POSITION:
Science Program Assistant (part time position, 20 hours/week, non-exempt)
REPORTS TO:
Science Manager
LOCATION:
Preference for Maryland, Virginia, DC area
Deadline:
Open until filled (First review of applicants on 5/6)
Term of position:
May 2016-Aug 2016
Work Schedule: ~20 hours/week (flexible work hours)
POSITION SUMMARY:
River Network seeks a motivated and committed individual to join our team on a part-time basis from late May through August 2016 to assist with research, writing and outreach related to our programmatic Science and Policy work. The Science and Policy staff works to promote clean water solutions and innovations and advance water supply security and sustainability by connecting people facing similar challenges to each other and to best practices and new ideas, empowering concerned citizens and local caretakers to make a difference and expand the impact of our community. The Program Assistant will assist with a variety of work to support our current projects and must be willing to be flexible and able to juggle several different projects simultaneously. Primary responsibilities associated with this position include community data management, outreach, and research on topics including citizen monitoring, data access and analysis, remote sensing, GIS, and other watershed science resources.
She/he must have strong verbal and written communications skills, familiarity with principles of freshwater and/or estuarine science, experience with a variety of online search and data-sharing platforms, research methods, and research and analysis. We are looking for a team player that is self-motivated, able to work either independently or with moderate guidance and excited about working with a national river conservation organization.
ABOUT RIVER NETWORK: River Network envisions a future of clean and ample water for people and nature, where local caretakers are well-equipped, effective and courageous champions for our rivers. River Network’s mission is to empower and unite people and communities to protect and restore rivers and other waters that sustain the health of our country. We help concerned citizens; local community groups, First Nations, and others take action for our waters. Our staff consists of water quality experts, field organizers, scientists, and educators. Visit www.rivernetwork.org to learn more.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Research and outreach to universities, institutes, and other research organizations to identify and mobilize science resources for our community of water organizations
• Research and outreach to new organizations and staff to enhance science outreach and services to the water protection community and increase their science and technical capacities;
• Research and identify the leading open source technologies for data collection and sharing and develop compendium of best applications
• Manage and populate repositories of science resources;
• Identify topics for blogs and social media posts to share with our community;
• Support science manager to identify best practices in citizen science;
• Provide support in the production of webinars. Tasks will vary but may include securing dates and presenters, developing and disseminating promotional language, developing web-based registration forms, and communicating with registrants as needed.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree or current undergraduate in a science or environmental program with experience in the interface of science and technology;
• Excellent research skills, environmental or professional writing or editing skills, oral communication skills, interpersonal savvy, and technological abilities (e.g., Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), including social media.
• Positive, self-motivated, and quick learner with an upbeat attitude, entrepreneurial spirit, and drive to succeed with a wide range of stakeholders, partners, staff and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, defining and tracking deadlines, progress, and contributions of others and staying on track and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Commitment to values of mutual respect and collaboration, teamwork, and diversity.
• Ability to excel on a decentralized and virtual team.
HOURS AND COMPENSATION:
This is a part-time (20 hours/week) non-exempt position that pays $15/hour. Hours are flexible with approval from supervisor. River Network is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.
TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to Adam Griggs (agriggs@rivernetwork.org) with SCIENCE PROGRAM ASSISTANT in the subject line. Applicants granted an interview would be asked to provide work samples and references.
