RDRWA Summer Education & Outreach Coordinator
The organization: The Red Deer River Watershed Alliance (RDRWA, www.rdrwa.ca) is a collaborative, non-profit organization that serves as a Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) under the provincial Water for Life Strategy in Alberta. The Government of Alberta partners with WPACs to achieve the three goals of the Water for Life Strategy – healthy aquatic ecosystems, reliable quality water supplies for a sustainable economy, and safe, secure drinking water.
The position: The RDRWA seeks a Summer Education & Outreach Coordinator to support the development and delivery of outreach programs and activities related to watershed health and water quality this Summer 2024. We seek a young professional with a passion for water and the environment, with a background in science or education. The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in key concepts related to watersheds (e.g., what a watershed is, water quality, etc.) and strong interpersonal skills.
The position will focus on the topic of water quality, helping to communicate scientific information to key audiences through communications and community engagement. This position will be a mix of in-person (in Red Deer) and remote work, with travel required across the Red Deer River watershed in central Alberta.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and support virtual or in-person outreach events and education activities related to watersheds in central Alberta.
- Assist with the development and delivery of communication, education, and outreach events and materials related to water quality and watersheds;
- Work with stewardship groups on watershed issues, including local community-based water monitoring projects involving water chemistry or aquatic invertebrate sampling;
- Develop content (e.g., articles, photos) for publishing via RDRWA platforms;
- Participate in weekly team meetings and provide regular program reports to the Watershed Outreach and Project Coordinator;
- Assist with RDRWA events and meetings, and other outreach duties as required.
- Submit a formal report on work experience with RDRWA at the end of contract.
Required Qualifications & Eligibility :
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge and understanding of watershed science concepts, and/or sharing of information with the different audiences
- Comfortable with public speaking and experience working with the public
- Strong interpersonal skills including an ability and passion for developing and fostering professional relationships
- Innovative, creative and enthusiastic
- A valid driver’s licence, access to a vehicle, and the willingness to travel within the Red Deer River watershed in central Alberta
- Able to work on some weekends and evenings to attend events and meetings
- Respect for safety procedures and ability to do some light lifting and field work
Additional Qualifications:
These skills are not requirements for this position but are considered an asset:
- Local resident of the basin with knowledge of rural and urban watershed activities
- Post-secondary education in environmental sciences, education, water resources, biology, agriculture, journalism or a related field (degree may be in progress)
- Knowledge of watershed science, climate change adaptation, local knowledge of rural and urban watershed activities
- Experience delivering environmental education programs to the general public and youth
- Experience with GIS and website maintenance
- Experience coordinating events
Terms of Employment: This position will be potentially funded through the Federal Canada Summer Jobs program. The Outreach Coordinator must be between the ages of 15 to 30 years, be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or with refugee protection, and have a valid Social Insurance number.
The pay range is between $20.00 – $23.00 per hour based on experience. The position will be located in Red Deer, Alberta and is for a 36.25 hour work week.
Position term: May 8, 2024 – August 25, 2024 (16 weeks)
The RDRWA is an equal opportunity employer and committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and in science, conservation, and the non-profit sector. We encourage applications from members of groups that are underrepresented and/or excluded from these sectors, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
To apply: Please send a resume with a cover letter and 2 – 3 references to: outreach@rdrwa.ca, with Subject line ‘stating RDRWA Summer Education & Outreach Coordinator’ with the cover letter addressed to Darian Coulter, Watershed Outreach and Project Coordinator, Red Deer River Watershed Alliance.
Deadline for Applications: April 7, 2024, 4:00pm MST
Thank you for your interest in working with the RDRWA. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.