Citizens for a Healthy Bay (CHB) is a Tacoma-based environmental nonprofit that engages people to clean up, restore and protect Commencement Bay, its surrounding waters and natural habitat. We work closely with county and local government agencies, members of the community, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations to serve as an unbiased positive voice for the health and welfare of Commencement Bay and the South Salish Sea.

CHB seeks an energetic, passionate professional to join our team as the Clean Water Educator. The Clean Water Educator will be responsible for engaging our local community in pollution prevention and response across Commencement Bay, while developing and delivering educational programming to both youth and adult audiences to spark the next generation of diverse environmental advocates in Pierce County.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are core values for Citizens for a Healthy Bay. We welcome and value a diversity of people, experiences and perspectives. We embrace and actively encourage participation of people with differences in age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, language, national origin, family or marital status, veteran status, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, religion and/or political affiliation.

Scope of Work
The Clean Water Educator is responsible for:

  • Identifying, tracking, and resolving water pollution issues across Commencement Bay (~40%);
  • Developing an innovative community education program for youth (~30%);
  • Developing ongoing community-building events in collaboration with strategic partners (~20%); and,
  • Various administrative tasks as assigned (~10%)

The Clean Water Educator will lead pollution patrols on CHB’s Bay Patrol vessel, monitor industry compliance with water quality regulations, and inspire and educate people to protect our waters. In close collaboration with CHB’s Policy & Technical Program Manager, the Clean Water Educator will develop strategic, science-based campaigns to address pollution in Commencement Bay, while fostering a community understanding and appreciation of clean water and clean water policies. The Clean Water Educator will grow CHB’s educational programming, develop outreach activities to build public awareness of pollution issues, and manage and grow CHB’s base of active constituents.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Conducts regular pollution patrols of area waterways by operating CHB’s motorized Bay Patrol vessel, submitting reports, and working with appropriate agencies to remedy water quality violations.
  • Works with the Policy & Technical Program Manager to track and monitor existing permittees to ensure compliance with clean water regulations.
  • Maintains the Bay Patrol vessel by scheduling regular maintenance, keeping an accurate log book, properly instructing crew and guests on safety procedures, and operating the boat within the laws and protocols of good boating practices.
  • Educates community members about the unique challenges facing Commencement Bay from pollution and climate stress via bay patrol ride-alongs.
  • In close coordination with the Executive Director, develops an educational program for youth in collaboration with Hilltop Artists.
  • Coordinates and further develops CHB’s Environmental Justice Youth Camps by growing our community partnerships and enhancing the curriculum to further emphasize the intersection of environmentalism and social justice.
  • Assists in drafting organizational communications materials.
  • Assists in grant research and writing, and reports on outcomes.
  • Promotes, attends, and assists in the execution of CHB’s fundraising efforts.
  • Undertakes special studies and projects as requested by the Executive Director.
  • Ensures the principles of racial and social equity are infused in our work by acknowledging our privileges and bringing underrepresented voices into the conversation to more effectively address the complex issues that threaten the Salish Sea.

Desired Strengths and Qualifications:

  • Passion for our mission.
  • At least one year of professional experience in environmental science, marine biology, or related field.
  • At least one year of professional experience in conducting environmental education programs for youth.
  • At least 1 year of experience developing, executing, measuring and reporting success of education or outreach campaigns.
  • Possession or ability to possess a Washington State Boater Safety Certification.
  • Familiarity and comfort with navigating waterways in a motorized vessel.
  • Knowledge of or willingness to learn about vessel maintenance and safety.
  • Familiarity with Salish Sea pollution issues and relevant environmental protections and regulations.
  • Demonstrated competency working with diverse cultures and ability to build trust and create authentic relationships with a diverse range of people.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in clear, effective written and verbal communication.
  • Demonstrated ability to understand and relay information from technical documents like water quality permits, for example, to diverse audiences
  • Desire to collaborate with a multi-disciplinary and diverse team; a highly organized, curious, and laid-back demeanor works well in our office
  • Desire and ability to learn quickly, be creative and flexible in day-to-day work, take initiative and exercise sound judgment in making decisions and completing projects

Reports to:
Policy & Technical Program Manager

Working Conditions
Position is based in Tacoma and is a combination of office work (i.e. sitting at a desk using a computer and/or phone for long periods of time), operating a motorized vessel, working in different venues across the community including schools and community centers, and the outdoors. The position also requires some travel and a current driver’s license.

Salary/Benefits
The Clean Water Educator is a full-time FLSA exempt position with a salary range of $40,000-$55,000 commensurate with experience. As a full-time employee, the Clean Water Educator is eligible for competitive benefits, including paid holidays, sick leave, and health and dental insurance.

To Apply:
If you are sincerely interested in the position, please email a cover letter stating your suitability for this position and resumé demonstrating your qualifications to chb [at] healthybay.org or mail physical copies to the CHB office at 535 Dock Street, Suite 213, Tacoma, WA 98402. Please include the position title in the email subject. Review of applicants will be conducted on a rolling basis. As the position is open until filled, it is highly recommended to apply by May 22, 2020. Please note: questions about the position via email or phone are unlikely to receive a timely response, if any.