Beaver Watershed Alliance Position Description
Title: Watershed Specialist
Part-time Hourly Position (up to 20 hours per week)
Location: Northwest Arkansas (Office location 162 Doolin Dr., Elkins, AR)
Posting Date: January 8, 2024
Close Date: February 9, 2024
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 position includes work that promotes the organization’s purpose and objectives by assisting with stewardship and on-the-ground conservation initiatives, educational programming, volunteer management and other activities that help to advance the Beaver Lake Watershed Protection Strategy.
Primarily, this position will focus on the following activities:
- Assist the Alliance staff in forestry best management practices and remote field work. Knowledge of Ozark tree and shrub species is preferred, but training will be provided. Areas will be in NWA but may be remote locations. Must be comfortable with herbicides application.
- Inventory low water crossings and stream barriers throughout the watershed, and upload to a national database system.
- Manage the Alliance Source Water Protection signage across the watershed. Work with local cities, counties and communities to optimize locations for educational signage and help maintain current signage.
- Assist Alliance staff in building Low Tech Erosion Control structures. These structures are much like beaver dams, and use natural materials (wood, vines, rock) to slow down water on a slope.
- Provide support for data analysis, surveys and summarizing results.
- Assist Alliance staff as needed for educational workshops and stewardship events with volunteers.
- Increase capacity of Alliance stewardship events through sharing events with NWA student/campus communities.
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.
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.
Basic Education & Skills Requirements:
- Education or knowledge of Natural Resources, Biology, Environmental Science, Horticulture/Forestry, Soils
- Knowledge of watersheds, best management practices, water quality and natural resource management, knowledge of NWA region a plus
- Ability to work outside, sometimes in adverse weather conditions
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
- Valid Driver license / Good driving record
- Ability to drive to remote locations
- Ability to travel and work independently of direct supervision
- Interest in water quality issues in Northwest Arkansas
- Diplomatic, ability to work with a culturally and politically diverse community
- Ability to work with agricultural, business, government and environmental communities
- Computer and software literate; Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, etc…
- Strong phone/email management skills required
- Interest in creating and developing innovative ways to connect with current and new audiences.
- Public speaking skills and/or willingness to facilitate/assist with stewardship events
- Strong writing skills, with ability to write technical reports and assist with general reporting
- Organized
- Self-motivated
- Ability to work independently or with a team
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Experience working with volunteers
- Willingness to carry out the mission of the Alliance
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 vital skills and experience for a career in water quality, conservation, or land management.
- Work in beautiful natural areas in Northwest Arkansas and develop a greater appreciation for their importance.
- Work closely with professional conservation staff, land management professionals, and conservation organizations.
- 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 up to 20 hours per week
- Flexible scheduling
- Tuesday morning availability a plus
- Some nights and weekends (Saturday availability for volunteer events)
- Must be able to attend bi-monthly Board meetings
Application Details
This position runs from February to December 2024, with the opportunity to extend, based on interest and evaluation.
This is an hourly position, for up to 20 hours per week at $17/hour. Health care and retirement benefits will not be provided for this position. Mileage reimbursement will be provided at the federal mileage rate. A phone stipend, laptop and BWA apparel will be provided.
To apply, please send your resume to becky@beaverwatershedalliance.org in a PDF Document labeled “Watershed Specialist Position_Your Name.” Please only send one PDF document, with all files combined.
