Title: Conservation Field Organizer

Reports to: Advocacy and Stewardship Director

Location: Southwest Colorado

Compensation: $45,000 – $50,000 DOE

FLSA: Non–Exempt, salaried, termed 24-month position, Wyss Fellow

POSITION SUMMARY

The Conservation Field Organizer will support the Dolores River Boating Advocates (DRBA) mission to protect and enrich the recreational and ecological values of the Dolores River through advocacy, stewardship and education. The Conservation Field Organizer will primarily work to advance the campaign to advocate for and gain support for permanent protections for the Dolores River Canyon Country in southwest Colorado and support the Advocacy and Stewardship Director with coordination tasks associated with the Dolores River Coalition.

The Conservation Field Organizer will work alongside other coalition members to build diverse grassroots support with community members and businesses in Montezuma, Dolores, Montrose and La Plata Counties; organize and attend outreach events and tabling opportunities; and help educate the public about the values of the Dolores River Canyon Country.  The Conservation Field Organizer will also help create messaging and outreach materials, assist with the creation and management of social media content, and deploy additional digital tools to recruit support for this campaign.

Since DRBA is a small but mighty organization, the successful candidate will also support DRBA’s organizational needs including fundraisers, field trips, outreach events, and communications.

Successful candidates will have a strong interest in natural resources policy, collaboration and community, communication, outreach, and organizing. Some experience is helpful, though passion and excitement for this work is most important. A fresh perspective and creative ideas are welcomed, and will contribute to the successes of DRBA and larger Dolores River protection work.

This job will be primarily office-based, though travel in western slope communities meeting with partners and community members, as well as field trips are required regularly.

The Conservation Field Organizer is a 24-month term Wyss Fellow position, and is intended to be an early career or career change opportunity. The position will have access to training opportunities and intentional mentorship to help build a foundation for a career in conservation advocacy.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Grassroots Organizing and Grasstops Engagement (40%)
    • Conduct outreach to diverse segments and communities of the Western Slope, (primarily in Montezuma, Dolores, Montrose, San Miguel, and La Plata Counties) to engage people in support of increased conservation and protection for public lands adjacent to the Dolores River.
    • This person will work with the Advocacy and Stewardship Director and Executive Director to identify, approach and build support from key stakeholders and officials on the Western Slope.
    • Engage in collaboration and build relationships and help develop spokespeople for the Dolores campaign, develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community members, land managers, recreation users, ranchers, elected officials, and other key partners and decision-makers. There is an emphasis on meaningfully engaging with Tribal nations with connections to the Dolores River landscape and organizing field trips.
  • Coalition Support and Communications (40%)
    • Assist the Advocacy and Stewardship Director in maintaining and updating coalition campaign plans, setting and running meetings, developing agendas in concert with coalition partners and serving on various working groups or committees to accomplish coalition work.
    • Help create, maintain, and propagate content for local media, the campaign and DRBA’s social media channels, and work on campaign assets such as websites, fact sheets, videos, and storytelling pieces. Organize and facilitate outreach events that may include educational happy hours, film showings, or other educational forums and attend festivals and tabling events as necessary.
  • Organizational Support (20%)
    • Support DRBA staff and board members with organizational tasks including fundraising events, outreach, social media and communications, program support, and other tasks as needed.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS

  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience (relevant work experience includes communications, coalition work, graphic design, project management, or other relevant skill sets)
  • A willingness to engage with diverse community members and connect with a variety of different people
  • Excellent writing and communication skills and willingness to interact with a wide variety of people
  • Competency with common computer software including Microsoft products, Google Drive and associated products.
  • Experience with social media, organizing, and graphic design is ideal but not required.
  • Ability to work independently and be a self-starter, as well as work in a team environment.
  • A steadfast commitment to environmental and social justice and equity, and the ability to work towards a more inclusive community

The salary is $45,000 to $50,000 annually dependent on experience, and includes a benefits package with health and dental insurance, cell phone reimbursement, retirement contribution, federal holidays, as well as generous paid time off and sick leave policies.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references in a single .pdf via email to DRBA’s Executive Director, Amber Clark at info@doloresriverboating.org with the email subject line: “Conservation Field Organizer Application.”

Applications accepted until October 25th.

LOCATION

This position is full-time, 40 hours a week, primarily based in Montezuma County. This position is required to spend at least three days per week at DRBA’s office space in Cortez, Colorado. Candidates may be considered who live in nearby towns or counties as long as they are willing to commute. Some travel primarily along the western slope is required.

DOLORES RIVER BOATING ADVOCATES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DRBA provides equal employment opportunities to all persons. No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.