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Watershed Stewardship Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY: The Watershed Stewardship Coordinator is a full-time non-exempt staff position with the Western Slope Conservation Center (WSCC) in Paonia, Colorado. This position provides a unique opportunity to make lasting positive change on the spectacular and diverse lands and water on Colorado’s Western Slope.

The Watershed Stewardship Coordinator will develop and execute successful stewardship projects aimed at protecting and enhancing the lands, water and natural resources of the Western Slope. This position will work closely with the Executive Director to develop strategic programmatic vision, create and implement effective projects throughout the watershed, and identify, help manage and secure funding opportunities. The Stewardship Coordinator is committed to science-based approaches to conservation and restoration, and is skilled in working with a diverse set of stakeholders to achieve common goals. Strong communications, networking, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously is expected. The successful candidate is a self-starter with strong teamwork skills.

The Stewardship Coordinator works under the direct supervision of the Executive Director. The schedule is flexible (as coordinated with the Executive Director), varying day-to-day and week-to-week. Some nights and weekends are required due to meeting and event schedules. The position will include occasional travel within the region, as well as opportunities for professional development and networking within local, regional, statewide and national networks.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Watershed Stewardship Coordinator responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Program Management: Collaborate with Executive Director, WSCC Board, and external partners to develop and execute successful watershed stewardship assessments, plans, and projects
  • Provide key leadership and direction of the watershed program, supporting committee and organizational identification and prioritization of watershed programs, projects, and needs
  • Lead implementation of existing watershed studies, assessments, and stewardship projects
  • Develop and facilitate creative and strategic approaches for outreach and engagement with a diverse set of partners and stakeholders
  • Implement on-the-ground restoration and other stewardship projects
  • Oversee and manage all activities and projects at the Paonia River Park  
  • Work with WSCC staff to track water-related policy issues and opportunities
  • Collaborate with Executive Director, WSCC contractors, and partners to develop and strengthen WSCC partnerships with various watershed stakeholders
  • In coordination with volunteers, develop training protocol and resources for new and returning River Watch volunteers; recruit additional volunteers
• Grant Management and Development: Work with the Executive Director to:
  • Identify and obtain new funding
  • Manage new and existing grants funds by working with the Executive Director, WSCC staff, and contractors to ensure accomplishment of proposals, deliverables, and reporting
  • Help ensure adherence to grant budgets
• Communication & Outreach: Promote and publicize WSCC’s stewardship work by:
  • Using traditional and digital outlets, including social media
  • Communicating WSCC successes and vision 
  • Organizing educational events and materials as appropriate
  • Supporting the Watershed Stewardship volunteer committee by attending meetings and supporting committee events and outreach activities as necessary
• General organizational support as needed: support broader organizational efforts by assisting with organizational events, special projects, mentorship, strategy conversations and board engagement

Required QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, natural resource management or related field 
• Collaborative, outgoing, personable, and enthusiastic
• Excellent writing, speaking and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and office skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead successful projects while aligning a diverse community of stakeholders
• Experience with grant writing, management, and reporting
• Ability to work independently and self-directed as part of a high-functioning team
• Ability to carry out field work
• Familiarity with water issues in the western US and Colorado
• Strong commitment to watershed conservation and stewardship

Preferred QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous coordination experience in the Gunnison Basin
• Familiarity with low-tech process-based restoration techniques
• Familiarity with the North Fork Valley
• Experience with ArcGIS or other mapping software

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Salary range: $50,000-$55,000 depending on experience. This is a full-time non-exempt position requiring some evenings and weekends. Benefits include paid holidays and accrued paid time off (PTO), flexible schedule, and a retirement savings plan. Candidate should be based within a short commuting distance of Paonia, CO. WSCC offers a flexible work model, with regular in-office days expected. A personal vehicle is required, with travel reimbursed at federal rate. Additional non-financial benefits include the opportunity to live and work in a spectacular rural mountain location with a high quality of life.

APPLICATION: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to [email protected]. No phone calls, please.

Application deadline: January 13, 2025 or until the position is filled.

ABOUT THE WESTERN SLOPE CONSERVATION CENTER

The Western Slope Conservation Center is a fun and dynamic grassroots environmental organization that has been carrying out public lands and watershed stewardship, advocacy, and environmental education for the past 46 years. Our offices are located in the idyllic agricultural mountain town of Paonia, at the base of the West Elk Mountains in Delta County, Colorado. The North Fork Valley offers high-quality rural living with access to ample outdoor recreation, including backcountry skiing, rafting, hiking, running, and biking. It also boasts the highest density of organic farms in the state of Colorado, many wineries, and a creative community. The North Fork was featured in The Wilderness Society’s Too Wild to Drill campaign highlighting 15 remarkable wild places under threat of resource extraction in the U.S.

WSCC provides equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, genetic information, or other protected statuses.