Position Title: Grays Harbor Stream Team Coordinator.

Dates of Service: Desired Start Date: February 1, 2019. One year contract with an average of 20 hrs/week, with possibility of extension based on funding.

Position Summary:

Clean, healthy streams and estuaries sustain salmon, shellfish, and our way of life.  An engaged local community is needed to help protect and restore these ecosystems.  This position will help coordinate the Grays Harbor Stream Team, a project which was started in 2009 to increase community involvement in environmental stewardship, by conducting volunteer stream restoration projects and environmental education in the lower Chehalis watershed and Grays Harbor area.

The Stream Team Coordinator will build on past years’ activities and volunteer base of this now well community recognized program.  S/he will recruit new volunteers, deliver environmental education and lead environmental restoration projects. The Coordinator will develop restoration projects in collaboration with natural resource-focused organizations working in the Gray Harbor area, including: Chehalis River Basin Land Trust, Chehalis Basin Partnership, Grays Harbor Historical Seaport, Grays Harbor College Fish Lab, Chehalis Basin Fisheries Task Force, and the Grays Harbor Conservation District.  The Coordinator will guide volunteers through work parties to remove invasive species and trash around streams and on conserved land, and as opportunities allow, plant trees and shrubs along streams.  Responsibilities also include coordinating environmental education opportunities with school groups and implementing adult educational events including presentations with local service clubs, at local festivals, etc.  The Coordinator will be housed at the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport in Aberdeen but will work throughout the lower Chehalis River watershed and Grays Harbor area. Mentoring and support will be provided by the Chehalis Basin Partnership and Chehalis River Basin Land Trust to grow the Coordinator’s leadership and environmental education skillset. This position is designed to both serve an important need in the community and provide training and work experience for a Grays Harbor resident seeking a career in natural resources.

Essential Duties:

  • Actively recruit and maintain volunteers; customize volunteer positions based on individual skills sets; and continue developing a volunteer database
  • Plan and coordinate volunteer streamside enhancement events: conduct monthly volunteer events including riparian restoration work parties, invasive species removal, trash removal, and on-site watershed education events.
  • Plan and implement hands on environmental education opportunities with school groups and implement adult educational events including presentations with local service clubs, at local festivals, etc.

Qualifications:

  • Personal interest in conservation of the natural environment
  • Desire to serve diverse groups of people
  • Self-motivated and independent
  • Good time management skills and ability to structure own schedule
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a group
  • Reliable and prompt attendance
  • Strong communicator, both verbally and in writing
  • Experienced with public speaking to different age groups, outgoing and proactive at engaging volunteers at events.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and walk uneven terrain through adverse conditions
  • Computer proficiency: Microsoft Word and Excel, PowerPoint; Publisher (designing pamphlets, newsletters), e-mail; basic file organization
  • Social media proficiency: Facebook page management
  • Must have valid driver’s license and regular access to an insured vehicle (mileage reimbursement is provided for all work-related travel)
  • Must have own lap-top or desk-top computer
  • US citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or on work visa valid through term of employment

Desired Attributes:

  • Current or past residence in the Grays Harbor area
  • Familiarity with Grays Harbor communities.
  • Background (education or experience) in biology, natural resources, education, or related field
  • Seeking a career in the natural resources field
  • Experience teaching or conducting educational activities with youth/adults
  • Experience managing volunteers
  • Experience with applying for grants and/or familiarity with the grant funding process
  • Experience implementing riparian restoration projects
  • Ability to identify local plant and fish species
  • First Aid/CPR card preferred

Project Location

Project work will take place throughout the Grays Harbor and lower Chehalis River basin area (Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Cosmopolis, Westport, Montesano, and unincorporated areas).  The Coordinator’s office will be at the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport, along the Chehalis River in Aberdeen.  Access to your own transportation is essential to be able to work in this large region but mileage will be reimbursed.

Compensation.

$15/ hour + eligible mileage. No benefits.

 

How to Apply

Send application materials by January 25th, 2019 to Kirsten Harma, Watershed Coordinator: kharma@chehalistribe.org

Application materials include:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Names and phone numbers for three references

 

Feel free to contact Kirsten Harma with any questions via e-mail (above) or phone (360) 488-3232.

Information on partner organizations:
Chehalis Basin Partnership: www.chehalisbasinpartnership.org
Chehalis River Basin Land Trust: http://www.chehalislandtrust.org/
Grays Harbor Historical Seaport: http://historicalseaport.org/