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.
Engineer III (Floodplain Services)
- Drainage and road flooding
- Clean water in rivers, streams and lakes;
- Salmon and marine habitat; and
- River flooding
- Retirement: County employees participate in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) administered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
- Medical benefits: The County offers a choice of three comprehensive medical insurance plan with low deductibles. The county’s contribution to this benefit is significant.
- Sick leave: You will accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month.
- Vacation Leave: You will start out accruing 8 hours of vacation leave per month totaling 2.4 weeks of vacation in your first year. Your leave accruals increase based on your years of employment with the County.
- Holiday Pay: The County observes eleven (11) paid legal holidays per year and provides employees with two floating holidays annually.
- Other benefits include wellness, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, long term disability, and more.
- Deferred Compensation: If you choose to participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), the County will match your contributions up to 1 percent of your base monthly salary.
- Pay Increases: Each year you will be eligible for a step increase until you reach the top step.
- Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): County employees typically receive yearly cost of living adjustments.
- Flexible work schedules.
- Career development training.
- Project management, analysis, and design of major improvements and modifications to public works roads and structures; produces design reports and plans, specifications and cost estimates for construction of public works facilities such as roadways, bridges, surface water systems, and solid waste sites.
- Reviews engineering design work to ensure proposed designs meet project needs, engineering specifications and cost regulatory requirements.
- Conducts or directs the preparation of major planning or design engineering studies by identifying and researching needs and problems in the area of specialization; monitors the collection of field data and the technical evaluations used to develop recommendations.
- Manages the selection and administration of engineering consultants performing work for planning and reports, plans, specifications, estimates, and on call engineering services.
- Prepares requests for proposals for professional engineering, consulting, and environmental services; reviews requests from consultants for changes in scope of work and recommends appropriate action.
- Acts as a technical resource in a specialized area of engineering to resolve complex design and construction problems within the public right of way and provide assistance in correcting related problems on private property.
- Conducts field trips to inspect project sites during planning and design phases, and during construction for compliance with specifications and plans.
- Provides technical support and acts as engineering liaison between public works, consulting engineering firms and other governmental agencies; reviews agency documents preparing and presenting comments on behalf of the department.
- Coordinates the location, notification and preparation of presentations at public meetings for assigned projects and assists in other project manager's public meetings. Provides technical testimony at Public Hearings or Meetings.
- Provides technical assistance, guidance, and training to engineering staff.
- Assigns, leads, and evaluates the work of subordinate employees as required; advises assists and trains subordinates as necessary. Participates in the selection of new employees, and makes recommendations regarding hiring..
- Researches and prepares pertinent data and reports for legal counsel for court actions and represents public works on matters pertaining to real property condemnations.
- Reviews and approves all plans and contract documents before they are used in the public bidding process for county construction projects.
- Establishes and monitors a current public meeting calendar for all required public information meetings on proposed public works projects; confers with the appropriate project manager and goes through a checklist for all the required logistical details for the meeting.
- Assures the accuracy of all engineering design standards and standard specifications used by the design staff; updates design standards and specifications as requested by the Engineering Manager and maintains up to date files of design standard drawings and standard specifications for staff use.
- Develops recommendations for mitigating measures to reduce or provide for environmental impacts to the county road system.
- Supervises or conducts field and laboratory investigations required to obtain representative soil information for potential construction sites; such investigations may be through borings, soundings, sampling or testing.
- Evaluates field laboratory soils results and makes engineering recommendations pertaining to the foundation design of roadway, bridge foundations, retaining walls and landslide corrections.
- Manages the civil materials testing laboratory; approves construction materials and their sources, maintains materials records, makes recommendations pertaining to material acceptance; establishes related procedures and criteria as necessary.
- Performs related duties as required.
- engineering mathematics applied to area of specialization
- engineering principles and practices and the materials and equipment applicable to the area of specialization
- the current codes, trends, and developments in the field of engineering specialization
- principles of project management, organization and administration
- laws and regulations applicable to the area of assignment
- direct and inspect the work of consultants and contractors on civil engineering studies and projects
- prepare and manage project activities, including monitoring budgets, work schedules, grant requirements and progress reviews
- plan, direct and coordinate the work of subordinates
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with other county employees, representatives of other agencies and with the general public
- communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- prepare or oversee the preparation of engineering studies and plans
Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request. EEO policy and ADA notice
Job Features
Snohomish County Surface Water Management (SWM), a Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is hiring two highly capable habitat restoration Engineer III's to join our team.
