Greenfield, MA. September 30, 2009.

The Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRC), the principal citizen advocate for protecting New England’s largest river ecosystem, is seeking candidates to be its new River Steward for the lower Connecticut River watershed (within the State of Connecticut). CRC advocates for the entire, four-state Connecticut River watershed. We work to protect water—the river, its tributaries, lakes, fish; and the land, plants, and creatures connected to that water. The River Steward Program was created in 1994 to provide CRC with an on-river presence and local advocacy capacity. Each River Steward serves a specific reach of the watershed and works at the community level to promote river conservation and restoration. S/he is both a watchdog and a problem-solver – addressing threats to water quality; promoting conservation actions and policies by local and state government and other partners; pursuing opportunities to conserve and restore the natural resources of the watershed; and building partnerships to achieve these goals. S/he reports to and is supervised by the Executive Director. Restoration of migratory fisheries through installation of fishways and removal of dams is a current priority.

Principal Duties

• Be familiar with physical features and natural history of the lower Connecticut River and its major tributaries.
• Develop a personal relationship with the principal public agencies, local commissions, nonprofit groups, and media that serve this region.
• Keep abreast of and understand the principal environmental issues affecting the lower River, advising the Executive Director on issues that warrant CRC attention.
• Develop and carry out strategies and initiatives to address issues selected for CRC action, with special attention to forming partnerships where appropriate.
• Understand the federal Clean Water Act and current and proposed environmental laws and regulations in the State of Connecticut.
• Develop and present CRC position statements and comments on proposed legislation, regulations, and projects affecting the River and the environmental quality of the watershed.
• Represent CRC in permit and other proceedings for projects determined to be of interest to the Council; and develop coalitions to support defense of the River and other environmental interests, as appropriate.
• Promote awareness of, interest in and support for the Watershed Council through all appropriate means, including personal contacts, group presentations, events and trips, press releases, letters-to-the-editor, etc.
• Provide technical assistance to grassroots organizations, local commissions and others, as appropriate.
• Develop grants and other sources of funding for CRC programs and projects serving the lower River, in coordination with the Planning and Development Director.
• Develop and oversee fisheries restoration projects throughout the entire watershed.
• Maintain records and an organized filing system.
• Develop annual work plans, and provide the Executive Director with quarterly and other reports,
as requested.

Location: The Lower River Steward works out of an office in the deKoven Community Center in Middletown, CT.

Qualifications
Qualified candidates should have a graduate degree in ecology, freshwater biology, environmental studies, or related work experience. The ideal candidate will have three or more years field experience in river conservation, resource management, environmental planning, or related field. Excellent verbal and writing skills and familiarity with MS Office software is highly desirable. Boating interest and experience is also desirable. This position requires someone who is outgoing and self-motivated, able to work well on his or her own, able to set priorities and meet deadlines, and comfortable leading often diverse community partnerships.

Salary – Nonprofit salary is commensurate with experience, plus health and paid leave benefits.

Deadline – The application deadline is November 17, 2009.

Application process
Send résumé and cover letter to:

Chelsea Gwyther, Executive Director
CRC
15 Bank Row
Greenfield, MA 01301

Or by email to cgwyther@ctriver.org (put “River Steward” in subject line).

No phone calls, please.

CRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to work place diversity.

9/30/09