Watershed Management and Restoration Specialist

The Lake Winnipesaukee Association (LWA) is seeking a highly motivated career minded individual to join our growing Winni Blue team as its Watershed Management and Restoration Specialist. As the leading nonprofit dedicated to protecting and improving the water quality of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, the LWA leads the effort to counteract the threats and contaminants that stress the lake’s natural ecosystem, degrade its water quality and lower the economic value of the region.

The Watershed Management and Restoration Specialist will conduct watershed assessments, procure funding, provide technical assistance, and create, implement, and coordinate workplans and strategies to protect and restore water resources within the Winnipesaukee watershed.  The Watershed Management and Restoration Specialist will be an important liaison between the public and private sector, reviewing and monitoring new development and re-development projects to ensure that land use practices that protect watershed resources are required and adhered to.  The position is based in Gilford, NH, but day to day activities will require travel throughout the Winnipesaukee watershed.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the President, the Watershed Management and Restoration Specialist is responsible for the following:

• Assist in the development of watershed-based plans, and use of land use information and available water quality assessments to identify existing and potential sources of pollution to the lake.
• Develop programs to achieve water quality protection and restoration goals, in partnership with Federal, state and local agencies, municipalities, organizations and individuals.
• Facilitate the transfer of technical information among local, state and federal agencies, watershed groups, and landowners.
• Work with municipalities and the Lakes Region Planning Commission to adopt model ordinances and regulations that promote water quality protection.
• Promote regional strategies for consistent use of ecologically protective planning, regulation, development, and enforcement standards.
• Review and monitor new development and re-development projects for adherence to best practices for water quality protection.
• Prepare and submit grant proposals to provide funding for watershed management and implementation projects.
• Provide technical assistance to municipalities and local homeowner or watershed associations in the planning and implementation of structural and nonstructural best management practices (BMPs).
• Develop workshops and implement demonstration projects on the interrelationship between land use decisions and water quality impacts.

Desired Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resource management, geoenvironmental studies, hydrology, or related field required.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in watershed management and land use planning principles.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, lead and execute watershed activities and projects.
• Knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to secure grant funding for watershed management and restoration programs/projects.
• Experience and comfort with relevant software tools including GIS.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ideally including experience communicating with diverse audiences about environmental water quality protection or related issues.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Passion for environmental conservation and sustainability.

About Lake Winnipesaukee Association

The Lake Winnipesaukee Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the water quality and natural resources of the lake and its watershed.  Through monitoring education, science, and restoration, we work to ensure that Winnipesaukee’s scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, water quality, and recreational potential continues to provide enjoyment today and for the future.

Lake Winnipesaukee Association is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, veteran or marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ancestry, political affiliation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, or any other status protected under federal, state or local law (Protected Status).

Other:

• This position is full-time with a competitive salary and benefits package.
• Reports to the President of LWA with regular Board interactions.