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.

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Northwest
Posted 3 months ago
This job posting is to fill two (2) positions and to create an eligibility register to fill future Engineer III positions.
This job posting will be open until all positions have been filled. First application review date is July 10, 2023. 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. Our ideal candidates show excellent customer service traits, is self-directed and works well in a team environment. The successful candidates will be able to demonstrate expertise in analyzing and designing habitat improvement projects and habitat-friendly infrastructure repair projects; operation and maintenance of flood control structures; hydraulic computer modeling; working in a floodplain environment; building community relationships; developing, implementing and monitoring project budgets; and overseeing grants and contracts. We are looking for excellent communication skills, the ability to work well with staff and stakeholders with a variety of backgrounds, and the ability to positively contribute to the overall Surface Water Floodplain Services section and the entire SWM Division. Successful applicants will have a background and experience in geology, hydraulics, river processes, CADD and GIS. Experience working in a riverine environment, boat-handling skills, reading design plans and specifications, along with excellent customer service skills are desired. We value the ability to analyze issues, develop solutions using creativity and ingenuity and clearly communicate complex data to varied audiences. Come join our team and build a career in the great northwest! An Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificate is required for this position.
About Surface Water Management
SWM is a stormwater utility that provides services to unincorporated Snohomish County. These services are primarily funded by service charges paid by property owners in the unincorporated county. SWM is the largest division in Snohomish County’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. With an annual budget of $45 million, SWM maintains 108 full-time positions filled by dedicated professionals in their field. SWM works in partnership with other local and regional agencies to improve Snohomish County now and for future generations. SWM provides a variety of programs and services for reducing road and property flooding and preserving and improving the health of Snohomish County's water resources and natural systems. We focus on four core areas of service:
  • Drainage and road flooding
  • Clean water in rivers, streams and lakes;
  • Salmon and marine habitat; and
  • River flooding
You can find us responding to water-quality problems and complaints, monitoring river levels during flood season, maintaining drainage systems, managing habitat improvement projects and more. For further information on Snohomish County Surface Water Management's programs, please go to www.surfacewater.info. Our 2022 Highlights report is available here. About the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) The Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) includes the Division of Surface Water Management, the Division of Parks & Recreation, the Office of Energy and Sustainability and the Office of Agriculture and aims to achieve high-priority environmental sustainability goals. Some of the greatest assets we have in Snohomish County are our unparalleled beauty and abundant natural resources. From the Puget Sound and five watersheds, to forestland, lakes, farms, ranches and parks, our quality of life, economic prosperity and future sustainability are dependent on protecting and improving our environmental resources. Visit the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources web page to learn more. About Snohomish County Snohomish County, north of Seattle, is located in northwest Washington between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The county has rich scenery, numerous activities, and a thriving economy. Snohomish County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. When joining the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, you will work in an environment where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement are highly encouraged and supported. We are proud to offer an outstanding benefit package to employees and their dependents. We are invested in your success and growth and offer competitive wages, job flexibility and stability, employer paid ORCA cards, and a friendly, diverse team atmosphere where employees are appreciated and make a real difference providing services for our citizens. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a lifelong career.
Benefits
Snohomish County will be invested in your success and growth. We demonstrate this by offering a generous compensation package to our employees. Your salary is only part of your Total Compensation Package. Our benefits include:
  • 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 wellnessdentalvisionlife insuranceflexible spending accountslong 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.
Teleworking Options The work associated with this position can be performed with a hybrid of remote work and in-office work as needed and assigned. For employees who prefer to work in the office full time, that option is also available. Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Snohomish County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. A Snohomish County Telework agreement is required for employees assigned to telework.   Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their Snohomish County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
For information about this job opportunity and posting, please email: vicki.remtulla@snoco.org.
Job Duties STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
  1. 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.
  2. Reviews engineering design work to ensure proposed designs meet project needs, engineering specifications and cost regulatory requirements.
  3. 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.
  4. Manages the selection and administration of engineering consultants performing work for planning and reports, plans, specifications, estimates, and on call engineering services.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Conducts field trips to inspect project sites during planning and design phases, and during construction for compliance with specifications and plans.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Provides technical assistance, guidance, and training to engineering staff.
  11. 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..
  12. Researches and prepares pertinent data and reports for legal counsel for court actions and represents public works on matters pertaining to real property condemnations.
  13. Reviews and approves all plans and contract documents before they are used in the public bidding process for county construction projects.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Develops recommendations for mitigating measures to reduce or provide for environmental impacts to the county road system.
  17. 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.
  18. Evaluates field laboratory soils results and makes engineering recommendations pertaining to the foundation design of roadway, bridge foundations, retaining walls and landslide corrections.
  19. 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.
STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES
  1. Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering or related field, and four (4) years of civil engineering experience, three (3) of which are in the area of specialization; OR, any equivalent combination of  training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Must pass job related tests. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS A Professional Engineer's License or ability to obtain one by demonstrated training or experience is required for most positions. A valid Washington State Driver's License. Additional Information KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Knowledge of:
  • 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
Ability to:
  • 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
SUPERVISION Employees report to and receive direction from an engineering supervisor. Employees may lead full-time or temporary employees.  A high degree of independent judgment and action is exercised in planning projects and programs and resolving administrative and technical problems within the framework of established codes, policies, budgetary limits and sound engineering practices.
WORKING CONDITIONS The work is performed in an office environment with frequent field trips to locations throughout the county to make site visits, attend meetings, or coordinate work activities.  Meetings or project requirements may involve working evenings, weekends or holidays as necessary.

