River Steward in Massachusetts

Major Responsibilities:

While each Steward will address issues and priorities unique to their state, all Stewards are expected to:  

• Create and implement legislative advocacy strategy 
• Conduct outreach and education about river issues and promote recreational access  
• Support and build partnerships among watershed and environmental organizations   
• Monitor active hydro facilities and engage in current FERC relicensing efforts as appropriate  
• Maintain awareness of relevant regulatory permitting processes (NPDES, 401, wetlands, etc.) and submit public comments when necessary  
• Collaborate with CRC communications team to create content for e-blasts, blog posts, op eds, and media interviews  
• Serve as a resource for public inquiry, connecting individuals and organizations with the appropriate internal or external resources  
• Apply for and manage grant funding to support advocacy work  
• Support donor relations   
• Maintain knowledge of and inform other programmatic work ongoing in state  

Massachusetts Focus Areas:  

• Partner with watershed organizations to promote collaboration, capacity building and information sharing.   
• Monitor the activities and operations of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) dams along the Connecticut River and tributary rivers.  Remain actively engaged in the licensing of Turner’s Falls Dam and Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage facilities 
• Track the progress of the Long-Term Control Plans for CSO reduction and abatement in the four CSO communities.   
• Work with the Ecology Planner to understand and support invasives removals and education.   
• Work with recreation staff to seek out new or developing opportunities to increase safe and equitable access to the Connecticut River and tributaries   
• Work with partners to identify and implement Low Impact Development (LID) strategies to manage stormwater runoff, reduce erosion, and restore native vegetation.  
• Build relationships with organizations engaged in Environmental Justice (EJ) work. Collaborate on projects that address equity and inclusion in environmental conservation, ensuring that the voices of historically underserved communities are centered in environmental projects and decision-making  

Direct Reports: Expected to supervise up to three part time or seasonal staff based on awarded grants

Application Instructions:

To mitigate bias in our hiring processes, our initial review of applicant materials will remove specific identifying details including one’s name, address, and school/university names. If it pertains to your application, we encourage you to openly address in your cover letter how your individual identities and life experiences contribute to your professional endeavors. 

To apply for the position, please use the form at ctriver.org/careers to upload a resume and cover letter. Please use your cover letter to us what experience, expertise, and passions you’d bring to this position–we want to hear your story!

Priority application deadline: Sunday, October 1, 2023 

The first round of interviews is expected to take place October 11 through 13.