Delaware River Watershed Fellowship

Posted by Audubon Pennsylvania on March 13, 2017

Job Description

Overview:

Audubon Pennsylvania is working with other local environmental centers in an effort to build a network focused on constituency building and stewardship of the Delaware River watershed. This network of 23 environmental centers, spread across the Delaware River watershed, is interconnected by The Circuit, the regional trail network of multi-use bike/pedestrian trails and waterways (rivers, streams, creeks). The Centers network seeks to hire 23 young people (one at each center,) for a 12 week summer fellowship designed to advance our collective impact across the watershed. This program will foster watershed stewardship by establishing a team of ambassadors and building capacity for a network of centers.

Audubon Pennsylvania’s (APA) mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the Earth’s biological diversity in Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia, we focus our efforts in priority watersheds and the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, site of the future Discovery Center (a partnership with Philadelphia Outward Bound School). APA works closely with partnering agencies and organizations to engage Philadelphia citizens in habitat restoration, conservation, stewardship, and learning opportunities, which increase and improve habitat around the city and connect more people to nature.
Position Summary:

The Delaware River Watershed Fellow will serve as an ambassador for Audubon Pennsylvania and the Delaware River watershed by engaging our watershed community, inspiring watershed stewardship and helping APA reach and engage new and underserved audiences. By the end of the 12 weeks of service, Fellows will have become local watershed ambassadors in their community and will have introduced many new people to their local trails, waterways, and environmental center, as well as the steps they can take to help restore and protect the Delaware River watershed.

Position Location: Philadelphia, PA. The fellow will spend much of their time in the field, in Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, and the Darby/Cobbs, Wissahickon and Tookany-Tacony/Frankford watersheds.
Duties:
– Engage target communities in Philadelphia through stewardship, education, recreation and civic engagement.
– Participate in a 3-day Watershed Stewardship Training at Pocono Environmental Education Center (overnight, June 14-16.) http://www.peec.org/
– Complete a required Capstone project to be presented at the end of season Watershed Fellowship Summit, August 18. This individual project should help enhance network goals, deepen the connection and engagement of trail and water users and expand watershed protection and restoration.
– Fellows will be expected to participate in regular online interaction with the other Watershed Fellows through an online discussion platform.
– Fellows will be required to visit at least two other Environmental Centers in the network in order to gain a more complete understanding of the Delaware River watershed.
– Represent Audubon Pennsylvania at resource fairs and festivals around Philadelphia.
– Lead environmental education and programming in targeted communities.
– Explore ways to engage new and diverse communities, including underrepresented audiences in the city.
– Assist with volunteer events.
– Assist in communication with Audubon’s constituents via social media, targeted emails and newsletters.
– Monitor and document restoration site conditions, and make recommendations on maintenance.
– Complete other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

– Age 18-24 by June 5 start date.
– Excellent oral and written communication skills; superior interpersonal skills with a demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity also necessary.
– Must be people oriented, have a team-focused attitude, and the ability to professionally represent Audubon Pennsylvania and the network to the public.
– A positive attitude and good sense of humor, as well as comfort working independently as a leader and part of a team, when needed.
– Must be self-motivated and willing to work in a flexible, non-structured environment.
– Audubon Pennsylvania is dedicated to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourages applications from minorities and women.
– Occasional evening and weekend hours required.
– Must have access to reliable vehicle or proficiency with public transportation.

Essential dates

– June 5: Fellows start date at Audubon Pennsylvania
– June 14 – 16: Required Watershed Stewardship Training (overnight) at Pocono Environmental Education Center. (Food and accommodations provided.)
– August 18: Watershed Fellowship Summit at John Heinz NWR, Philadelphia.
– August 25: Last day of Fellowship

Compensation: This position pays $12/hr. Fellows will serve 35 hours/week for 12 weeks (June 5-August 25).

How to apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume to:
Rhyan Grech
Program Manager, Community Stewardship
Audubon Pennsylvania
rgrech@audubon.org

Application Deadline: March 31, 2017