The South River Federation’s mission is to protect, preserve, restore and celebrate the South River, a five-mile estuary of the Chesapeake Bay just south of Annapolis, Maryland with a watershed population of approximately 66,000 residents. The Federation employs six full-time staff members, several seasonal technicians, and numerous contractors. Over the last ten years, the Federation has established an outstanding track record for science-based documentation and analysis of river conditions, and launched a multi-million dollar restoration program to mitigate stormwater pollution. Every year, we engage up to a thousand volunteers in river restoration and advocacy for state and local policies and legislation that will maximize clean water and prevent watershed decline.
The South RIVERKEEPER is a constant presence on the river, and serves as the eyes, ears, and voice for the South River. In conjunction with the Board of Directors and the Executive Director, the South RIVERKEEPER engages in legal, legislative, and policy advocacy at the state and local levels, provides ongoing robust education and outreach to our communities, and manages tidal and non-tidal monitoring, evaluation, and assessment of the River.
The South River Federation was founded in 1999 as a 501 (c)(3) and is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, an umbrella non-profit that sponsors over 200 organizations worldwide. Locally, the South RIVERKEEPER is a member of the Waterkeepers Chesapeake chapter.
South RIVERKEEPER® Responsibilities
Detailed responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Advocacy:
- Be a visible spokesperson for the river, its problems and potential solutions, and an effective communicator to a wide-range of constituents including: local residents, elected officials, the business community, researchers, educators and students, watermen, recreational boaters and other resource users, media, and other stakeholders in the region.
- Follow up on potential threats to river health, including responding to citizen calls and complaints in a timely manner; working with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to determine the appropriate actions to stop violations, enforce permit provisions, and otherwise protect the river from harm.
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with key partner organizations, enforcement agencies, and individuals, including other Riverkeepers, and work to build consensus among groups on key South River protection issues and activities.
- Review and provide timely comments on proposed legislation and regulations that affect the South River and its watershed, and work with local, state and Federal agencies and local and regional partner organizations to influence policies and regulations to the benefit of the river and its ecosystem.
- Monitor construction activity to ensure proper compliance with plans, report observed violations, and lead efforts to correct violations.
- Operate the RIVERKEEPER® boat and keep the boat and its equipment fully operational and well maintained.
- Work with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Director of Restoration, and Board committees to research and identify emerging issues, and to set priorities for South River Federation involvement.
- Serve as liaison to the WATERKEEPER® Alliance and Waterkeepers Chesapeake.
Science:
- Serve as a program lead, with staff support and collaboration, for the Federation’s tidal and non-tidal monitoring, evaluation, and assessment program. Maintain the tidal monitoring program in accordance with EPA guidelines in order to uphold data submission requirements to the Chesapeake Bay Program. This includes conducting weekly water quality monitoring by boat, operating state-of-the-art equipment, and collecting, recording, and analyzing water quality data.
- Communicate water quality science and South River-related water quality issues to our members and the general public.
- Communicate monitoring findings to federal and state regulatory agencies who wish to use our data for watershed modeling.
- Use scientifically rigorous methods in the field, the laboratory, and during data analysis, associated with the Federation’s Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
- Prepare scientific reports and assessments regarding evaluation of restoration efforts. Promote scientific research on cutting-edge restoration techniques in order to restore water quality in tidal tributaries.
Outreach and Communication:
- Prepare written communication and public presentations for South River Federation Board, volunteers, members and community stakeholders about river issues. Maintain a presence on social media.
- Prepare annual “State of the South River” presentation for volunteers, members, and community stakeholders.
- Support the organization’s efforts to organize volunteers to support the citizen scientist monitoring effort and involvement in ongoing river restoration activities.
- Participate in outreach to the community and local schools to expand public awareness about the role of the river and the importance of behavior that supports the health and vitality of the river.
- Coordinate special initiatives and projects as requested.
Development and Fundraising:
- Participate in and support the organization’s efforts to cultivate new members and raise funds.
- Support SRF’s fundraising efforts with foundations, individuals, and corporations in order to ensure the organization’s financial strength and stability. This includes contributing to funding proposals, participating in fundraising events, and meeting with funders, as needed.
- Work with the Development Director to develop content for funder proposals and reports.
- Responsible for grant writing and reporting related to funding associated with the RIVERKEEPER position.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be energetic, articulate, and curious. Must have a strong commitment to environmental protection. We desire a candidate that has the ability to see the forest through the trees, appreciating the big picture while attending to details.
- Demonstrated ability to perform duties while under pressure, with humor and grace, when dealing with controversial issues.
- Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work long hours at times and to work outside of normal business hours. Must be able to work in harsh weather conditions, and be able to lift at least 50-pounds.
- Commitment to South River Federation’s mission, values and issues, and a dedication to and passion for healthy ecosystems and the various natural processes and human activities that depend on them.
- Demonstrated experience in communicating with and building consensus among a wide-range of constituents and stakeholders, and motivating individuals and organizations to take action.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills are a must. Highly functional computer skills including competency with MS Office suite.
- Experience with Esri GIS software a plus.
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or related field; environmental focus is a plus.
- Five years professional experience in natural resource science, management, and/or policy.
- Experience operating and maintaining small watercraft, including proof of Maryland DNR small craft safety card, USCG license, or equivalent; and valid driver’s license.
- CPR and First Aid certification desired and will be required upon hiring.
Compensation:
This competitive salary ranges from $55,000 to $65,000, depending on experience. Benefits include a fun and flexible work environment, and working closely with a positive and dedicated team of professionals. We offer generous vacation and holiday leave, health care including dental and vision, life insurance, and matching contribution to retirement savings account. The office is very dog friendly.
Application Process:
Send cover letter, resume, and references to admin@southriverfederation.net. Please include “LAST NAME – South Riverkeeper” in the email subject line. Please no phone calls or paper applications. Applications are due by 5pm on Monday August 10th.
The South River Federation is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action.
