Blue Water Baltimore is Hiring a WATERKEEPER

Blue Water Baltimore is evaluating candidates for the position of Baltimore Harbor WATERKEEPER.  Applications were due by December 5, 2011.  Keep an eye out for future announcements.

The program overview, components and job description are below for reference.

Demonstrated passion for our watershed and five years minimum experience in the environmental field are required; legal background and familiarity with Waterkeeper model preferred. See detailed program information below or download it here.

Program Overview

Baltimore Harbor WATERKEEPER is a program of Blue Water Baltimore (BWB), a member of Waterkeeper Alliance.  The WATERKEEPER serves as the voice of the Patapsco River.  Part scientist, teacher, and law officer, every WATERKEEPER program combines firsthand knowledge of the waterway with an unwavering commitment to the rights of their community and to the rule of law.  Whether they are on the water tracking down polluters, in a courtroom advocating for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, rallying community support in town meetings, or in a classroom educating young people, Waterkeepers speak for the waters they defend.

Currently, the WATERKEEPER program is a two-person program, staffed with a Waterkeeper/Legal Director and a Field Director.

 

Program Components

1. Investigator:  conduct patrols of the River (via water, air, car…), investigate, report, track, and follow up on pollution incidents.  Respond to reporting hotline.
2. Scientist:  conduct monitoring of river and stream water-quality.
3. Advocate:  review enforcement of existing laws to protect the waterways; advocate for stronger laws/ regulations/ permits to protect the waterways.  This includes, but is not limited to:
   1. Review permit (and other) compliance
   2. Comment on new or updated permits and regulations
   3. Attend public meetings
   4. Provide written or oral testimony in legislative matters
4. Enforcer:  compile facts to support enforcement actions where appropriate; manage enforcement action with outside counsel, Board of Directors/Litigation Committee.
5. Outreach:  talk to the public about their right to clean water, the work of the WATERKEEPER program, and what citizens can do to protect their rights and protect clean water.
6. Grant Writing & Management:  explore new grant opportunities, draft & manage grants related to WATERKEEPER programs, interact with WATERKEEPER funders.
7. Represent BWB for business meetings and presentations as appropriate.
8. Participate in national and regional affiliations:  Baltimore Harbor WATERKEEPER is a member of:  (1) Waterkeeper Alliance (WKA), the licensing organization for all Waterkeepers, and (2) Waterkeepers Chesapeake (WKC), a loose coalition of Waterkeeper organizations in the Chesapeake region.  Participation in these groups requires the following:
   1. WKA:  attend annual meeting; participate on listserv;
   2. WKC:  participate in regional efforts of WKC, participate in bi-weekly conference calls, attend annual WKC meeting.

 

Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper: Job Description

At Blue Water Baltimore, the Waterkeeper is a member of the Senior Management Team and is responsible for managing the Baltimore Harbor WATERKEEPER program.  The Waterkeeper reports to the Executive Director and staffs the Board of Directors’ Litigation & Advocacy Committee.

 

Qualifications

1. Demonstrated passion and commitment for preserving the environment.
2. Bachelors or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.  Law degree preferred.
3. Minimum of 5 years of experience and background with water-quality and advocacy issues (experience in urban area preferred).
4. Strong understanding of legal and regulatory framework surrounding water issues.
5. Familiarity with Waterkeeper model and movement preferred.
6. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
   1. The ability to understand and translate information for all audiences; clarity, crispness and effectiveness in written and oral presentation.
   2. Must be an engaging public speaker.
7. A demonstrated ability to interact effectively with lawmakers and elected officials.
8. A working style that is organized.
9. Ability to think creatively and strategically.
10. Ability to work effectively independently and within a “team” environment;  develop open communication with the Executive Director, staff, Board committees, donors, volunteers, partners, and others.
11. Boating experience preferred, but not required.
12. Proficient in the use of MS Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Working Environment

The position is located at the office of the Blue Water Baltimore, at 3545 Belair Rd.  Computers, work space and communication equipment is furnished.

 

Salary and Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience.  Health and retirement benefits available.

 

Application Process

Please send inquiries, C.V., and desired salary range  by December 5, 2011 to: [email protected]