Priority Deadline: January 7th , 2020
Applications accepted until position is filled.

Number of Openings: 1
Hours Per Week: Up to 20
Compensation: DOQ
Employment Start Date: February 1 st , 2021

Supervisor:
Matthew Karas, South Sound Healthy Watershed Program Coordinator

Background:
The Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team (DERT) was founded with the mission to remove the 5th Ave dam in downtown Olympia, Washington, that has severed the Deschutes River from the Salish Sea, and to restore the estuary that was destroyed when the dam was built. With each year
that passes, we grow increasingly confident this goal will be achieved. While removal of the dam remains DERT’s primary objective, DERT is excited about expanding our activities.

In 2020, DERT became an affiliate of the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance and a member of the national Waterkeeper program. DERT is partnering with Puget Soundkeeper Alliance (PSKA), the Squaxin Island Tribe, Salmon Defense and the Nisqually Indian Tribe to develop the South Sound Healthy Watershed Program. This program will grow DERT’s presence in the watershed, expand volunteer opportunities, help monitor water quality and pollution, and identify restoration opportunities and nutrient reduction strategies.

From 2021-2022, DERT will:
 Conduct routine boat and kayak patrols in South Puget Sound
 Conduct water sampling and analysis for microplastics and other pollutants
 Maintain a pollution prevention hotline
 Use a drone and ArcGIS software to monitor and map watershed conditions
 Organize educational forums and other outreach events
 Identify restoration opportunities through the synthesis of cultural and original data
 Participate in hands-on restoration activities

Position Duties:

DERT is seeking a reliable individual to work alongside the South Sound Healthy Watershed Program Coordinator.

This position will provide support in the following areas:
Procurement, transportation, and storage of program supplies.
Volunteer recruitment, training, and retainment.
Planning, facilitation, and operation of program activities – kayak patrols, pollution prevention hotline, water quality monitoring, & watershed mapping.

Community engagement and environmental education.
Assistance with administrative tasks.
In addition, the Program Assistant will be responsible for executing program activities and perform general administration in the absence of the Program Coordinator.

Qualifications:
A successful applicant will embody a strong work ethic and passion for the program mission, be dependable and organized, and be an effective communicator and facilitator. Required and desirable skills are listed below:

Requirements

  • Ability to lift weights between 25-50 pounds and work outdoors during all weather conditions is essential.
  • Valid Driver’s license, clean driving record, and an ability to operate a vehicle with a trailer attached.
  • Experience with administration.

Desirable

  • Experience with volunteer management.
  • Experience with water quality analysis, ArcGIS software, and pollution monitoring.
  • Knowledge of local water issues.
  • Current student in a graduate level program or recent graduate, with preference for those studying environmental science, public administration, or a related field.
  • Undergraduate and community college level students with relevant work experience are encouraged to apply.

To apply, send a Cover Letter, Resume, and three References to olydert@gmail.com, ATTN: Matthew Karas.