AW to Hire Colorado Stewardship Position
Posted: 11/27/2006
By: Kevin Colburn
American Whitewater is proud to announce that we will be creating a new position focused on
river stewardship in Colorado. This move marks the next step in AW's regional
stewardship model, in which regionally based staff assist the paddling community with local
river conservation and access issues. Interested qualified people are
encouraged to apply, and regional paddlers are encouraged to help us support this new
position through membership and donations of financial support, volunteer assistance,
and in-kind services. The position was defined by a focus group of Colorado
residents actively working on river stewardship issues across the state, at a meeting held
earlier this month in Buena Vista. American Whitewater looks forward to
working more closely with whitewater paddlers and whitewater
rivers in Colorado.
Position: Colorado River Stewardship Contractor
Description: The Colorado River Stewardship Contractor will be responsible
for coordinating the involvement of whitewater paddlers in river conservation and access
initiatives on behalf of American Whitewater. The position holder will manage a wide variety
of projects related specifically to water allocation, water rights, public river access, and
watershed management. In working on these issues the position holder will be expected to
develop strategic plans and employ a variety of tactics including reviewing and commenting on
scientific analyses, participation in public review processes, volunteer coordination, media
campaigns, event planning, coalition building, and others. In addition the position holder
will have fundraising and outreach responsibilities related to their own projects.
The Colorado River Stewardship
Contractor will be a new scalable position ranging from half to full time depending on funding.
Location is negotiable within Colorado. Pay is competitive and based on experience.
Skills and Requirements:
- Passion for rivers and their responsible enjoyment
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- In-depth knowledge of regional whitewater rivers, paddling, and related issues.
- Graduate degree in relevant field.
- Educational or professional experience with natural resource management, environmental issues, and/or environmental law.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel extensively within the state and to a limited degree nationally, including nights and weekends.
- Strong commitment to a collaborative team-driven approach
- Self motivation and ability to work independently.
In addition to the essential skills listed above, we feel that experience with the following
topics will significantly contribute to the position: legislative decision making, media,
photography, fundraising, GIS, land trust efforts, event planning, water law, facilitation,
negotiations, NEPA review.
About AW: American Whitewater is dedicated to protecting and restoring our
nation’s whitewater resources while enhancing our ability to enjoy them safely. With
roughly 6,500 members and over 100 affiliate clubs, we are the primary voice of whitewater
paddlers on a national level, and often on a local level. We have seven staff members
located in NC, UT, MT, WA, and CA. We pride ourselves on being a results-driven and
efficient organization that is passionate about whitewater rivers and the public’s ability
to enjoy them. American Whitewater is an equal opportunity employer.
To apply, email a resume and cover letter to Kevin Colburn (Kevin@amwhitewater.org). Applications must be submitted prior
to January 15, 2007. No phone calls please.
