Upper Catawba Advocate

JOB DESCRIPTION

Upper Catawba Advocate

General Description 

The Upper Catawba Advocate (UCA) is responsible for the management and implementation of the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation’s education, protection and advocacy programs to prevent pollution and habitat degradation of the Catawba River and its watershed for the portion of the basin above the Lookout Shoals Dam on the main stem of the Catawba River and above Lincoln County on the South Fork branch of the Catawba River (including tributaries such as the Linville River, Johns River, Wilson Creek, and Little River, collectively “the Upper Basin”).   In addition, the UCA is responsible for building membership and financial stability for the Catawba Riverkeeper programs in the upper basin.

This could be either a full-time or part-time position depending upon the experience and qualifications of the applicant.  It is preferred that the UCA reside and work in the upper Catawba basin in order to facilitate a speedy response to issues and involvement in the communities in the upper basin.  The UCA reports to the Catawba Riverkeeper regarding education, protection and advocacy programs and to the Executive Director of the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation (CRF) regarding other issues.

Responsibilities

The UCA is responsible for:

Advocacy, Education and Protection

▪    Protecting the Catawba watershed from pollution and habitat degradation either by directly investigating, documenting, and reporting these activities and providing appropriate follow-up action or by managing other CRF personnel to do so.

▪   Improving the health of all waterways in the Catawba basin by strengthening the role of Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation volunteers (Covekeepers, Covewatchers, Waterwatchers, Muddy Water Watchers, Streamwatchers, etc.) in the implementation of effective water quality policy and initiatives in order to achieve effective management of the resource that is sustainable over the long term.  Specifically, the UCA is responsible for managing the existing Covekeeper program on Lake Hickory and Lake Rhodhiss and building a Covekeeper program on Lake James, and other volunteer programs throughout the Upper Basin.

▪   Expanding and diversifying the constituency for clean and healthy rivers by raising public awareness and articulating the threats facing the Catawba River to citizens, legislators, policy makers, the media and funders in the Upper Basin.

▪   Providing technical support as needed for existing advocacy, monitoring, lands conservancy, and restoration efforts being implemented by other environmental organizations in the Upper Basin.

▪   Making presentation to groups on issues relevant to the Catawba River, including but not limited to Rotary Clubs, Civitan Clubs, Lions Clubs, church groups, schools, etc.

Building relationships with community and business leaders in the Upper Basin.

▪   Commenting on government decisions that will affect the quantity and quality of water in the Upper Basin, including but not limited to reviewing and commenting, as appropriate, on draft NPDES permits, zoning decisions, and proposed local ordinances.

▪   In consultation with the Riverkeeper and Executive Director, issuing press releases, communicating with the news media, and providing up-to-date information on the CRF website and social media pages about water issues in the Upper Basin.

Other

▪   Supporting the sound financial management of the CRF by raising funds for CRF, building membership, working with other CRF staff to apply for grants, preparing budgets for programs in the Upper Basin, and managing programs in the Upper Basin to stay within approved budgets.

▪   Complying with all applicable laws relating to programs and work of CRF, including CRF volunteers, in the Upper Basin.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

The UCA should possess the capacity to identify, implement and manage long and short-term winning environmental campaigns on multiple specific and targeted water quality initiatives that will protect the Catawba River, and particularly the Upper Basin, for future generations.

Optimally, the UCA should have environmental campaign management experience, preferably with a non-profit environmental advocacy organization. Additionally, a general knowledge of water quality science, law and policy is necessary, with preference given to candidates experienced in issues facing the Catawba River or other Carolina rivers.  An understanding of grassroots organizations and activities, volunteer management, knowledge of political and legislative processes and experience working with multiple stakeholders is preferred.  A bachelors degree or equivalent experience in biology, hydro-geology, environmental studies, environmental law or a related field is required.

The UCA position requires effective communication and public relations skills.  The UCA is expected to be a compelling and articulate spokesperson for the Upper Basin of the Catawba River. Additionally, the UCA is expected to lead and/or work with community groups, foundations, governmental agencies, individual homeowners and businesses to promote the protection and conservation of the Upper Basin.  A proven ability to work with multiple stakeholders, negotiate effective environmental agreements and to meet budget constraints is required.

Illustrative Examples of Work

▪   Collaborate with the Board of Directors: Provide input to the CRF Board, the Catawba Riverkeeper, the Executive Director and/or committees appointed by the board for development of long-range goals and annual objectives that insure CRF remains focused primarily on the protection, preservation and restoration of the Catawba River. Responsible for the implementation of board decisions regarding the Upper Basin. Work with the CRF Board, Catawba Riverkeeper, Executive Director, and other staff to develop a budget and identify priorities for funding of the programs in the Upper Basin. 

▪   Collaborate with Executive Director and Riverkeeper:  The UCA is expected to work with the Executive Director regarding management of the programs in the Upper Basin and to work primarily with the Riverkeeper regarding advocacy programs in the Upper Basin.  Maintaining successful programs in the Upper Basin necessarily requires close consultation, information sharing and collaboration with the Executive Director and other staff in order to ensure that the Executive Director is able to effectively manage fund-raising and administrative operations for the long-term stability of the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation.

▪   Director of Advocacy in the Upper Basin:  The UCA is expected to serve as an advocate for the Upper Basin, including all tributaries of the Catawba in the Upper Basin, by observing, documenting and reporting environmentally harmful activity, responding to reports of problems in a timely manner and instituting enforcement action or litigation when appropriate.

▪   Community and public relations:  The UCA is expected to be the primary spokesperson for the Catawba River at media events, public speaking engagements and CRF fundraisers in the Upper Basin. Develop mutually beneficial networking relationships with environmental and community organizations throughout the Upper Basin.

▪   Management of Riverkeeper Programs in the Upper Basin:  Establish, prioritize, manage and coordinate all advocacy initiatives including permit review and comment preparation, hearing testimony, and special projects affecting waters in the Upper Basin. Maintain an on-the-river presence in the Upper Basin utilizing volunteers and/or staff to investigate pollution sources, support monitoring efforts, and provide a platform for education and for raising public awareness. Manage the training and performance of all volunteers, including maintaining the viability of the citizen watch Covekeeper and streamwatch programs in the Upper Basin.

▪   Human resources management: With guidance from the Executive Director, effectively manage any human resources (including but not limited to staff and contractors) that report directly to the UCA, including hiring, training, supervising, motivating and disciplining staff according to authorized personnel policies and procedures that fully conform to current laws and regulations.

▪   Assist Fundraising and Membership efforts:  Provide technical assistance and input as needed to assist the Executive Director, volunteers and/or development staff with fundraising, including membership development, river event planning, and preparation of major grant proposals.

▪   Provide Motivation and Leadership:  Empower the Catawba River Foundation membership, board and staff by engaging and connecting them to the surface waters in the Upper Basin.