Community Water Organizer
Compensation, Benefits and Leave
This is a full-time, salaried 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 and address your full cover letter to hiring@utahrivers.org. Please, no phone calls. The position will remain open until filled.Job Features
The Utah Rivers Council is looking for a diligent, hard-working, and independent individual with strong community organizing skills and the experience to help support our conservation advocacy work in...
Executive Director
About Connecticut River Conservancy
Since 1952, Connecticut River Conservancy has been a voice for the Connecticut River watershed from source to sea and a powerful force for positive environmental change in New England. Based in Greenfield, Massachusetts, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit collaborates with partners across four states (NH, VT, MA, and CT) to protect and advocate for the rivers of the watershed and to educate and engage communities. It brings people together in communities across the four states to prevent pollution, improve habitat, and promote enjoyment of the rivers and streams. CRC is unique in the breadth of its mission and in the role it plays as an independent voice. Its work encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at protecting the Connecticut River and its tributaries; to list just a few:- Advocacy and Policy: review and watchdog permits and hydropower licensing; advocate at the local and state level on issues to bring about science-based environmental policies that account for climate change and protect clean water.
- Community Science: water quality testing, bacteria monitoring, migratory fish monitoring,
- Habitat and River Restoration: floodplain restoration and dam removal to improve fish passage and flood resiliency, tree planting, invasive plant removal.
- Recreation: work with a multitude of organizations and communities to create better access to the river for all, including but not limited to the economically disadvantaged, disabled and people of color.
- Regional Convener and Collaborator: work with and bring together partners across four states to protect and advocate for rivers and educate and engage communities.
- Source to Sea Cleanup: Annual event in its 27th year that draws thousands of volunteers and tens of thousands of dollars from business sponsors and results in tons of trash removed.
- Affiliate Organization Relationships: support smaller organizations in their work on the watershed’s rivers by assisting with grant proposals, fundraising, and certain back-office functions.
The Opportunity Going Forward
CRC’s next Executive Director (ED) will be taking the reins at a time of change and opportunity. CRC has seen significant growth in the past ten years under the leadership of its former Executive Director, who left the organization in the fall of 2022. In that ten-year period, the organization built a restoration program that has removed 20 dams, restored over 130 acres of habitat and over 70,000 feet of shoreline, created one of the northeast’s largest freshwater bacteria monitoring programs, grew the annual Source to Sea Cleanup, which has been running for 27 consecutive years, and maintained persistent and effective advocacy for strong environmental standards. CRC is currently under the steady leadership of an Interim Executive Director. Some of the organization’s opportunities and challenges include:- Planning a new future with board and staff to clarify focus, increase impact, strengthen and build partnerships, and set strategic priorities.
- Assessing and revising the organizational structure for greater effectiveness in meeting future goals.
- Increasing financial support from CRC’s members, donors, and granting organizations while simultaneously expanding our relationship with foundations and government agencies to enhance stability and sustainability.
- Expanding the geographic reach of CRC’s programs, collaboration, and community engagement along the 410-mile length of the Connecticut River, resulting in a strong presence regionally and in New England.
- Build trusting relationships with staff members, gain an understanding of the strengths, knowledge and wisdom that each brings to the work, and foster a positive and enriching team culture;
- Build relationships with and engage the Board of Trustees;
- Build relationships with established community partners;
- Gain a thorough understanding of the diverse programs, activities, and approaches CRC employs in its work to protect and enhance the River and its watershed;
- Support staff in building a solid financial accounting system to ensure timely tracking and reporting of all revenue and expenses.
- Assess the effectiveness of CRC’s current organization structure and its operational systems, and work with staff and board to address areas needing strengthening or restructuring.
- After building key relationships and gaining a solid understanding of CRC and its context, begin a strategic planning process in collaboration with the board and staff.
