Senior Scientist

The Senior Scientist is a versatile full-time position established to provide technical expertise that furthers the goals of the Citizen Oversight and Regulatory Advisory program and addresses other water policy issues in collaboration with local grassroots watershed organizations, government agencies, public water utilities, and other community partners. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in conducting research and analysis to advance clean water priorities through collaboration with a variety of partners. Candidates must be highly organized yet adaptable, able to work remotely, and enthusiastic about joining a medium-sized statewide advocacy organization in a pivotal period of growth. This is a remote working position focused on projects throughout the state of West Virginia.

Reports to: Deputy Director/Interim Executive Director

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate our Citizen Oversight and Regulatory Advisory program, which includes managing the WV Water Quality Monitoring Program and leading regulatory oversight and compliance. Provide technical assistance to volunteer water quality monitors and concerned citizens. Conduct and/or coordinate issue-based research of regulations, policies and proposed permits. Develop fact sheets, technical comments and presentations.
• Work with Coalition partners, watershed groups and volunteers to provide technical assistance, resources and trainings.
• Provide technical support to the WV Water Policy Workgroup.
• Serve as the WV Rivers representative and give presentations at public meetings and partner meetings, and interviews with media.
• Provide direction and oversight on all science-related programs, including developing and managing program budgets.
• Collaborate on writing grant proposals and managing grants to implement program activities.

Qualifications:

• Science-based graduate-level education and expertise in water and/or other environmental issues. Minimum of 5 years of experience in scientific investigations and analysis and a thorough understanding of regulatory processes and policies.
• Effective written and oral communication skills – including, effective persuasive communication to inspire action, diplomatic communication to foster trust and respect, clear and direct communication to increase project and organizational efficiencies, and translating technical science into easily understandable language.
• Experience with public speaking including providing easily understandable educational presentations to the public and testimony at public hearings.
• Ability to build networks and coordinate activities among a diverse constituency to implement projects.
• Meeting facilitation skills and event coordination experience.
• Ability to work remotely, including comfort with technologies that support remote work (such as online activity tracking tools, conference calling, and video conferencing).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products.
• West Virginia residency and valid driver’s license and ability to travel outside of regular business hours as needed.

Salary for the position ranges from $55,000 – $75,000 per year with benefits, based on experience and qualifications.

WV Rivers aspires to be an inclusive multicultural organization that celebrates the rich dimensions of diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious and political beliefs.  Diversity at WV Rivers translates into understanding and valuing all perspectives in order to fully accomplish our mission and vision for clean water for all. Candidates must share a commitment to fostering values of diversity, inclusion, equity and justice in all aspects of our programming and advocacy.