Job Posting: Program Coordinator, Community-based Water Monitoring

  Job Title: Edmonton Swim Guide Program Coordinator Swim Drink Fish Canada and North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper are seeking a talented and motivated individual for the new, full-time position of Edmonton Swim Guide Program Coordinator. This community-based river monitoring program forms part of a national movement empowering millions of people to know and safeguard their waters using science, law, education, storytelling, and technology.Building on the successes of a 2017 water monitoring pilot project, the Coordinator will implement a comprehensive, community-based, recreational water quality monitoring program along the North Saskatchewan River throughout the City of Edmonton. Reporting to the Manager of Water Literacy, the Coordinator will lead a variety of community and volunteer engagement activities designed to help build a strong network of water stewards equipped with the tools to protect a “swimmable, drinkable, fishable” North Saskatchewan River for everyone.Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead all logistics associated with the execution of a community-based water quality monitoring program in accordance with established program timelines and strategies:
  • Establishment and management of an in-house microbiological laboratory using an IDEXX Colilert system for testing E. coli levels in water
  • Purchase of water testing supplies and equipment as needed
  • Assessment of recreation locations on the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton and selection of sites for sample collection
  • Development of water monitoring protocols and supporting materials
  • Planning and execution of field work and water sample collection including scheduling and transportation logistics
  • Trialling of monitoring systems and field logistics prior to direct volunteer engagement and publication of the first official results in early June.
  • Record-keeping, data-entry, and all paperwork associated with the operation of rigorous water quality monitoring activities
  • Analysis and publication of data and test results using the Swim Guide web platform (http://www.theSwimGuide.org)
  • Ongoing water quality data exchange with appropriate stakeholders
  • Publication, upkeep, and management of recreational water quality data and beach information as available from prairie region health authorities, using the Swim Guide platform
• Planning and execution of community engagement activities including:
  • Pop-up booths to recruit volunteers, build awareness of recreation opportunities and water stewardship needs, and extend Swim Guide tools to the general public
  • Presentations to river user groups, river valley stakeholders, and community members
  • Two to three public beach events that celebrate the community’s connections with the North Saskatchewan River, build awareness of recreation opportunities and water stewardship needs, and extend Swim Guide tools directly to an active community of beach enthusiasts
  • Relationship building and follow up engagement with volunteers, supporters, and prospective water stewards, including ongoing documentation and communications
• Development and dissemination of marketing materials and educational resources to support community and volunteer engagement activities. Materials will draw on findings from the 2017 monitoring pilot project and will require further research as necessary.
• Recruitment, training, coordination, and retainment of volunteers for involvement in field work, water sample collection, pollution identification and reporting, lab work, and related water stewardship activities
• Ongoing storytelling, multimedia, and communications that help build a narrative and movement of people who are connected to local water bodies and empowered to protect “swimmable, drinkable, fishable” water for everyone
  • Collection of multimedia stories from participants and community members as part of http://www.WatermarkProject.ca, another flagship initiative of Swim Drink Fish Canada
  • Development and dissemination of ongoing public communications via social media, the Swim Guide platform, print, the Riverkeeper website and blog, and email in alignment with broader communication and marketing strategies
  • Maintain an active and engaging social media presence that shares the ongoing activities of Edmonton Swim Guide Program with a growing online community
• Execution of a post-season survey of volunteer experiences
• Compilation and presentation of a final report and multimedia web resource that supports the dissemination of Edmonton Swim Guide Program findings, stories, and recommendations with the community and with key stakeholders

Qualifications:Suitable candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field or comparable qualifications and/or work experience. Candidates will have a combination of technical skills and community engagement skills that meet the unique demands of community-based monitoring activities. Previous experience conducting field work or leading outdoor education initiatives is desirable. A passion for water stewardship, education, and storytelling together with interest and experience in a variety of water recreation activities is essential. In addition, candidates must exhibit:

• Exceptional organizational and planning skills, meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including public speaking
• Ability to analyse and communicate scientific and technical matters for various audiences
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills

Candidates must also:

• Be available to work flexible hours including frequent evenings and weekends
• Hold a valid driver’s license
• Demonstrate a sense of ease around moving water in various watercraft

Other assets:

• Strong swimming skills
• First Aid certification

Timeline:In Phase 1, the Coordinator will receive appropriate training and orientation while developing marketing materials, educational resources, water quality monitoring protocols and systems, engagement and event schedules, and strategies associated with coordination of volunteers. The coordinator will initiate engagements with river user groups and recruitment of volunteers during this time while also trialling monitoring systems in the field prior to active volunteer involvement and publication of test results. In Phase 2, at the beginning of June, official water quality monitoring will begin together with volunteers and test results will be widely published through the Swim Guide platform. Volunteers will be engaged in monitoring activities from June through until late September. Public beach events will be executed during the heat of the summer amidst ongoing water monitoring and stewardship activities. During Phase 3, once monitoring activities have concluded, a final report will be compiled and disseminated and presentations will be made to community groups and stakeholders.Work Environment and Location:The Coordinator will be based in Swim Drink Fish Canada’s Edmonton office and will lead field work and community engagement activities throughout the city. The Coordinator will be required to work outdoors in the Edmonton River Valley under all weather conditions, enter the river using hip-waders, and travel in various watercraft if required.Contract Terms:Eight months, full-time position, start date to be confirmed. 37.5 hours/week, including frequent evening and weekend community engagement activities. Compensation is competitive for a program coordinator in the not-for-profit, environmental sector and will be based on the skills, experience, and qualifications of the successful candidate.About Swim Drink Fish Canada and North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper:Imagine a future where every person can safely touch the water that flows through their community, where that water is pure enough for drinking, and where waters are healthy and wild enough that fish and birds and plants thrive. Swimmable, drinkable, fishable water is necessary for the things people value most in life – family and friendship, culture, freedom, and opportunity. By blending science, law, education, and storytelling with technology, we empower millions of people to know and safeguard their waters. Swim Drink Fish Canada has been working for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future since its launch in 2001 and works closely with North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper and other Waterkeeper charities across the country and around the world. Learn more at http://www.saskriverkeeper.caand http://www.swimdrinkfish.ca.How to Apply:Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume for consideration. Cover letters are very important to us!

• Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file and named as follows: Lastname_Firstname_ESGPcoordinator2018
• Please email applications to Hans Asfeldt ( hans@swimdrinkfish.ca ) using subject heading Edmonton Swim Guide Program Coordinator.

Deadline:Applications must be received no later than 11:59pm MST on Sunday, February 18, 2018. All applicants will be notified regarding the outcome of their applications.This position is currently pending requested grant funds. We thank you for your interest.