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Save Our Streams (SOS) Coordinator

Posted: 
03/11/2021
Expiration Date: 
04/01/2021

Working under the direction of the Clean Water Program Director, the Save Our Streams (SOS) Coordinator is primarily responsible for coordinating, training and mobilizing a regional network of volunteer stream monitors using the Virginia Save Our Streams (VA SOS) / Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative (CMC) programs. The Coordinator will train and support volunteer monitors, regional trainers and program leaders in the Mid-Atlantic region. Additionally, the Coordinator will contribute to communications efforts designed to foster an interconnected network of volunteer stream monitors nationwide

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Stream Monitoring Training and Support

  • Recruit, train and support Izaak Walton League members, partner organizations and community volunteers to serve as certified VA SOS / CMC water quality and Salt Watch monitors.
  • Coordinate and conduct in-person and online events across the country to recruit and train existing and new stream monitors and individuals qualified to train monitors.
  • Coordinate and conduct monitoring certification and recertification of volunteers across the country to establish the qualifications of new and experienced monitors.
  • Communicate regularly and frequently with volunteer monitors, watershed organizations, and others to support local SOS and Salt Watch stream monitoring efforts and foster an interconnected network of volunteer monitors nationwide.
  • Oversee the quality assurance of the field methodologies, protocol comprehension and proper safety and equipment cleaning practices to produce data that is reliable and valid while minimizing stream site disturbance.
  • Coordinate Winter Salt Watch program, including distribution of Salt Watch kits and data management of chloride readings.

Data Management

  • Input data into database (the Clean Water Hub).
  • Analyze water quality trends, monitoring sites and frequency of monitoring, and compile those results to communicate to water monitoring stakeholders, the public and press.
  • Support volunteers with data management, including Clean Water Hub troubleshooting.
  • Quality assure and submit data to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the CMC Data Explorer.
  • Download, quality assure and compile Salt Watch data.

Communications

  • Develop content for IWLA website, social media, press outreach and publications, including Outdoor America magazine.
  • Serve as liaison between League chapters, other volunteers, state agencies and the Izaak Walton League of America.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

  • Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, natural resources management, natural sciences or related field.
  • Proven knowledge of stream monitoring activities, macroinvertebrate identification and field equipment used for water quality monitoring.
  • Two years of experience directly coordinating volunteers engaged in water quality monitoring or other citizen science activity.
  • Understanding of quality assurance / quality controls for data collection and analysis.
  • Interest and demonstrated experience in environmental education, volunteer management, community outreach, water quality assessment and stream monitoring.
  • Experience with public speaking and providing engaging training workshops.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and to organize and manage multiple tasks and set priorities.
  • Ability to work in Microsoft Excel for data management purposes.
  • Experience managing simple datasets in ArcGIS and ArcGIS online.
  • Ability to work constructively and cooperatively with a diverse array of staff, members, volunteers and colleague organizations.
  • Experience with social media (Facebook, Twitter).
  • Possess a valid state-issued driver’s license and own a car for travel (or have the ability to provide transportation for self and equipment to regional meetings / trainings).
  • Ability and willingness to travel including for multiple days consecutively and overnight.
  • Fluency (oral and written) in Spanish is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Work involves both physical exertion and sedentary activities and includes work that involves exposure to the outdoors, including various biological and chemical elements, especially those that are water-based, and periods of standing and walking on rough terrain.
  • Must be able to sit or stand for up to eight hours at a time while performing work duties.
  • Must be able to travel.
  • Must be able to bend, stoop, push, and pull, and to lift up to 50 pounds, in the performance of both office-related and field duties.
  • Must be able to maintain punctuality and attendance as scheduled.
  • Must be able to perform essential job functions in an environment that will sometimes include increased levels of work-related stress.

SALARY & BENEFITS

  • This is a full-time position. The Izaak Walton League of America provides a competitive salary and benefits. This position is $38,000-$42,000 commensurate with experience.

APPLICATIONS

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume, by March 31, to sos@iwla.org. No phone calls please.