Job Description

Veterans For Clean Water Liason- Savannah, GA

Job Posting

Posting open until January 16th, 2025

Are you a Veteran passionate about protecting your water, safeguarding your waterways and making a difference in environmental conservation? Are you a boat enthusiast with a scientific background, eager to put your skills to use in the great outdoors? Are you looking for a fun job making the world a better place? Savannah Riverkeeper is looking for a dedicated individual to join our team as a Veterans For Clean Water (VFCW) Staff Scientist - Savannah. We offer a unique opportunity to work in a wide variety of environments alongside experienced professionals helping build a better, safer future for our watershed and communities while engaging Veterans with comradery and continuing to serve through service. This position will involve extensive time on the water and in the wilderness, conducting crucial conservation work.

Vision Statement: 

A healthy Savannah River supporting communities and ecosystems across the basin

Mission Statement:  

The leading guardian of the Savannah River, actively restoring and protecting the entire basin through education, advocacy and collaboration.

Values:  

• Passionate advocacy 
• Empowerment of others to protect their river
• Inclusive and diverse relationships and high-impact collaborations
• Equitable access and use of the river
• Courageous leadership and unwavering dedication
• Accessible data and science-based solutions
• Innovation and creativity

About Us:

Founded in 2001 Savannah Riverkeeper, we are deeply committed to promoting a healthier and more equitable Savannah River. We are seeking a Veterans For Clean Water Liaison - Savannah to join our team of passionate river protectors. This role offers an opportunity to help shape the voice of environmental and public health issues facing the Savannah River basin communities and engage Veterans with their community. 

Job Description:

Savannah Riverkeeper is looking for a dynamic Veterans For Clean Water Liason - Lower Savannah to join our team. As a VFCW Liaison, you'll be at the forefront of sharing our mission and inspiring others to protect and preserve the Savannah River and its surrounding communities. You will work alongside staff located in Savannah and throughout the River basin collaborating with our experienced professionals on a range of projects, from source sampling and clean ups to engaging our community. As a “boots on the ground” position this provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental advocacy while honing your skills in community engagement and outreach and incorporating Veterans and their unique adaptable skill set to continue serving through service. Join us in raising awareness, inspiring change, and safeguarding our precious natural resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• Scientific and On the Water Responsibilities:
• Execute a water sampling protocol that includes launching and maintaining continual monitoring stations, collecting point in time samples by hand, and some sonar surveying. 
• Collecting and maintaining all data within our ArcGIS system, and performing QAQC protocols as required to ensure accuracy in data
• Be able to perform work on a floating vessel, and ideally have robust experience captaining a vessel in tidal and brackish conditions. 
• Work with Osprey and City of Savannah to regularly maintain the trash traps located on canals throughout the city 
• Oversee water quality testing projects, including training and deploying veterans to conduct sampling and monitoring of water bodies across the Savannah River Watershed.
• Ensure program activities align with the mission and goals of Savannah Riverkeeper and VFCW.
• Identify opportunities for program growth and expansion, particularly within the veteran and environmental communities.
• Veteran Engagement and Support:
• Work alongside other VFCW staff, SRK board members and staff to recruit, train, and retain veteran volunteers for water quality testing, community engagement, and advocacy efforts.
• Coordinate and lead team-building activities, volunteer events, and community clean-up efforts to foster camaraderie and a sense of mission among veteran participants.
• Develop and facilitate adaptive training programs to engage veterans with disabilities and provide appropriate equipment for inclusive participation.
• Outreach and Community Engagement:
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for VFCW - Savannah, representing the program at community events, public meetings, and in media communications.
• Build and maintain partnerships with veteran organizations, local governments, environmental groups, and businesses to promote VFCW and SRK’s mission and expand its reach.
• Serve as a community liaison for VFCW and SRK’s expressed goals in the lower Savannah River area. Work alongside existing organizations and entities collaboratively and as a strong team player.
• Create and execute public awareness campaigns to increase visibility of water quality issues and VFCW’s impact.
• Fundraising and Grant Management:
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Development team to identify funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and individual donations.
• Prepare grant applications, progress reports, and project evaluations to secure and manage funding for VFCW initiatives.
• Ensure proper financial management of the program budget, including tracking expenses, forecasting needs, and ensuring cost-effective program delivery.
• Data Collection and Reporting:
• Oversee and manage the water sampling and testing activities, including data collection, analysis, and sharing results with community partners and the public.
• Ensure data is accurate, organized, and effectively communicated via weekly reports, website updates, and local media.
• Collaborate with relevant agencies to support environmental advocacy efforts using the program’s data and insights.

Qualifications:

• Education and Experience:
• Experience in collecting samples, laboratory processing and or related fields (equivalent experience may be considered).
• Experience in program management, nonprofit work, environmental advocacy, or related fields.
• Experience working with veterans or knowledge of veteran issues is preferred.
• Skills and Competencies:
• Proven ability to develop and manage community-based programs.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience in volunteer coordination and team-building.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and media relations.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain partnerships across diverse sectors, including government, nonprofits, and business communities.
• Proficient in data management and reporting; familiarity with water quality testing methods and ArcGIS/ GIS.
• Experience with grant writing and budget management preferred.
• Personal Attributes:
• Passion for environmental protection, water advocacy, and supporting the veteran community.
• Must have a drive and desire to work for the better good and to help protect and serve community 
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle various roles and tasks within a small, mission-driven nonprofit.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of conditions, including on or near water.
• Must be comfortable with physical activities, including kayaking, paddling, performing community trash clean ups and handling water sampling equipment.
• Must be able to carry 30-50+lbs
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.
• Comfortable and capable of driving watercrafts and vehicles with trailers.

Compensation:

This is a full time hourly position that ranges from $40,000-$47,000 depending on experience. Benefits package includes a wellness bonus, 401k, flexible work hours and a generous time off policy. 

To apply: (1) submit cover letter and resume to Kim Leonard, Development & Outreach Coordinator, Savannah Riverkeeper, 328 Riverfront Dr Augusta, GA 30901; or (2) via email with subject “SRK VFCW Savannah Applicant” to Kim@savannahriverkeeper.org 

Join us in our mission to ensure the health and vitality of the Savannah River watershed.

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