ECWA is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented individual with excellent communication skills to coordinate project implementation for rain garden and cistern installations, support the volunteer Preserve Steward Program, and organize volunteer community workdays (and other events as needed).
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Join our dynamic, collaborative team that works to protect and steward conservation lands and water quality throughout the urban Ellerbe Creek watershed; implement stormwater management and green infrastructure projects; host community workdays; and build authentic relationships based on our values of respect, accountability and transparency.
The Land and Water Projects Coordinator will be supervised by the Water Management Program Director and also work in close collaboration with the Stewardship Director.
Desired Start Date: April 17, 2023
About the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association
ECWA is a land trust and a watershed non-profit organization that envisions a clean and healthy creek supporting both people and wildlife in Durham, North Carolina. Our assets include dedicated volunteers; a committed board of directors; more than 450 acres of conserved land throughout the watershed, including five publicly accessible preserves with hiking trails; innovative water management projects; and professional staff who develop and share these assets in a sincere and inviting way. ​
Position Responsibilities
The specific responsibilities of the Land and Water Projects Coordinator include the following general duties for the organization:
- Provide excellent customer service to Durham residents seeking input about water quality or drainage concerns on their property by documenting requests, compiling contact information, and conducting follow-up communications.
- Schedule site visits with residents, and attend site visits with the Water Management director.
- Complete site visit reports following a provided template to document site visits and work with the Water Management director to create recommendations for site stormwater solutions, including rain garden and cistern installations.
- Communicate with residents their recommended stormwater improvements, determine if they qualify for ECWA installation support, and schedule installation dates with homeowners.
- Coordinate materials and equipment for technicians conducting rain garden and cistern installations including purchasing of materials in coordination with Water Management Director
- Coordinate logistics and timing for up to 20 rain garden and cistern installations annually including ensuring the schedules of technicians line up with that of the homeowners and material availability.
- Participate in installations of rain gardens and cisterns as-needed.
- Photograph final installations and follow up with residents to ensure satisfaction.
- Attend trainings to learn rain garden and/or cistern design and installation (if needed).
- Organize quarterly workdays at the Pearl Mill Bioretention to implement the existing maintenance plan.
- Support the volunteer Preserve Stewards Program
- Organize regular land stewardship workdays
​Experience, Skills, and Qualifications
The following characteristics are expected for this position:
- Proven experience managing event and project logistics including scheduling, promotions, data, and communications
- High level of organization and documentation with keen attention to detail, especially while working on concurrent projects
- Ability to effectively communicate with diverse set of event volunteers and participants as well as residents participating in the Creek Smart® program
- Strong time-management skills and ability to keep track of many tasks that require follow-up
- Ability to work alone on self-directed tasks and effectively function as part of team of staff and volunteers
- Superior data management and recordkeeping skills with ability to use (or learn to use) software programs to support these efforts (Excel, Salesforce, Monday.com, etc.)
- Proficiency in using Google Workspace
- Experience with management software (VolunteerLocal or equivalent) or demonstrated ability to learn volunteer management software
- Passion for conservation and green infrastructure work
- Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred)
Candidate must be able to:
- Work in both office and outdoor settings
- Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
- Lift up to 50 pounds
- Provide their own transportation to/from the worksite
- Work on weekends and occasional weekday evenings to lead workdays or attend meetings, with the opportunity to flex time within the same week.
Salary and Benefits
Salary for this full-time position will be $39,000-$41,000 based on experience and qualifications. Benefits at ECWA are 100% employer covered health insurance, participation in a 401(k) retirement plan, and 240 hours of PTO per year (includes vacation and “sick time”).
​Application Process
Please submit your professional resume and cover letter outlining demonstrated experience in project planning and implementation, volunteer coordination/small event management, working outdoors, and any other experience that relates to this position to ECWA’s Water Management Director, Laura Stroud, at laura@ellerbecreek.org with “Land and Water Coordinator” in the subject line by March 17th, 2023.
​The Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong, growing emphasis on diversity of all kinds in its workforce. ECWA prohibits any discrimination in carrying out its mission on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status. This includes all programs, projects, events, and all other activities sponsored by ECWA. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Queer and Non-binary individuals, formerly incarcerated people, and women are especially encouraged to apply.
