Sheepscot River Watershed Manager

Do you care about the waters of Midcoast Maine? Are you outgoing and a self-starter? Do you want a job that matters working for an innovative conservation organization? Midcoast Conservancy has an opportunity to help support our mission to protect and restore vital lands and waters on a scale that matters as our Sheepscot River Watershed Manager.

Our Sheepscot River Watershed Manager will be responsible for the management and growth of our water programs throughout the Sheepscot River watershed, to include outreach and education, habitat restoration and fish passage, water quality monitoring, aquaculture, aquatic climate resilience, partner collaboration, and much more. This position also allows opportunities to expand programs and innovate. As a member of our growing water team, this position will also support our water work in and around Damariscotta Lake and the Medomak River, and provide opportunities to collaborate with our land conservation and community work.

 While we encourage anyone who is excited by this opportunity to apply, the following qualifications are recommended:

    > Passion to protect and restore the waters of Midcoast Maine.

    > 3+ years of experience in environmental, conservation, restoration, water quality, and/or communications and outreach work.

    > Bachelor's Degree with major, minor, or significant course work in scientific fields.

    > Ability to manage complex restoration projects.

    > Ability to succeed and be productive independently and as part of a team.

    > Comfort with outdoor and field work in all weather and environments including waters and woods.

The Sheepscot Watershed Manager reports to the Director of Water and Communications. Benefits include sick leave, all Federal holidays, 3 weeks of vacation, retirement plan, and an available health insurance plan. Periodic work on weekends and evenings required. Work-related mileage will be reimbursed. Position is based out of the Midcoast Conservancy office in Edgecomb with some field work. Annual salary is $40,000 - $48,000 depending on experience.

Specific Job Responsibilities currently envisioned are detailed below:

This position is responsible for protecting and improving freshwater and estuarine resources for human and ecological benefit within the service area of Midcoast Conservancy with an emphasis on the Sheepscot River watershed. Hires and supervises seasonal and support staff needed to carry out programs. The Sheepscot River Watershed Manager is primarily responsible for implementing the following program goals. Tasks are illustrative of the nature of the position and other tasks may be required. 

Sheepscot River Watershed Management

    > Be a visible and respected presence in the watershed.

    > Be a regular presence at stakeholder meetings that can occur days, nights, and weekends. 

    > Supervises Sheepscot Samplers, a community science monitoring program on the Sheepscot River that has just completed its 27th year.

    > Collaborates with area partners (Department of Marine Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service, etc.) to implement water quality monitoring or restoration projects.

    > Collaborate with the grants and development team to apply for and support grant-related projects in the Sheepscot River Watershed including work with state agencies, municipalities, private foundations etc.

    > Share information and scientific findings across watersheds to improve our water work.

    > Coordinates and collaborates with other water team staff to complete projects across our service area.

Education, Advocacy, and Outreach

    > Respond to community concerns regarding erosion and shoreland zone violations by providing technical consultation and information, contact local CEO or DEP enforcement staff as needed.

    > Assist local towns with Comprehensive Planning, nutrient reduction strategies for new construction and gravel road maintenance.

    > Work with community leaders and landowners within the shoreland zone to help mitigate concerns and to recruit participation in water resource protection.

    > Stay current on scientific and watershed management trends by attending conferences or other professional development events.

All staff contribute to the following:

    > Occasionally create content in partnership with Communications staff for newsletters, press releases and social media related to their work.

    > Engage in conversations to discover what the community cares about.

    > Act as an ambassador for the organization within the community.

    > May be staff representative for any of the five Local Councils to assist in development or implementation of programs related to their work.

    > Work with colleagues within the organization on outreach to various constituents by attending events, giving presentations and participating in organizational programs.

    > Coordinate volunteers related to their work.

Responsibilities and Scope

    > Work with local, state, and federal permitting authorities to secure and comply with all required project permits.

    > Manage multiple projects simultaneously adhering to agreed-upon schedules and timelines.

    > Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.

    > May work invariable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals and are an equal opportunity employer. Ideal start date is no later than February 1, 2022, but negotiable. To apply, submit a resume, cover letter and list of 3 references.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until 5:00 PM, Friday, December 17, 2021, or until the position is filled.