The Bronx & Harlem River Watershed Urban Waters Federal Partnership seeks an Urban Waters Ambassador.
The Bronx & Harlem River Watershed Urban Waters Federal Partnership strives to support local watershed revitalization efforts through implementation of ecological restoration, green infrastructure, improved water quality, increased access and recreational opportunities, better community health, economic development and environmental education.
The federal partner agencies work with state and local agencies such as the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) and local civic organizations, including the Bronx Council for Environmental Quality, Bronx River Alliance, Harlem River Working Group, and others. One of 28 national estuary programs authorized under the Clean Water Act, HEP and its partners work together to address water quality issues, protect and restore productive habitat, manage sediments, improve public access, educate the public, and foster community stewardship. The Hudson River Foundation seeks to make science integral to decision-making with regard to the Hudson River and its watershed and to support competent stewardship of this extraordinary resource.
The Urban Waters Ambassador will work closely with the HEP Program Director and the Urban Waters Partnership leaders to develop and carry out research, planning and administrative responsibilities in support of the Bronx & Harlem River Watersheds Urban Waters Federal Partnership. The position will be based at the offices of the NYC Parks Natural Resources Group in northern Manhattan and will include time spent in the Bronx and Harlem River watershed communities and occasional evening and weekend meetings.
The primary role of the Ambassador will be to convene partners and to promote and facilitate activities in support of restoring urban waters and the lands that surround them—with an emphasis on underserved communities. The Ambassador will be responsible for connecting federal agencies, local government, scientific and technical expertise, and financial and other resources with the needs of local communities; working with these interests to identify goals and priorities for watershed revitalization; and supporting planning and data collection tasks to achieve those priorities.
Specific duties include scheduling regular meetings and conference calls among the federal agencies, City government, and local and private sector interests; tracking/reporting progress; pursuing a communications and engagement strategy; and building relationships and capacity to lay a foundation of continued success. On occasion the person will be asked to help support HEP’s outreach efforts, including conferences, Citizens Advisory Committee, and bringing Bronx & Harlem River issues to the attention of the estuary stakeholders.
Salary range: $40,000 – 55,000
Application deadline: November 11, 2016
Start date: January 2, 2017