914 SW Coast HWY
(541)265-9195 Newport, OR 97365 www.midcoastwatersheds.org
MidCoast Watersheds Council
Watersheds of the Salmon River, Siletz River, Yaquina River, Alsea River,
Yachats River, and Ocean Tributaries
Job Description
Communications and Outreach Specialist for the MidCoast
Watersheds Council

BACKGROUND
The MidCoast Watersheds Council (MCWC) is a non-profit group that has been working for 25 years with interested landowners on projects to improve riparian, stream, estuary, and water quality conditions and remove migration barriers to improve survival of salmon, steelhead, cutthroat trout, and lamprey. It has also worked to increase understanding about issues facing our watersheds and done policy work to try to address issues at a more systemic level. The MCWC is governed by a diverse Board of Directors, seeks consensus on issues, and builds partnerships to get things done in a nonregulatory, cooperative manner. We work closely with partners such as ODFW, USFS, USFWS, Lincoln SWCD, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, The Wetlands Conservancy, Audubon Society, and Lincoln County. GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
The Communications and Outreach Specialist (Specialist) is a full time (40hrs/week) position and will provide support to the MCWC Executive Director (Director) and other staff to increase the quantity of high-quality projects that can be accomplished. They will be passionate about conservation and natural resources, willing to learn, adapt, and change based on new information, be transparent and open, and work well in a team and independently. They will have a community focused mentality with an aptitude for relationship building. Work is expected to begin in November 2023.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position requires a highly motivated self-starter with a demonstrated ability to be flexible and work as part of a productive and talented team. This position has great flexibility to increase responsibilities, roles, and salary in all aspects of work the MCWC accomplishes. This position will work mostly in an office setting, but some work in the field or offsite is expected. The Specialist’s primary responsibility is collaborating across programs to create and execute effective communications and outreach strategies that promote MCWC’s mission, programs, and goals. They will also support the MCWC team with planning, organizing, and coordinating events and building relationships with individuals, groups, and
organizations related to watershed protection. More specifically, the following are examples of the types of duties and responsibilities that the Specialist may be asked to undertake under the guidance of staff, with an estimate of time allotted for each category:
Outreach and Volunteer Management (estimated 40% of time)
• Arrange for speakers for monthly MCWC community meetings, Alsea Basin, and Siletz Basin quarterly meetings
and seek out interested landowners for projects in those basins.
• Help recruit and engage volunteers in restoration work parties, conservation nursery work, in field tours, river
clean ups and other events.
• Track volunteer hours, mileage, and participation in relation to specific grants
• Create outreach materials, including email newsletters, web, social media and printed content
• Perform grant research and grant writing for further outreach
• Organize fundraising events and expand community outreach efforts
• Table at local community events to engage the public and build relationships
914 SW Coast HWY
(541)265-9195 Newport, OR 97365 www.midcoastwatersheds.org
Communication (estimated 40% of time)
• Prepare press releases and social media communications
• Prepare materials for monthly and quarterly meetings; track attendance
• Maintain and update the website regularly
• Develop digital and printed resources for educational programming and outreach efforts
• Coordinate with staff/students from Oregon Coast Community College, OSU Hatfield, charter high schools, local
high schools for monitoring field work, field trips, education events, etc. Use these events to highlight work
opportunities in the habitat restoration field.
Administrative (estimated 20% of time)
• Maintain physical and digital files to meet administrative and fiscal needs
• Monitor and respond to phone calls, voicemails, other communications, be available to the public
• Coordination with Fiscal provider for check printing, coordination with signers for checks, mailing
• Printing and stocking outreach materials
• Checking PO Box/mail, scanning and sending invoices to Fiscal Provider
QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS
The following qualifications sections represent a variety of ways an individual might gain the experience required to
perform the position successfully. We do not expect any single candidate to possess all the qualifications listed. We
encourage you to apply if you have the training and experience to execute this role. Research tells us that some
individuals, particularly those from diverse and historically underrepresented backgrounds, will only apply to positions if
they meet all the listed qualifications. We are looking for team members who round out our current skill base. If this is
you, we encourage you to apply.
• Self-motivated individual who is adept at multitasking and working with deadlines
• Demonstrated experience with relationship building and community engagement and existing connections with
local community groups.
• Advanced desktop computer literacy and computer software skills. Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, Outlook, Google Suites, Mailchimp, Zoom, etc., and learn new technologies to perform the functions
of the position.
• Valid Oregon driver’s license (or ability to obtain), reliable personal transportation with proof of car insurance.
Work-related mileage will be reimbursed at the current State of Oregon rate.
• Document design and web design experience
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including experience in public speaking
• Comfortable working outdoors, in an office, and in partner/community meeting environments
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, some evening/weekend work required
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field. Applicable paid job experience may be accepted
• Prior work experience in communications, outreach, or environmental education
• Experience writing, designing, developing, and editing print and online outreach material
• Proficiency in ArcGIS (additional training can be provided)
• Proficiency in Adobe suite programs
• Knowledge of ecological principles
• Experience leading and coordinating volunteers.
• Grant writing, event coordination, and fundraising experience
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The Specialist works under the guidance and direction of and seeks input from the Director. Payroll requirements and
fiscal aspects of the position are under the guidance of the Council’s Fiscal Provider. Specialist will work closely with
other staff, partner organizations, and MCWC board members as appropriate.
914 SW Coast HWY
(541)265-9195 Newport, OR 97365 www.midcoastwatersheds.org
SALARY and BENEFITS
Initial hourly rate depending on experience $22-25/hour. There is good potential to increase Specialist salary in
subsequent years through writing successful grants. Employee benefits include paid legal holidays, workers
compensation, unemployment insurance, cell phone stipend, annual leave, personal/sick leave, and health/dental
insurance. After six months the Council will provide retirement match at 3%.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send the following documents as a single PDF to info@midcoastwc.org with Communications and Outreach
Specialist and your Last Name in the subject line. Applications must be received by 5 PM on October 30, 2023.
Position is open until filled.
1. A cover letter of no more than two pages describing how your work experiences have prepared you to
successfully complete the position’s duties
2. A resume of no more than two pages
3. The contact information for at least three professional references.
4. The date you would be available to start work