Assistant Riverkeeper Job Posting
Yadkin Riverkeeper is seeking an assistant Riverkeeper, a position that offers the opportunity to help protect North Carolina’s second largest river basin. As the assistant Yadkin Riverkeeper, you will identify, track and prioritize on-going water quality issues related to the health, protection, and restoration of the Yadkin River and the Yadkin Pee Dee Lakes. The position will be a salaried, 30-hr per week job with three weeks of paid time off. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of relevant experience with a proven track-record of effective field work and data collection and analysis. An undergraduate degree is preferred in aquatic biology, chemistry, geography, wildlife, fisheries, environmental management or another field relevant to the responsibilities of the position. Candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter to YRK Riverkeeper/executive director, Edgar Miller, at edgar@yadkinriverkeeper.org. Resumes will be accepted through July 16, 2021.
Assistant Riverkeeper Job Description
Work with YRK’s Riverkeeper/executive director to develop and implement goals, strategies, timelines and workplans for specific issues, campaigns, and projects.
Routinely track and monitor issues impacting the health of the river and assess the need for possible action or involvement by Yadkin Riverkeeper.
Perform water sampling and monitoring for nutrients, bacteria, chlorophyll-a, harmful algal blooms, heavy metals and other hazardous constituents (i.e., cyanide, fluoride) as needed.
Conduct regular field investigations and aerial surveys in the watershed to identify potential threats.
Contact and meet with river-friendly farmers as part of WKA/YRK’s Sustainable Farms Initiative.
Provide support for YRK advocacy agenda.
Work with local landowners and emergency response agencies to place mile markers signage along the Yadkin River State Paddle Trail.
Ensure YRK’s kayak/canoe fleet and its motorboat based on High Rock Lake are well maintained.
Assist in guiding river and lake paddles for YRK membership and donors.
Organize and provide logistical support for YRK River and Lake cleanups.
Preferred Skills and Personal Characteristics
The Assistant Riverkeeper should have a minimum of two years of experience and:
Have a demonstrated commitment and passion for the protection of the environment and love of the outdoors.
Have technical and scientific expertise and ability to grasp and understand complex scientific, political, and regulatory issues. GIS skills are a plus.
Have strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively articulate complex issues and technical information to a diverse audience.
Have a working knowledge of boating operations, seamanship and water safety and be comfortable on the water.
Commitment to the mission and goals of the organization.
Knowledge of the Yadkin River and the issues impacting its health.
Candidates with relevant experience should submit their resume and a cover letter to YRK Riverkeeper/executive director, Edgar Miller at edgar@yadkinriverkeeper.org. The closing date for applying is July 16.
Yadkin Riverkeeper is an equal opportunity employer. Yadkin Riverkeeper prohibits discrimination with respect to the hiring or promotion of individuals, conditions of employment, disciplinary and discharge practices or any other aspect of employment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or veteran status.
About Yadkin Riverkeeper
Yadkin Riverkeeper is a non-profit member organization that seeks to respect, protect, and improve the Yadkin Pee Dee River Basin through education, advocacy, and action. Yadkin Riverkeeper is funded by individuals and foundations who share its commitment to creating a clean and healthy river that sustains life and is cherished by its people. Yadkin Riverkeeper is also a licensed member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, which connects and supports local Waterkeeper programs to provide a united voice and to champion clean water issues around the world. www.yadkinriverkeeper.org.