Position Duties and Responsibilities
The Executive Director leads the strategic vision for the organization and supports the growth and efforts of a community-oriented team in the implementation of key objectives to advance CRC’s mission. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Trustees who are responsible for providing the Executive Director with regular feedback and consultation as well as setting annual compensation. The Executive Director will ensure that the organization has sound administrative and financial systems in place while creating an inclusive and supportive work culture. This is a full-time position based in Greenfield, MA, with hybrid options negotiable. The Executive Director will be expected to travel throughout the watershed as needed.Organizational Leadership
- The Executive Director supervises internal managers and all staff and is responsible for ensuring they are fully supported in their job responsibilities. This includes good management practices, routine feedback, essential training, and transparent communication that fosters a collaborative work environment.
Community Outreach & Partnerships
- The Executive Director is expected to be a public face of the organization and in partnership with the River Stewards and program managers in each state, maintains a presence through media, speaking engagements, and events. This role entails participation and collaboration with current regional strategic partners while pursuing relationships with potential new partners throughout the watershed.
Fundraising & Resource Development
- The Executive Director collaborates with the Development Director and staff in each state to secure donors, funds, and sponsorships with the goal of ensuring long-term financial sustainability for the organization.
Program Development, Management, & Evaluation
- The Executive Director supports staff in developing new or expanded programming with partner organizations and community stakeholders. The Executive Director will facilitate the coordination of all programs and help staff implement frameworks for measuring effectiveness.
Stewardship
- The Executive Director is responsible for the stewardship of the organization’s conserved properties as well as the responsible disposition of these properties to qualified organizations, individuals, or agencies.
Credentials and Profile of the Ideal Candidate
CRC’s next Executive Director will be a seasoned leader with significant management experience. They will be positive and inspiring while expressing integrity, humility, and emotional intelligence. They will have a deep understanding of how to support internal organizational culture, external coalition-building, and the ability to navigate diverse political, cultural, and ecological climates towards a clear and positive vision for CRC’s team and the River. Candidates are welcome to apply even if they do not have all of these skills and background:Qualities
- A passionate advocate for the mission who feels a strong connection to landscapes and rivers in the Northeast, the environment, and outdoor activities.
- A supporter of CRC’s organizational values of inclusion, equity, collaboration, resilience, and stewardship.
- A people person with strong emotional intelligence who listens well and can relate to people of diverse backgrounds.
- A collaborative decision maker who engages inclusive and transparent practices, trusts and respects the knowledge and perspectives of staff, and seeks out the widest diversity of views.
- A courageous leader who can take criticism and is willing to learn, who acts with honesty, integrity, and accountability.
- A creative, innovative, out-of-the box thinker.
Skills, background, & experience
- Demonstrated experience with implementing or supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a part of organizational culture; proven ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- A visionary leader and systems thinker with proven nonprofit experience in areas of strategic planning, board relations, operations, personnel/HR, change management, and program development.
- Solid understanding of nonprofit finances with complex budgets and multiple funding streams and ability to strategically align and maximize resources.
- Astute networking skills and track record in building relationships with various political and community stakeholders.
- A skillful communicator who can articulate CRC’s work and mission, both in writing and orally, and can be a passionate advocate and ambassador in the community.
- A track record of successful fundraising from individuals, businesses, and granting administration.
- Familiarity with federal, state, and foundation grant
- Familiarity with fundamental conservation issues and environmental topics.
- Ability to manage multiple demands and execute efficiently.
- Professional experience in the New England area preferred.
- 5+ years of management and leadership experience.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range set for this position is $115,000-$130,000. CRC provides an excellent benefits package that includes employer contributions to health insurance and retirement. The Executive Director is expected to be present in the Greenfield, MA office on a regular basis to be determined by the Board.Application Guidelines
Candidates must include a resume and a cover letter that describes how their qualifications and experience match the needs and mission of CRC. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Send required documents to: https://eostransitions.applicantpool.com/jobs/967998.html This executive search is being conducted by Eos Transition Partners consultant Catherine Bradshaw. The search process is being conducted in an inclusive manner, drawing on the perspectives of both board and staff members. All submissions will be acknowledged and are confidential, and any questions must be submitted to Ms. Bradshaw at: cbradshaw@eostransitions.com. Connecticut River Conservancy is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and will engage in an inclusive recruiting and hiring process. It considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.Job Features
Connecticut River Conservancy’s Board of Directors invites candidates to apply for the opportunity to lead this established, impactful, and highly regarded organization at an exciting time. The Exec...