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

Job Category

Other Positions

Salary

$92,430.12 - $112,292.40

Location

Everett, WA

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.

West
Posted 4 months ago
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 the American West. The Community Water Organizer works to help lead local grassroots engagement throughout our community to protect some of the American West’s most precious aquatic landscapes. The Utah Rivers Council is leading the fight to protect Utah’s rivers and lakes through our robust advocacy work, and we are looking to expand on our success by adding a staff leader to engage more Americans in our fight to save Utah’s aquatic treasures through on-the-ground grassroots organizing efforts. We are looking for an excellent writer with strong communication skills who has the stamina to help recruit and manage community members in our campaign activities. This advocacy position requires someone who is comfortable 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 can actively engage with community members in a one-on-one setting, via community meetings or through virtual dialogues. The Community Water Organizer will mobilize residents for events, actions, and meetings across Utah through direct outreach via telephone, in-person and digital platforms. Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and at least two years paid experience in a professional office setting, preferably for a nonprofit organization. Preference will be given to applicants with a professional background in environmental work or community engagement. Applicants with a willingness to continue their advocacy work in the water sphere and who can wear many hats in one work week are urged to apply. Candidates should demonstrate in their application materials that they have a basic working knowledge of the conservation challenges facing Utah and a willingness to learn more. We encourage you to visit our website, utahrivers.org, before applying.

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

Job Category

Other Positions

Salary

$40,000-60,000

Location

Salt Lake City, UT

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...

Northeast
Posted 5 months ago
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 Executive Director will join a knowledgeable and passionate team of environmental professionals, a dedicated board of directors, and a wide range of collaborative partners to advance the work of CRC in service of the Connecticut River and its tributaries. The successful candidate will be a dynamic, forward-thinking, and inclusive leader with a track record of leading and managing nonprofit organizations, strong relationship-building skills, and experience supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a part of organizational culture.

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.
CRC’s success, growth, and impact are powered by a highly skilled, mission-driven staff team of 24 who are leaders and knowledge experts in their technical field, and by thousands of volunteers up and down the River who help with advocacy, research, clean-ups, and restoration projects. Though staff members are located in all four states across the watershed, CRC’s headquarters are in Greenfield, MA. It is a membership-based organization with approximately 1,500 members. The organization is financially sound, with a $3.2M operating budget and approximately $5M in net assets. Its revenues come from a mix of grants, donor contributions, and earned income. CRC is governed by a committed 13-member Board of Trustees who bring skills in information technology, legal, business, land use planning, and finance, as well as backgrounds in river, wildlife, and environmental conservation. CRC has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as to mitigating its own environmental impact.

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.
As the Executive Director takes the reins, key priorities in the first 12-18 months will be to:
  • 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

Job Category

Other Positions

Salary

$115,000-$130,000

Location

Greenfield, MA

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...