landowners. Tasks include surveying and documenting infestations of invasive “Early Detection Rapid Response” (EDRR) weeds in Fulcrum, a mobile app, and to treat small infestations of Policeman’s Helmet, an EDRR species.  Landowner outreach will include direct door-to-door contact, tabling, and possible phone outreach.  Hours will be 15-20/week to accommodate two full days in the field each week, with occasional tabling events at the Sandy Farmer’s Market and possibly other sites like Sandy Ridge.

Position: Community Stewardship Assistant
Reports to: Community Stewardship Coordinator

Duration: February 2019-August 2019

Hours:

  • February – May 5-10 hours per week
  • June – August 15-20 hours, two days per week. Specific days TBD.
  • Frequent work on Saturdays and some evenings will be required.

Compensation: $15/hour
Application Deadline: Wednesday January 16th, 8:00 am
Desired start date: Saturday February 2nd

Skills & Qualifications

  • Professional, personable, and self-motivated
  • Comfortable communicating with the public
  • Basic computer/technical skills including word processing, social media, online calendars
  • Willing to collaborate with staff to develop creative outreach strategies
  • Knowledge of plants: NW natives and invasive EDRR (Early Detection, Rapid Response) species (training provided)
  • Ability to navigate to and at field sites, to be outdoors for long periods of time, including walking through brush in riparian areas on uneven ground in wet/hot conditions
  • Aptitude for learning and documenting field work using the Fulcrum mobile app
  • Reliable attendance, timely, good communication with staff, partners, and the public
  • A commitment to fun in work

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Conversant in English and Spanish or another language
  • Willing to take initiative
  • Creative problem solving
  • Background knowledge in natural resources
  • MHCC student or local resident preferred
  • Personal vehicle available for occasional work use

Location & Work Conditions

The Sandy River Watershed Council office is located on the Mt. Hood Community College campus in east Gresham (see address below).  Outreach sites include the MHCC campus, Glenn Otto Park and the Sandy River Delta, both in Troutdale.  Smackdown field sites are east of the City of Sandy, throughout the Salmon River Basin between Brightwood and Welches.  Summer conditions require physical labor in varying mountain weather, hot sun, and sometimes marshy, thicketed, buggy, riparian areas.  Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license, and preferably current auto insurance and access to a vehicle, though coordinating carpooling with SRWC staff to project sites may be possible.  Mileage to/from project sites (excluding the SRWC office) are reimbursable.

Background

The Sandy River Watershed Council (SRWC) is an independent nonprofit whose mission is to restore and protect the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the Sandy River basin. We engage landowners, volunteers, community members, and agencies in collaborative efforts to enhance the health and vitality of the Sandy and its tributaries through on-the-ground restoration projects, education and stewardship.  Additional information about the Council is available at www.sandyriver.org.

Commitment to Diversity

The Sandy River Watershed Council is an equal opportunity employer and actively promotes  diversity and inclusion in our employment, programs, partnerships, and organizational culture.  The Council conducts all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, handicap, age, sexual orientation, or other protected

classes.

To Apply:

Please e-mail a resume and cover letter in a combined document (not to exceed 3 pages total, PDF or Word) to sara@sandyriver.org or hard copy applications can be mailed to:

Sara Ennis

Sandy River Watershed Council

26000 SE Stark St. GE Annex

Gresham OR 97030

Applications must be received by Wednesday January 16th, 8:00 am.

Learning and Benefits: 

This position provides exposure to working in a small non-profit environment in natural resources and public engagement. Networking opportunities with multiple agencies and partners will be available.  Help us increase the number of people who know about and get to enjoy the beauty of the watershed!

Questions? Contact Sara Ennis, Community Stewardship Coordinator, sara@sandyriver.orgor (971) 325-4224.