Watershed Coordinator

Supervisor: Executive Director

Supervises: N/A

To apply:

Email resume, letter of interest and contact information for three references to noel@bgGreensource.org. Applications will be accepted through October 8th or until the position is filled.

Overview

Bluegrass Greensource is looking for a highly motivated and experienced professional to join its staff as a Watershed Coordinator. This position will lead Greensource’s efforts to implement watershed based plans (WBP) in the Clarks Run, Hanging Fork and Hinkston Creek watersheds. All of the WBPs recommend activities to address high pathogen levels, high nutrient levels, and inadequate riparian buffer zones as well as other non point source pollutants.

The Coordinator will not only continue implementation efforts in these focus watersheds, but establish long-term water quality awareness and protection as a local priority. The coordinator will work closely with appropriate local agencies, organizations, school groups, and others to expand the reach of this project into the community, across all five counties (Bourbon, Boyle, Lincoln, Montgomery & Nicholas), and beyond.

Background

Bluegrass Greensource (formally Bluegrass PRIDE) was formed in 2001 to help the residents in Central Kentucky understand that there are small behavior changes that can make a large impact on our local environment. Our mission is to empower the Bluegrass to create a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. We currently have a staff of 10 who are dedicated to environmental education about water quality, waste reduction, and energy efficiency. We focus on preK-12, business and adult education and outreach in 20 counties.

Through a grant from the U.S. EPA under §319(h) of the Clean Water Act, administered through the Kentucky Division of Water, Bluegrass Greensource is working to improve water quality in several focus watersheds through implementation of the WBPs for Clarks Run and Hanging Fork watersheds, both in the Kentucky River Basin, and Hinkston Creek watershed in the Licking River Basin. The main goal of the program is to reduce human and livestock fecal inputs to waterways, increase and improve riparian buffer areas to reduce erosion, sedimentation, and nutrient loading in streams, and decrease other non-point source pollutants from urban and agricultural stormwater runoff.

The Watershed Coordinator works to implement project objectives through several programs, including the Septic Care workshop and grant program, the Saving Our Streambanks educational campaign and Riparian Buffer grant program, and watershed stakeholder group engagement and the Water Quality Mini Grant program. Bluegrass Greensource offers education opportunities to increase knowledge of local water quality issues for local citizens, officials, and preK-12 students and collaborates with county partners to provide input and financial and technical support for implementing best management practices across the focus watersheds.

Position Description

The duties and responsibilities of the Watershed Coordinator include but are not limited to the following:

Oversee all WBP implementation activities in the three focus watersheds
Provide educational workshops about septic system function, water quality impacts of failing septic systems, and instruction on how to properly maintain residential septic systems
Provide riparian buffer and stormwater runoff education to urban and rural residents. Residents will learn about revegetation along streams and rivers, erosion control, livestock exclusion, and local conservation programs through consultation, demonstration, workshops, and a media awareness campaign (e.g. Farmer-to-Farmer Video Series)
Manage septic, riparian, and water quality grant programs, including application dispersal, project prioritization, project management, invoicing, reporting, etc.
Assist landowners and homeowners applying for cost-share assistance through local and federal conservation programs for riparian buffer establishment and other conservation/ land management practices
Coordinate participation and involvement in community events and local meetings in each of the five main counties
Provide outreach and education through newspaper articles, radio PSAs, booths and displays at local events, classroom activities, presentations, online toolkits, social media, and flyers at prominent locations
Facilitate local citizen based watershed stakeholder groups for Hinkston Creek and Dix River (includes Clarks Run and Hanging Fork)
Work with Greensource Environmental Educators to target water quality education in local schools and community events as well as promote and maintain the Connecting Community and Water site
Work with Executive Director to expand and adapt the program in the focus watersheds and beyond based on community needs

Minimum Qualifications and Characteristics

Knowledge and experience: Commitment to sustainability; broad knowledge and understanding of watershed planning, non-point source 319 grant funding, stormwater best management practices, and native plants; experience convening meetings and engaging citizen groups; familiarity with grant writing

Personal characteristics: Highly self-motivated; highly creative; commitment to strategic thinking and innovative action; ability to both lead and collaborate effectively; well-organized, attentive to detail, and able to work on multiple projects at once; keen sense of humor! The successful candidate will have to work varied hours that include nights and weekends.

