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Beaver Watershed Alliance Position Description
Title: Watershed Specialist
Part-time Hourly Position (approximately 20 hours per week)
Location: Northwest Arkansas (Office location 162 Doolin Dr., Elkins, AR)
Posting Date: May 23, 2025
Close Date: June 6, 2025
About the Beaver Watershed Alliance
The mission of Beaver Watershed Alliance (Alliance) is to proactively protect, enhance and sustain water quality in Beaver Lake and the integrity of its watershed. The Alliance is a 501c3 nonprofit organized for the purpose of working on voluntary and education programs and projects, fostering communication among diverse stakeholders, and restoring the water quality of impaired stream and lake areas. The objective of the Alliance is to maintain a long-term, high-quality drinking water supply to meet the present needs and continuing growth of the Northwest Arkansas region.
As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions and engage multiple communities to address local challenges in watershed management in the Northwest Arkansas region. Our work is focused on Source Water Protection efforts for Beaver Lake, our drinking water source for now 1 in 5 Arkansans, or over 550,000 residents. Our work is guided by the Beaver Lake Watershed Protection Strategy, a US EPA accepted plan. Our values are centered on a commitment to sustainable, high-quality water supplies, diversity and respect for all people, communities, and cultures and serving the Northwest Arkansas region to the best of our ability.
Position Overview
The Watershed Specialist supports the mission of the organization by advancing the Beaver Lake Watershed Protection Strategy through stewardship, education, and hands-on conservation. This role involves fieldwork, volunteer engagement, public education, and support for research and data initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Signage Program Management: Coordinate the placement and maintenance of source water protection signage across the watershed in collaboration with local municipalities and community stakeholders.
- Erosion Control Implementation: Assist in constructing Low Tech Erosion Control structures using natural materials to mitigate runoff and improve land stability.
- Data & Survey Support: Contribute to data collection, analysis, and reporting related to watershed health and project outcomes. Assist Alliance staff in recording surveys, sign-in sheets, and other program data entry.
- Event & Volunteer Support: Assist with educational workshops, volunteer stewardship events, and outreach activities in public setting such as tabling at local events. Help grow participation by engaging student and campus communities.
- Field & Forestry Work: Support riparian/forestry/invasive plant removal best management practices. Training on local flora and safe herbicide application will be provided.
- Stream Barrier Inventory: Document low-water crossings and stream barriers and upload data to a national database.
Required Qualifications
- Education or experience in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Biology, Forestry, Horticulture, or a related field
- Familiarity with watershed management, best practices in conservation, and water quality issues; knowledge of the Northwest Arkansas region is a plus
- Comfortable working outdoors in a range of weather conditions and terrains
- Ability to lift, carry, push/pull natural materials and use basic tools in the field
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and public speaking
- Competence in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and digital communication tools
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel to remote work sites
- Experience working with or managing volunteers
- Enthusiastic, outgoing, and self-motivated with a passion for environmental stewardship
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of Ozark tree and shrub species
- Experience with herbicide application (or willingness to learn)
- Background in public relations, education, or community outreach
Some of these activities will require a physical ability to lift, carry, push/pull natural objects, and stoop/bend to install features, and sit at a computer.
Several public stewardship events take place on Saturdays to meet the needs of the public, prefer availability for weekend events.
Additional responsibilities may include working with the Alliance and partners on other watershed initiatives as needed throughout the year. At times, part of this role will include public relations, public speaking and educating stakeholder groups and/or the community at-large.
The Mission of the Beaver Watershed Alliance is to proactively protect, enhance and sustain the water quality of Beaver Lake and the integrity of its watershed through outreach and education, voluntary best management practice implementation, and scientific investigation.
For more information about the Beaver Watershed Alliance please visit www.beaverwatershedalliance.org.
Benefits
- Gain valuable skills and experience for a career in water quality, conservation, or land management.
- Increase your network and work closely with professional conservation staff, land management professionals, and conservation organizations.
- Work in beautiful natural areas in Northwest Arkansas and develop a greater appreciation for their importance.
- Educational opportunities beyond daily work experiences will be provided.
- Participation in land conservation and environmental education workshops.
- Tool use and safety, best practices, and leadership training will be provided.
- Phone stipend of $50 per month.
- Mileage reimbursement for travel to work activities.
Schedule
- Work approximately 20 hours per week
- Flexible scheduling
- Tuesday morning availability a plus for weekly staff meetings
- Some nights and weekends (Saturday availability for volunteer events)
- Must be able to attend bi-monthly Board meetings
Application Details
This position runs from June 2025 to June 2026, with the opportunity to extend, based on interest and evaluation.
This is an hourly position, for approximately 20 hours per week at $17/hour. Health care and retirement benefits are not included for part time employees. Mileage reimbursement will be provided at the federal mileage rate. A phone stipend, laptop and BWA apparel will be provided.
To apply, please follow these instructions: Send your resume and/or combined files to becky@beaverwatershedalliance.org in one PDF Document labeled “Watershed Specialist Position_Your Name.” Please only send one PDF document, with all files combined.
Submit your application/resume to:
Becky Roark, Executive Director
Beaver Watershed Alliance
162 Doolin Dr. | P.O. Box 762
Elkins, AR 72727
becky@beaverwatershedalliance.org
