Position Summary

The Muskegon River Watershed Assembly (MRWA) is hiring an Education and Engagement Specialist to lead a new initiative called “Friends of the Muskegon River.” The Specialist will be responsible for developing volunteer-led conservation efforts in three communities in the first year. The Specialist will use a community leadership development approach to implement these projects where community members play a meaningful role in defining the projects and leading their implementation with MRWA support. The Specialist will also be responsible for integrating historic MRWA community engagement activities such as MI Corps macroinvertebrate sampling and MRWA’s annual Trash Bash. Efforts will be coordinated to create synergy with and lend support to MRWA restoration projects.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have prior experience with community leadership development or supporting volunteer-led initiatives, ideally with environmental conservation or restoration, and seeking to expand their expertise and effectiveness. The candidate will demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence, the ability to work effectively in project teams and with diverse stakeholders, and have sound professional judgement. The candidate will be creative and diplomatic, capable of affirming and directing collective action and helping groups focus on activities that achieve meaningful outcomes. The candidate must have an orientation toward results and not be fixated on tasks. The candidate must be growth oriented yet flexible, must demonstrate a love for rivers and watershed conservation, and have a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Responsibilities

• The Specialist will be responsible for developing and leading a minimum of three “Friends” groups in local communities, educating on local issues, identifying local priorities, and supporting the groups with implementing community-based projects.
• The candidate will work with the Project Coordinator to ensure local communities are well informed about forthcoming and active MRWA projects—informing community members and leaders on both project status and why the projects are important.
• The candidate will be the lead person coordinating MRWA’s Trash Bash, an annual project that engages more than 450 volunteers throughout the watershed. Strategic partnerships and engaging local communities to grow and sustain the event will be developed.
• The candidate will integrate MI Corps macroinvertebrate sampling with current MRWA projects and the development of Friends groups. This activity takes place at a dozen sites twice annually.
• The candidate will develop partnerships with organizations offering environmental education and invasive species work in the watershed with an emphasis on aquatic issues. MRWA will partner with these groups to link local efforts to priority watershed issues.

Qualifications being sought

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, natural resource management, community/economic development, or related fields required. Life experience, especially with leading environmental initiatives or community development, will suffice in lieu of education.
• The Specialist must be energized by and effective with rallying people. Demonstrated success leading teams (especially volunteers) to achieve desired outcomes. Must be skilled at leading from a supportive role.
• Ability to summarize complex information into a concise and easily understandable format that engages the public. Must communicate well both in writing and spoken form.
• Competent with Microsoft products and other software, data management, and technology.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, executing sound judgement. Integrity. Past experience taking initiative.
• Outcome oriented with a developed understanding of how tasks support outcomes. Able to prioritize.
• Confidence balanced with humility.
• Oriented towards the positive. Supportive and affirming. Fun to be around.
• Passion for river restoration and conservation.

Hours & Compensation

This is a full-time position with a company that respects work/life balance. Compensation is hourly and the employee will be expected to work 40 hours per week. Overtime is not permitted. Compensation is competitive and will be discussed candidly with applicants being considered. Other benefits include:

• Health insurance w/ copay
• Retirement (SIMPLE IRA with 3% match)
• Paid time off (starting at 10 days/year)
• Sick leave (6 days/year)
• Paid holidays (12)
• Flexible scheduling with remote work options

Additional Information

The Muskegon River Watershed Assembly is a 25-year-old organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and sustaining the Muskegon River, the land it drains, and the life it supports. The health and vitality of local communities along the river are important to us—when they thrive, the river thrives. We are a science and outcome-driven organization seeking to hone our focus on the activities that create the highest ecological lift for the watershed. We are strengths-based and focused on working where we can be most effective. Current core competencies support small to moderately-sized ecological restoration projects as well as community-based initiatives. We have a strong interest in linking research to action to outcomes, and clearly defining the ecological and economic benefits of our work. Data reveals that agricultural lands comprise 50% of the Muskegon River watershed, thus MRWA is interested in growing partnerships with those who work with ag producers to lead and advance protections for the watershed. Many conservation organizations provide environmental education and we seek to partner with those groups rather than deliver such services ourselves.

MRWA maintains an office on the campus of Ferris State University (Big Rapids); however, our staff predominantly works remotely and utilize shared workspace in Newaygo. MRWA staff currently consists of a full-time Executive Director and part-time Comptroller. In 2025, MRWA will be adding two full-time project staff. We contract with three Project Managers/Consultants that work closely with staff. MRWA promotes an affirming, supportive work environment where outputs are maximized by efficient teaming.

MRWA is committed to diversity in Board composition, staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries, including full participation in programs, policy formulation, and decision-making. MRWA promotes an environment that respects diverse traditions, heritages, and experiences. We recognize the rights of all individuals to mutual respect, and welcome others without bias based on differences of any kind. MRWA is committed to individual and organizational efforts to build respect, dignity, fairness, caring, and equity.