Watershed Coordinator

Sacramento River Watershed Program (SRWP), a regional 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is seeking a full-time watershed coordinator. This is an exciting opportunity to work with an experienced Board of Trustees, diverse stakeholders, and watershed professionals throughout the Sacramento River Basin.
About the Sacramento River Watershed Program Coordinator Position
SRWP has been awarded a grant through the California Department of Conservation’s (DOC) Watershed Coordinator grant program. This is a full-time position for approximately a three-year term (August 2011 through June 2013). The position may be extended based on available funds. All work must be performed under the terms and conditions of the DOC Grant Agreement (Attachment 1) and SRWP contract (contract template attached as Attachment 2). Funding for the Watershed Coordinator Program is overseen by DOC and may be dependent on future bond sale(s). This is an Independent Contractor position with a flexible schedule working from your own office.

Work Plan
Incumbent(s) will be responsible for implementing the SRWP Watershed Coordinator Work Plan, which includes the following (see Attachment 3 for detailed Work Plan):
1. Coordinate Water Quality Monitoring in the Sacramento River Watershed and Share Results
• Develop a Regional Water Quality Monitoring Program for the Sacramento River Watershed
• Develop Water Quality Indicators and Report Card based on Water Quality Monitoring Results
2. Promote “Total Resource Management” in Regional Planning Efforts
• Engage in Regional Water Management Planning Efforts
3. Create a Dynamic Network of Watershed Partners in the Sacramento River Watershed
• Coordinate Sacramento River Watershed Coordinator Roundtables and Build New Partnerships
• Highlight Local Watershed Management Efforts
4. Seek Funding Opportunities for Sacramento River Watershed Management Activities
• Seek and Pursue Sustainable Source of Funding for Sacramento River Watershed Management
• Share Funding Opportunity Information with Watershed Partners
5. Increase Watershed Awareness
• Increase understanding and awareness of elected officials and legislative staff regarding the importance of the Sacramento River Watershed and its resources
• Coordinate the State of the Sacramento River Watershed Forum
• Increase public understanding and awareness of the importance of the Sacramento River Watershed and its Resources
• Increase understanding and awareness of K-12 students of the importance of the Sacramento River and its resources
6. Provide Resources to Sacramento River Watershed Partners
• Expand and Promote the Sacramento River Watershed Information Center
• Provide Capacity Building Assistance to Sacramento River Watershed Partners
7. Build Capacity of SRWP to Serve as a Regional Watershed Organization
• Receive technical guidance on Work Plan activities and conduct program management
In addition to implementing the Work Plan, the Watershed Coordinator will assist and attend bimonthly meetings of the SRWP Board of Trustees and bimonthly Steering Committee meetings.

Desired Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biological sciences, natural resources management, or related field
• Well organized, self-starter, detail-oriented, flexible, and a quick learner with the ability to multi-task and manage both routine and complex tasks simultaneously
• Knowledge of Sacramento River Watershed issues
• Knowledge of California water issues/politics
• Knowledge of ongoing California water efforts (IRWMP, IRLP, etc.)
• Experience/knowledge of legislative processes
• Successful experience in building collaborations
• Excellent writing skills
• Public outreach and education experience
• Fundraising/grant writing experience
• Event planning experience
• Meeting planning/facilitation skills
• Willing to travel throughout Sacramento River Watershed
• Experience working with non-profit Boards
• Experience managing state grants
• Professional and pleasant demeanor, excellent oral and written communication skills and a positive, can-do attitude
Compensation and Independent Contractor Status
Compensation is $35/hour for the duration of the grant award and subject to grant agreement terms. This is an independent contractor position without benefits.

Application Process and Closing Date
Please send a current resume, cover letter, and listing of references either electronically or U.S. mail to the address below. Please also include a written statement demonstrating your understanding of and approach to the position. The statement should be no longer than 3 pages and will be reviewed to evaluate your skills, capabilities, and fit for SRWP.
Via Electronic Mail: marylee@sacriver.org
U.S. Postal Mail:
Sacramento River Watershed Program
PO Box 188585
Sacramento, CA 95818
Applications are due by end of day on Monday, August. 31, 2011. Please contact Mary Lee Knecht with any questions (Marylee@sacriver.org; 916.549.4017).

About SRWP
SRWP was founded in 1996, with the basic principle that we must care for the river and its watershed for today’s needs as well as future generations. The mission of SRWP is “to ensure that current and potential uses of the Sacramento River Watershed’s resources are sustained, restored, and where possible, enhanced, while promoting the long-term social and economic vitality of the region.” SRWP is led by an experienced and committed 21-person Board of Trustees. SRWP has been recognized by state agencies as a role model for watershed programs and serves as a voice for over 60 local partnerships located throughout the watershed. Serving as a regional organization, SRWP works hard to improve and enhance watershed conditions. Visit www.sacriver.org to learn more.