Recreation and Restoration Programs Assistant

The Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) seeks a part-time, seasonal (20 hours/week from May to November 2024) Recreation and Restoration Programs Assistant to provide on-the-water, field, and facility support for our organization. This non-exempt position will participate in the organization’s recreation and restoration work by leading and/or assisting with educational boat tours, volunteer restoration events, and field studies; providing logistical and hands-on support; and helping store, maintain, and ensure the safe use of materials and equipment.  Specific tasks may include:  providing meaningful watershed education and recreational experiences and interpretation to youth and adults of all ages; wetland plantings, mussel monitoring, tree plantings, watering, and maintenance; landscaping, mowing, and other tasks as assigned.  This position works with and reports directly to the Manager of Volunteer and Recreation Programs, and works collaboratively across the organization.

The Recreation and Restoration Programs Assistant will be an exciting opportunity to contribute to the watershed’s restoration and the engagement of diverse communities, partners, and other stakeholders to deliver on our mission to protect and restore the Anacostia watershed for all who live here and for future generations. 

Key Accountabilities

1. Prepare for, equip, assist, and/or lead safe recreational events (i.e. canoe and pontoon boat trips), highlighting the Anacostia Watershed Society’s work and interpreting wildlife and history along the river.
2. Prepare for, equip, support, and/or attend volunteer restoration events (i.e. plantings, trash cleanups, mussel monitoring, tree maintenance and watering, and field assessment).
3. Assist with the coordination, implementation, and safe use of equipment and tools, and nursery and landscaping tasks in support of initiatives.
4. Participate in other special projects, organization-wide efforts, and tasks as assigned.

Key Requirements

• Demonstrated career Interest and/or experience in community engagement, enthusiastic for and comfortable in the outdoors, and demonstrated knowledge, commitment, and passion for environmental sustainability.
• Skilled boat operator desired. Boating and paddling experience strongly preferred and a plus. Comfort on the water and in the field required.
• Strong verbal communication skills, including persuasive and effective communication that forwards the purpose and mission of the organization; familiarity with use of computers and the internet.
• Ability to work with and provide excellent customer service to people of all ages, especially experience working in a metropolitan area.
• Self-motivation, innovation, resourcefulness, and cooperative team player in doing whatever it takes to get the job done well.
• General trade skills such as driving a pickup and trailer, landscaping, irrigation, basic carpentry, small engine and tool maintenance, and facility upkeep preferred.
• Willing, motivated, and able to work a flexible schedule that includes frequent evenings and weekends, work in the field and on the water, often being outside in variable weather, travel, and driving to field sites.
• Physical work required (i.e. ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds).
• Boating licenses and certifications strongly preferred and a plus.
• CPR/First Aid Certification desired and a plus.

Required Qualifications and Experiences

• Demonstrated passion for environmental justice coupled with a commitment to clean waterways being a human right, with relevant experience in community environmental learning, land management, or recreation.
• Additional experience and/or education in boat/vehicle maintenance and operations, natural resource management, environmental science, parks and recreation, or other environmental/conservation field is a plus, but not a requirement.
• Experience in project logistical support and working with staff and engaging community volunteers is deeply valuable.
• Experience engaging children/youth and/or adults with experiential learning, and/or community outreach and engagement is a plus.
• Medium to heavy lifting (such as canoes, kayaks, landscaping material, Shad and Mussel hatcheries, etc.).
• Ability to operate a vehicle; valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.
• High school diploma and/or equivalent experience.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and a résumé formally expressing interest to askhr@anacostiaws.org.

AWS encourages and embraces diversity. We seek qualified applicants that reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve.

https://www.anacostiaws.org/about-us/employment-and-internships.html