Clean Water Program Assistant

The Walla Walla Basin Watershed Council (WWBWC) seeks an outgoing and organized professional to help advance our water quality work in the Walla Walla watershed in NE Oregon/SE Washington. Reporting to the Deputy Director and working closely with the lead for our clean water and agricultural programs, the Assistant will provide a range of outreach, administrative, and field support to team members and play a key role in ensuring overall program quality and growth. The position requires strong oral and written communication skills and a basic understanding of scientific principles, with preference given to those with experience or training in watershed or agricultural science, ecology, or a similar field. Successful candidates will be comfortable interacting with rural landowners and motivated by the opportunity to help foster a culture of clean water through voluntary actions. 

The Clean Water Program Assistant is a full-time, hourly position. Some evening or weekend hours may be required.

Key Duties

• Watershed project planning: Identify potential project sites, help translate technical assistance for producers into on-the-ground conservation projects.
• Field support: Assist with stream surveys, site assessments, restoration and monitoring projects, and equipment maintenance.
• Data and recordkeeping: Enter field notes, photos, and coordinates; maintain contact lists; manage files on shared drive.
• Outreach support: Contact landowners by phone and email; help organize meetings and workshops; print sign-in sheets and make sure they are filled out; help create and maintain inventory of program collateral including brochures, flyers, posters, and tabletop displays; take notes during meetings; staff the WWBWC table at local and regional events.
• Logistics: Schedule farm visits and coordinate a staff buddy system, prepare materials.
• Light reception: Greet visitors to the office, answer and direct phone calls, and handle mail and deliveries.  handling mail and deliveries.
• Other possible duties: Write newsletter articles, website content, and social media posts to promote the program and the benefits of clean water for agriculture, fish and wildlife, and overall quality of life; assist with grant writing and administration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two-year degree in environmental or agricultural science, natural resources management, communications, or a related field.
• One to three years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic proficiency with MS Office / 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe required; proficiency with desktop design software/apps (e.g., Canva, MS Publisher or Designer) a plus.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Compensation & Benefits

Starting wage: $21.00/hour, 40 hours/week

WWBWC offers a generous benefits package to full-time, permanent employees including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a SIMPLE IRA with company match; and paid time off (PTO).

About WWBWC

The Walla Walla Basin Watershed Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and one of dozens of watershed councils established in Oregon to address the decline in salmonid species.

Since 1994, the Walla Walla Basin Watershed Council has been dedicated to enhancing, restoring, and protecting the Walla Walla watershed while supporting a sustainable economy. We envision a healthy watershed where innovative conservation and collaborative management practices ensure clean, abundant water for native fish and wildlife, farms, and all who live, work, and play in the Walla Walla River basin. We work to restore degraded habitat, monitor streamflow and groundwater, collaborate with farmers on ways to reduce pesticide use, inspire the next generation of watershed stewards by offering free or low-cost outdoor and science-based education programs for kids, and more.

We are a small team that values flexibility, accountability, and good cheer in meeting work and life demands.

WWBWC is an equal opportunity employer. We conduct all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, handicap, age, sexual orientation, or other protected classes.

About Milton-Freewater, Oregon

Located between historic Pendleton, Oregon and charming Walla Walla, Washington, Milton-Freewater is a small city with agricultural roots that has gained notoriety in recent years for The Rocks District, a grape-growing region with rocky volcanic soils that produce truly distinct wine flavors. The nearby Blue Mountains offer recreational opportunities including fishing, biking, hiking, camping, and skiing. Big-city amenities abound in the Walla Walla Valley and surrounding communities—wineries, breweries, distilleries, world-class dining, coffee shops, live music, theater, dance, and art galleries, to name a few.