Reports To: Board of Directors
Status: Nine-month contract position for up to 20 hours per week
Starting rate: $30 per hour, depending on experience.

Are you someone who enjoys keeping things organized? Are you a positive, motivated individual interested in using your management and communication skills to support nonprofit habitat protection and restoration work? Do you want to learn more about watershed management? If so, and you are ready to be an integral part of a busy team dedicated to conservation in the Deschutes River Watershed, we encourage you to submit a proposal for this contract!  

What is DERT? 
The Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team (DERT) was officially organized in 2011 as a federally recognized non-profit.  DERT’s primary mission is to restore the Deschutes River Estuary by removing the 5th Ave dam in downtown Olympia, Washington, to support clean water and healthy watersheds in South Puget Sound and the Salish Sea.  DERT supports protection and restoration of the Deschutes River watershed and recognizes a need to expand our mission to include other watershed-based programs in the area.

DERT is an affiliate of the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance and a member of the national Waterkeeper program. DERT also partners with the Squaxin Island Tribe, Salmon Defense, the Nisqually Indian Tribe, and other organizations and has developed the South Sound Healthy Watershed Program with a new emphasis on microplastic pollutants monitoring.  

DERT wants to increase its volunteer base, continue to monitor water quality, and expand outreach efforts. We have an active Board of Directors and newsletter editor constantly working to educate, reach out and influence decisions that move toward a restored Deschutes Watershed.

DERT funds all its work with grants, private and corporate donations and through our annual fundraiser event usually held in October.  We have grown into a thriving organization to educate the public on the benefits of a healthy Deschutes River Watershed, from the source of the river to South Sound and beyond.

Duties: In this role, the contractor will support the Board of Directors by administratively managing and completing operational and development tasks, such as:

  • Respond to inquiries.
  • Track donors and send thank you notes,
  • Research and apply for grants,
  • Maintain office,
  • Support Board of Directors
  • Assist with Annual Fundraising Event 
  • Prepare monthly Board meeting materials and work with newsletter editor

These core functions are essential to maintaining and growing DERT and its capacity to permanently protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat in the Deschutes Watershed. This nine-month position may last longer, depending on funding capacity and contractor skills. Most duties can be accomplished remotely, but periodically checking in at the office is likely. Hours are flexible. DERT has an active, working board that covers most of the policy issues.  The person who contracts to perform this position will be on the cutting edge of those policy issues and have a great opportunity to learn.  

Required Qualifications: 

  • Two-year degree or higher
  • Passion for and commitment to DERTs mission
  • Excellent communication abilities and positive team player
  • Experience with Microsoft Office programs
  • Ability to work occasional nights and weekends.
  • Organized, efficient, detail-oriented, innovative, and a positive team player.
  • Able to work respectfully in a team.
  • Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills 
  • Proficient with email marketing platforms such as Constant Contact (desirable but not required)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital status, military status, or any other protected status.

How to Apply
Please send a detailed proposal with qualifications in a letter of interest, a resume or CV  plus a list of three references with contact information to olydert@gmail.com  Attn:  Sue Patnude.
Please submit it by May 10, 2023.