Careers & Professional Opportunities

Welcome to the River Network Careers page! Here you will find opportunities with groups working to improve rivers and waters, including staff and contract jobs, internships, and volunteer assignments.

Unsure about where to start with a new job posting? Check out the Toolkit to Mitigate Bias in Recruitment & Hiring from Avarna for guidelines and ideas for ensuring that your job posting is equitable and inclusive.

Southeast
Posted 3 weeks ago
The Elizabeth River Project’s mission is to restore the Elizabeth River through equitable collaboration with diverse communities, businesses, and governments. The Elizabeth River Project (ERP), Norfolk, VA, leads a community-wide collaboration to restore the environmental health of the Elizabeth River. Once presumed dead, this urban river encompasses one of the largest maritime ports on the East Coast of the United States. The Elizabeth River Project seeks an exceptional leader who is passionate about the organization's mission, committed to its standards of excellence, and optimistic about its potential. The position calls for vision, breadth, and good judgment; proven intellectual leadership skills; a passion for a clean environment; an enthusiasm and proven experience with raising major gifts from the private sector; demonstrated financial and staff management experience; and a collaborative leadership style that can inspire and motivate all participants within a mission-driven culture. No single candidate will possess all of the ideal qualifications, but Elizabeth River seeks an Executive Director who has a track record of experience and the personal talent to lead and build an exceptionally effective organization. The following qualifications are of particular interest:
  • At least five years of experience at the executive level in leading a nonprofit organization or a comparable organization
  • A high level of integrity, the ability to find common ground and keen interpersonal skills are important to institutionalize and deploy Elizabeth River Project’s collaboration model to bring together diverse river stakeholders often presenting conflicting interests
  • Experience working with a nonprofit Board of Directors, as a direct report, indirect report, or member of such a Board
  • Significant fundraising experience with demonstrated success in cultivating donor relations, securing and stewarding large private and public gifts
  • Intellectual curiosity and creativity; a certain broad mindedness that enjoys "out-of-the-box" thinking
  • Commitment to advancing DEIJ efforts, both internally and externally
  • A sense of urgency about the Elizabeth River Project’s mission, along with a sense of fun and excitement in doing the work
  • A sound understanding relevant to the Elizabeth River’s problems and priority solutions is essential including a working understanding in the realms of both of environmental science and environmental education
  • The capacity to bring diverse individuals and groups together to craft solutions and strategies
  • Excellent public relations and communications skills
  • A firm commitment to equity, inclusivity, and environmental justice and proven experience implementing sound initiatives in these areas
  • Experience mentoring staff to assume larger roles in the organization
  • Familiarity and experience in supporting excellence in digital marketing and technology and using it to communicate with and strengthen Elizabeth River Project’s constituency, to fundraise, and to advance the mission of ERP
The annual salary range for this position is between $125,000 and $135,000 and will be commensurate with experience. Based upon the discretion of the Board and the overall financial health of the Elizabeth River Project, successful performance against key performance indicators may result in a salary increase or bonus. The comprehensive benefits package includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, 2.5% match on 403(b) plan, employee assistance program, medical and family leave, personal leave, generous paid time off, and 12 paid holidays. Elizabeth River Project Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement: At Elizabeth River Project, we embrace diversity, inclusion, equity, and environmental justice as fundamental values of our river restoration work. Through active listening and intentional involvement, we seek to diversify our staff, Board, and partners as we appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences of our diverse community. Our commitment extends to advocating for environmental justice, recognizing the intersectionality of social and environmental challenges. Together, we work towards a brighter future for the river and its people where everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose within our organization and beyond. At the Elizabeth River Project, we are committed to integrating DEI principles into all aspects of our work. By embracing diversity, promoting equity, and fostering inclusion, we believe we can restore the Elizabeth River in a way that benefits all communities and creates a healthier, more equitable future for both people and nature. Applications and nominations are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. To apply, please send a current resume and letter of interest by October 25, 2024 to https://apptrkr.com/5619116 (click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page). To learn more about the Elizabeth River Project, please go to the following link:  https://elizabethriver.org/.

Job Features

Job Category

Other Positions

Salary

$125,000 and $135,000

Location

Norfolk, VA

The Elizabeth River Project’s mission is to restore the Elizabeth River through equitable collaboration with diverse communities, businesses, and governments. The Elizabeth River Project (ERP), Norf...

West
Posted 3 weeks ago
Full-time, 40 hrs/week REW and the BLM have partnered to create the Riparian Restoration and Monitoring Coordinator position. The position will be responsible for coordinating riparian restoration and monitoring programs on lands managed by the BLM and other riparian areas along the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers in Western Colorado, as well as provide community outreach and education. The program will bring high quality restoration and best management practices to riparian lands to benefit fish and wildlife habitat, improve river function, enhance recreational and agricultural uses, and foster partnerships and collaboration. The role also requires ensuring that all project initiatives and restoration efforts are in alignment with the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) resource management plan(s), adhering to federal guidelines and contributing to long-term land stewardship goals. Salary & Benefits: $50,000 - $54,000 commensurate with experience. Includes Group Health Insurance plan, 403(b)7 retirement plan (REW will match 50% of employee contribution up to 15%), holiday and paid time off (vacation and sick), FAMLI Medical Leave program (maternity/paternity leave), employee assistance program, and professional development opportunities. Applications will be reviewed starting September 23, 2024. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. View the full job description and learn how to apply here.

Job Features

Job Category

Other Positions

Salary

$50,000-$54,000

Location

Grand Junction, Colorado

Full-time, 40 hrs/week REW and the BLM have partnered to create the Riparian Restoration and Monitoring Coordinator position. The position will be responsible for coordinating riparian restoration and...

