WQ Outreach and Citizen Monitoring Coordinator Utah State University’s Water Quality Extension program (www.extension.usu.edu/waterquality) is seeking a motivated, well-qualified individual to assist in coordinating our statewide water education and volunteer monitoring programs. This is a full year state AmeriCorps position through the Utah Conservation Corps with a focus on community education and volunteer mobilization.
Streamside Science (http://streamsidescience.usu.edu) is a set of hands-on K-12 education lessons, activities and supporting materials focused on water and watershed science. Designed around monitoring and other hands on activities, the program is used in formal and informal educational settings. We provide trainings for educators on the use of these materials, and deliver the activities to youth at venues such as camps, field days, and classrooms.
Utah Water Watch (http://extension.usu.edu/utahwaterwatch) is a statewide volunteer water quality monitoring program. Our goal is to educate and involve citizens in better understanding the value and condition of their local waterbodies. As they gain more experience citizen monitors assist in credible data collection, typically in partnership with a partner agency. The position is located in Logan, Utah but the work is statewide. The person in this position will work closely with our current program coordinator, with our water quality Extension specialist, and our team of 4-6 student employees to carry out the above initiatives.
Depending on experience, specific responsibilities may include:
• Recruiting, training, motivating, and assisting volunteers and educators
• Providing training on water quality monitoring protocols and on water outreach lessons
• Equipment management
• Developing program outreach materials
• Assisting with maintenance and updates of websites, video production, and outreach through social media.
• Maintenance of databases
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant discipline (eg. environmental science, natural resources, water resources, environmental education)
• Basic knowledge about environmental science, including watershed and water science.
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to multi-task and follow through on projects
• Ability to work with diverse audiences
• Creative ability
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe suite
• Current driver’s license
• Commitment to complete AmeriCorps service dates and term requirements
• Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements o At least age 18 o US Citizen or Permanent Resident o Pass a criminal history background check Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with volunteers
• Additional environmental related education
• Water quality monitoring experience Benefits
• Total living allowance of at least $12,530, disbursed in even payments 2x per month through service term;
• $5,730 AmeriCorps Education Award (available upon successful completion of service term);
• Health insurance option through Utah Conservation Corps;
• Federal student loan forbearance during AmeriCorps term of service.
This is a 1 year position - dates are flexible, but we are hoping the position to be filled from mid January 2016 thru mid December 2016. For more information, contact nancy.mesner@usu.edu.
To apply, send resume and list of three professional references to Nancy Mesner, nancy.mesner@usu.edu.
Application review will begin Dec 7, 2015.
Nancy Mesner, Professor
Extension Water Quality Specialist
Dept of Watershed Sciences
Utah State University,
Logan, UT 84322-5210