About Kenai Watershed Forum:
The Kenai Watershed Forum (KWF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is recognized as the regional watershed organization of the Kenai Peninsula, successfully identifying and addressing the needs of the region by providing high quality education, restoration, and research programs. KWF’s mission is “working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula.” KWF is a dynamic organization dedicated to our rivers, streams and surrounding communities of the Kenai Peninsula and State of Alaska for current and future generations. Working hand-in-hand with other non-profits, government agencies, philanthropic foundations and corporate entities has effectively and strategically protected and improved our watersheds, producing rives rich with life.

Position Summary:
KWF is pleased to announce an opening for an Environmental Scientist to support ongoing efforts in the organization’s research and restoration programs and to further KWF’s overall mission and vision. The candidate will work primarily with KWF’s Research Coordinator and be responsible for all aspects of technical project management including proposal and project development, grant writing, budgeting, participating in regional partnership efforts, directing support staff and contractors and completing required grant and contract reporting and documentation.

KWF’s staff work in a highly collaborative environment, with a diversity of partners, supporters and community members. The candidate will also be expected to work independently and should be a self-starter capable of communicating technical and non-technical information to a variety of audiences.

The position is offered as a one-year term for which funding is secured. Employment beyond one year will be dependent on available funding.

Core responsibilities:

• Manage administration of designated programs (Water Quality, GIS, Research, Restoration, Education)

• Work with other members of the organization in support of goals and mission

• Oversee training and management of seasonal staff and/or volunteers

• Provide quality control for organizational programs through methods such as handling the budgets, staff, activities and intended final products

• Grant writing, fundraising, and organizational development

• Develop new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the organization

• Oversee the collection and maintenance of scientific records for statistical purposes

• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization

• Present technical and non-technical information to a variety of audiences

• Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement action plans, and evaluate the process and results

• Set priorities, develop work schedules, monitor progress and track details

• Applicants are encouraged to visit https://www.kenaiwatershed.org/ to read more about current projects

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in hydrology, water resources, aquatic ecology, biology, fisheries, engineering, or a related field.

• 1-2 years of professional experience preferred

• Knowledge of anadromous fish and aquatic and terrestrial habitat of Southcentral Alaska

• Experience working or collecting data under potentially adverse field conditions

• Proficient managing large scientific datasets working with RStudio/Posit and/or Excel and more specialized data-management software

• The ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with multiple stakeholders

• Ability and willingness to work on a diverse portfolio of projects in support of KWF’s vision and mission

• High aptitude for working with geospatial technology (ESRI ArcGIS, Field Maps)

Desired skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of and experience working on Alaskan issues

• High aptitude for working with geospatial technology (ESRI ArcGIS, Field Maps)

• Familiar with a variety of scientific concepts, practices and procedures

• Strong organization and time-management skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with a wide-range of professionals

• Demonstrated dedication to KWF’s mission

• Experience managing budgets and writing grants

• Well-developed leadership ability

• Ability to work collaboratively and independently

• Invasive species identification skills

How to Apply:
Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.

To apply by email, please submit a one-page cover letter, resume, and no more than three professional references with the subject line “Environmental Scientist Application” to:
Trent Dodson, Executive Director
executivedirector@kenaiwatershed.org

Questions?
Questions regarding this announcement may also be sent to: executivedirector@kenaiwatershed.org or ben@kenaiwatershed.org or calling the Research Coordinator at (907) 232-0280.

Special notes:
“The Kenai Watershed Forum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.”