Southeast
Posted 3 weeks ago
The Policy Director is a versatile full-time position responsible for leading WV Rivers Coalition’s state and federal advocacy efforts to work towards clean water for all West Virginians and those living downstream. The ideal candidate will be able to develop, advance, and implement WV Rivers’ policy priorities, manage relationships with elected officials and regulatory agencies, as well as build effective engagement with staff and clean water advocates. Candidates must be highly organized yet adaptable, able to work remotely, and enthusiastic about joining a medium-sized statewide advocacy organization in a pivotal period of growth. This is a remote working position focused on projects throughout the state of West Virginia. The ideal candidate is based within commuting distance of Charleston, WV. Reports to: Deputy Director

Responsibilities

  • Foster government relations and legislative and administrative advocacy
  • Identify and cultivate key relationships with elected and appointed officials and staff; serve as the organization’s primary liaison with elected and administrative officials at the local, state, and federal levels
  • Represent WV Rivers in Charleston during the legislative session and travel to Washington DC as needed
  • Monitor, evaluate, research, and respond to local, state, and federal policy developments and issues, including legislative and regulatory proposals
  • Develop and execute a policy and advocacy strategy to advance an agenda aimed at improving water quality in rivers and streams and safe drinking water for all West Virginians
  • Advance government relations at the state and federal level with the goal of creating an environment conducive to advancing WV Rivers’ mission to advocate for clean and healthy water for all
  • Build and maintain healthy relationships with strategic partners
  • Build policy and advocacy knowledge and skills among WV Rivers staff, Board and supporters and keep these groups informed on public policy outcomes, opportunities, and challenges
  • Work with WV Rivers staff and partner organizations to develop our policy and advocacy platform and annual policy priorities
  • Create content to help WV Rivers, partner organizations, members, supporters, funders, staff, and Board understand WV Rivers policy goals and outcomes, including policy updates for newsletters
  • Work with the Executive team to facilitate collaboration across the organization
  • Create and monitor policy and advocacy program budgets. Manage and draft reports for advocacy-related grants, as needed.
  • Coordinate with staff and partners to provide resources and guidance to local communities to successfully develop and implement policies to promote stewardship of water resources

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in public policy or related field and 5 or more years of work experience
  • Knowledge of the water policy landscape in West Virginia
  • Experience and ease in communicating with high-level policy makers, including those in the legislative and executive branches, experience lobbying on the ground in Charleston and DC preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze public policy proposals, including the drafting of legislation and regulatory language
  • Experience working within coalitions and collaborating with diverse stakeholders
  • Ability to communicate complex information clearly in writing and in oral presentations to a range of audiences
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal ski
  • Ability to conduct business travel throughout the state, particularly in Charleston during the state legislative session and Washington, DC as needed
  • Ability to work remotely, including comfort with technologies that support remote work (such as online activity tracking tools, conference calling, and video conferencing)
  • West Virginia residency and valid driver’s license and ability to travel outside of regular business hours as needed

Application Instructions

Please submit your cover letter and resume to resumes@wvrivers.org with your name and “Policy Director” in the subject line. Position is open until filled.

Job Features

Job Category

Other Positions

Salary

$65,000 to $75,000

Location

Charleston, West Virginia

The Policy Director is a versatile full-time position responsible for leading WV Rivers Coalition’s state and federal advocacy efforts to work towards clean water for all West Virginians and those l...

Southwest
Posted 1 month ago
The Utah Rivers Council is looking for a hard-working advocate with strong writing and people skills to help engage and manage audiences and supporters in our conservation advocacy work in the American West. The Community Water Organizer works to help devise and distribute our communications and manage our supporters to move our campaigns forward to protect some of the West’s most important aquatic landscapes. The Utah Rivers Council is leading the fight to protect Utah’s precious rivers and lakes through robust advocacy work and we are looking to expand on our success by adding a staff leader to engage more Americans in the fight to save Utah’s aquatic jewels. We are looking for an excellent writer with strong people skills who is willing to help recruit and manage people in our campaign activities and in occasional event management. This advocacy position requires someone comfortable writing clear and concise communications and working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, political ideologies and world perspectives. The ideal candidate is highly organized, knows what hard work looks like and has strong writing skills able to recruit audiences in a variety of formats from social media channels to some long form content. This position requires someone with a contemporary perspective on the global environmental crisis who is courageous and willing to speak out publicly about what is needed in our system of elected government. Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and at least two years paid experience in a professional office setting, preferably in nonprofit advocacy where policy conflict pits forces against one another. Preference will be given to applicants with a professional background in environmental nonprofit work and adaptable applicants who can wear many hats in one work week. Applicants with a willingness to continue their advocacy work in the water sphere are urged to apply. Good writing and people skills are essential, as well as a strong desire to advocate on behalf of rivers, lakes and the fish and wildlife species that depend upon them. Candidates should demonstrate in their application materials that they have a basic working knowledge of the challenges faced in Utah’s water sector and the scope of natural resource challenges facing the American West. We strongly encourage you to visit our website, utahrivers.org, before applying and include this exercise in your cover letter.

Compensation, Benefits and Leave

This is a full time position with compensation dependent upon experience. The Utah Rivers Council is a grassroots water advocacy organization that represents the entire economic and political spectrum in our work to implement a sustainable water future in Utah. We strive to maintain a fun, informal work environment where progress and accomplishments are measured by real success and balance and time off are a regular part of work. To apply send a resume, a full cover letter, and a short writing sample to hiring@utahrivers.org. Please, no phone calls. The position will remain open until filled.

Job Features

Job Category

Other Positions

Salary

Dependent on experience

Location

Murray, UT

The Utah Rivers Council is looking for a hard-working advocate with strong writing and people skills to help engage and manage audiences and supporters in our conservation advocacy work in the America...

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