Technology and software: Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Access; experience with ArcGIS is preferred; knowledge of design and website platforms a plus.

Communications: Strong writing skills; strong interpersonal communication skills.

Physical: Close vision with or without corrective lenses necessary for computer work; manual dexterity needed to operate computer; ability to perform assigned duties in a time-efficient manner; valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle.

Additional Information
The position offers a competitive salary, based on experience, plus a generous benefits package. Position is based in Lexington, Kentucky. Greensource is an equal opportunity employer.

AmeriCorps Environmental Education Leadership Corps Member

Position Overview:

Bluegrass Greensource is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join its education team. Based in Lexington, this team member will work alongside Greensource educators to provide high quality, experiential, standards-aligned environmental education to youth across Central Kentucky. Education will be in classrooms, during after-school programs, and at outreach events. If you are interested in making a significant impact, we encourage you to apply!

Background:

Bluegrass Greensource (formally Bluegrass PRIDE) was formed in 2001 to empower the citizens in Central Kentucky to make small behavior changes that have a large impact on our local environment. Our staff members are dedicated to environmental education about water quality, waste reduction and energy efficiency. We focus on preK-12, business and adult education in 20 counties.

Member Responsibilities:

Teach environmental lessons in formal and non-formal education settings. Lesson topics include water quality, energy, waste reduction, nature, etc.
Assist with field trips by leading learning activities for students. Field trip locations may include nature preserves, parks, creeks, among other sites.
Assist with outreach events to facilitate learning experiences for students and families.
Aid in maintaining educational resource library by keeping inventory of supplies, replacing materials as needed, and checking materials out to community members (as requested).
Maintain relationships and communication with school and community contacts.
Keep accurate records of activities performed.
Position may be tailored to the applicant’s strengths and interests.

Required Qualifications:

Experience working with youth
Commitment to sustainability
Familiarity with environmental education programs and curricula
Eagerness to provide high-quality, inclusive environmental education in formal and non-formal education settings
Self-motivated and ability to meet deadlines
Ability to collaborate, communicate, and coordinate effectively with team members, teachers, students, and community members
Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Google applications (Gmail, Drive, Calendar)
Available for some evening and weekend events
Ability to lift objects weighing up to 25 pounds
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Desired Qualifications:

Training and experience in environmental education
Bilingual

Compensation and Beneﬁts:

This is a 1,700 hour position beginning on September 1, 2021, and serving through August 31, 2022. Members receive a total living stipend of $15,100 divided up and provided on a bi-weekly basis. While the hours worked per week are ﬂexible, the member will be expected to work an average of 40 hours each week. In addition, the member will have the opportunity to receive certiﬁcation as a Professional Certiﬁed Environmental Educator through the Kentucky Environmental Education Council. Additional beneﬁts include healthcare, travel reimbursements, access to the Mental Health Member Assistance program, child care assistance (if eligible), access to the Employers of National Service database, and a Segal Education Award of $6,345 (provided to AmeriCorps service members). In order to receive the tuition stipend, members must fulﬁll their service hour requirement by August 31, 2022. To learn more about AmeriCorps service and apply, please click here.

AmeriCorps VISTA

Bluegrass Greensource is seeking a full time VISTA Volunteer to work to help underserved communities create a sustainable environment. Duties will include developing and implementing a volunteer management program and connecting current programs and staff to organizations that work with low income communities in Central Kentucky. This VISTA position will impact poverty by identifying needs and barriers for low income communities to engage in local environmental issues, and also empower these groups to make a positive change. Email resume, letter of interest and contact information for three references to amy@BgGreensource.org.

For more information about the VISTA program, please visit http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps-vista.

Applications will be accepted through October 1^st, or until position is filled. Bluegrass Greensource and AmeriCorps are equal opportunity employers.