Title: Stewardship Engagement Specialist Supervisor: CRWP Executive Director Position type: Regular Part -Time, Non -Exempt - up to 2000 hours per year Compensation: Starting range $2 7-$30 *Position will be open until filled* Summary of Position The Copper River Watershed Project is seeking a Stewardship Engagement Specialist to provide educational stewardship experiences for youth and adult participants throughout the Copper River watershed. During the field season, programs will largely be field -based and involve hands -on stewardship activities, including stream and lake clean -ups, habitat restoration, removal of invasive species, collection of native seeds, and other educational activities. The purpose of these programs is to in spire participant s to see their role in sustaining the health of the Copper River watershed and the natural resources it supports. Education programs will continue outside the field season and include school -based programming that engages youth in hands -on educational expe riences like raising salmon in their schools and field trips to local streams. About Copper River Watershed Project The Copper River watershed is one of the last remaining intact watersheds that support all five species of wild salmon, that in turn supports commercial, sport and subsistence salmon fisheries. Roughly the size of West Virginia, this vast landscape has com plicated landownership, including federal, state and Tribal management systems spread across small communities over a large area. The Copper River Watershed Project (CRWP) works across traditional political boundaries to support watershed -wide planning and projects, prioritizing projects with tangible impacts that support a healthy watershed. We strive to offer year round engagement opportunities to help keep residents and visitors a part of sustaining the health of the Copper River watershed. About the Position The Stewardship Engagement Specialist will be supervised by the CRWP Executive Director and will work with CRWP staff, partners, and landowners to provide stewardship programs. These programs will involve youth and adults in activities that result in posit ive, tangible impacts to the watershed, including habitat restoration and clean -ups. The Stewardship Engagement Specialist will also be responsible for presenting hands -on educational programs that increase participants' understanding of aquatic ecology an d watersheds, like Salmon Tanks in local schools and field trips with elementary through college -aged students. This person can choose to live in the Copper Basin or Cordova, and travel between regions is required as part of this job. Funding for this position is largely grant based, so program priorities will be influenced by active grants, and the longevity of the position will require participation in continued fundraising to maintain funding for this critical work. 2 Primary Position Duties & Responsibilities: Hands -on stewardship activities ● Coordinate with CRWP staff and partners to organize and lead multiple field -based activities, including habitat restoration, invasive species mitigation, recycling events, etc. ● Recruit and train volunteers to safely participate in hands -on stewardship activities. ● Work with CRWP staff and partners to develop and implement new community engagement strategies in monitoring, restoration, or exploring the Copper River watershed. ● Mentor local interns and seasonal technicians in implementing stewardship activities. Stewardship Education programming ● Coordinate and implement the Salmon in the Classroom program in Cordova and the Copper Basin. ● Coordinate planning and implementation of aquatic -themed field trips for elementary students through adults. ● Coordinate planning and implementation of the Copper River Stewardship Program, an 8-10 day field -based trip for high school students from the watershed. Potential for leading the trip in the field for up to 9 days. ● Coordinate with CRWP staff the development and delivery of educational materials and activities for job fairs, festivals, and other partner -led events. ● Work with CRWP staff and partners to develop new stewardship education programming. Program Administrative Duties ● Evaluate and document program success to inform future activities. ● Complete and submit periodic reports for agency partners and others. ● Assist in maintaining a CRWP activity database for metrics specific to education and outreach events. ● Coordinate with CRWP communications team to integrate updates into organization communication channels (newsletter, email, social media, etc.). ● Participate in fundraising efforts to sustain the mission of CRWP. The Stewardship Engagement Specialist will need to concurrently coordinate multiple activities with diverse audiences and partners. Applicants will need strong communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational capabilities. When appropriate, projects will directly involve community members, including youth, in hands -on restoration activities that enable them to participate in best practices and active restoration they can continue independently. Because of the importance of t hese outreach and engagement activities to stewardship, applicants will need strong interpersonal skills and a desire to bring people together for a collective good. The Stewardship Engagement Specialist spends roughly 60% of their time completing office related tasks and up to 40% of their time in stewardship program activities. 3 Knowledge, Skills and Experience Necessary Requirements • Enthusiastic commitment to watershed health and education • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with various public and private stakeholders from agency partners, landowners, youth and volunteers. • Experience with public speaking and presentations. • Strong organizational and problem -solving skills. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Professional, positive, enthusiastic, and approachable attitude that inspires stewardship in partners, volunteers, and youth • Prompt, responsible and self -motivated. • Four -year University degree and/or relevant experience • Willingness to travel throughout the watershed Desired: • Knowledge of watershed science, salmon ecology and waters resource and land management issues. • Experience working in youth outreach and education and volunteer engagement • Experience collecting quality data and/or training others in accurate data collection. • Experience and comfortable in non -motorized watercraft. Trainings Provided • CPR/First Aid • Data collection protocols • Bear safety • Streambank restoration techniques • Watercraft safety Qualifications • Must be able to pass a background check required for working with minors. • Must have active driver’s license Physical Demands This position involves a lot of outdoor -based programming, which can include: • Exposure to mosquitoes, sun, wind, rain, and other inclement field conditions. • Occasional long workdays outside engaging in restoration and education activities. • Hiking/walking on uneven ground, in streams, and through thick vegetation, often wearing chest waders. • Time traveling on boats, paddleboards, canoes, etc. • Physical labor related to restoration events including digging, hauling bags and gear, cutting vegetation, etc. Hours: Up to 2000 hours per year Compensation: Starting at $2 7-30 per hour DOE. Eligible for participation in vision, dental and life insurance after the required waiting period. To apply Please submit a Cover Letter, Resume and provide three references to executivedirector@copperriver.org . Review of applications will start April 13, 2026. Position open until filled.
