Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program – Projects and Communications Fellow
Project Type: Remote OR Hybrid. The position will start virtual and (provided the candidate is willing and able) transition to in-person when it is advised by the CDC and NPS administration. In the case the participant can't relocate to the desired location, an opportunity for permanent remote work can be considered.
Duration: 47-week (11-Month) Fellowship, January 2022 – December 2022 (start and end dates are flexible)
Location: Springfield, MA/Hybrid/Remote (For applicants unable to relocate to Springfield, MA)
Housing: Monthly housing stipend up to $500
Project Background: The National Park Service and the Hispanic Access Foundation are seeking assistance for program development, communication efforts, and special projects that better promote and build awareness and support for the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program (PWSR).
Project duties could include:
- Developing a strong understanding of the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program through research and networking with relevant staff and partners.
- Expanding upon partnerships and communication efforts developed by Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers staff.
- Creating, editing, and publishing content that builds awareness, promotes, and engages diverse public audiences, partners, and Federal agency staff.
- Supporting PWSR staff with the development and implementation of new initiatives, programs, and projects.
- Engaging with other PWSR staff, partners, and various Federal and public communications teams to build strong communication networks, align resources, and learn about communication initiatives within other organizations.
- Flexibility in workplan to pursue professional development and career interests.
Fellows will work and communicate with a Hispanic Access Program Manager during their fellowship. Fellows will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. Fellows will capture photos and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit 3 blog posts highlighting their experience and development.
Workplan:
Site Supervisor: Liz Lacy
- PWSR Partners Group projects (30%)
- Plan and coordinate virtual or in-person Partners Group meeting
- Organize quarterly PWSR zoom calls
- Develop an external sharepoint site (or similar) for PWSR partners
- Externally hosted so partners can access and share resources among each other
- Put together a list of relevant grant opportunities for councils
- Coordinate conservation speaker series for the partnership group
- Potential topics include: invasive species, emerging contaminants, climate change, coastal resiliency, planning/zoning tools, steward programs, dam removals, low impact development
- Identify speakers/expertise from within partner group
- Assist in the development of PWSR VIP Program (25%)
- Coordinate tracking hours across all rivers
- Work with PWSR staff (Andrew, Jamie) and two or three pilot rivers to launch a broader volunteer program (managed by local non-profit partner)
- Facilitating distribution, collection, and recording of forms and tabulating hours with non-profit
- Develop quarterly/regular PWSR staff update – internal bulletin highlighting our current projects (15%)
- Identify distribution list
- Collect content from staff for each river
- Combine and format into digestible, visually appealing bulletin
- Opportunities for professional development (5%)
- Of interest to fellow and useful for program
- Miscellaneous Projects (25%)
- Engaging diverse groups within the community (Springfield, MA)
- Community outreach
- Showcase W&S rivers, cultivate community interest in rivers in the area, partner with other local groups
- Overlap with RTCA projects in the area
- Visitor Use Management IDIQ involvement
- Latino Conservation Week (July) - plan/host event
- Indigenous Culture & Land Justice
- DEIJ/A opportunities
- Travel Opportunities
- National Conferences
- Partnership Rivers Partner Group Annual Meeting
- River Council Outreach Events (paddles, river festivals, etc.)
- PWSR Related Travel (council meetings, site visits, etc.)
Desired Qualifications:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies or Natural Resources with a strong background in communications, data management, or similar.
- Have strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Be comfortable collaborating, brainstorming, and developing content with a wide range of partners.
- Ability to work effectively with a variety of people and develop strong partner networks.
- Have strong organizational skills.
- Have experience researching, developing, and publishing content for a variety of platforms and outlets.
- Communicate effectively in Spanish.
Stipend + Benefits:
- Weekly stipend of $500 based on a 40-hour workweek ($12.50/hour)
- Monthly housing stipend up to $500
- Health insurance coverage
- Travel expenses paid to participate in Hispanic Access Foundation Cohort Conference (Date to be determined)
- Travel stipend to defray the cost of roundtrip travel to and from internship location
- Funds available to support professional development opportunities that align with role and goals (training, conference, etc.)
- Public Land Corps Eligibility (PLC) – after completing 960 hours, Public Land Corps Eligibility status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying to certain federal positions.
Application:
Hispanic Access is managing recruitment for this position. All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access’s MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include writing samples and/or communications plans, professional and/or educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills, or volunteer activities.
Application questions or issues may be directed to Nina Marti (nina@hispanicaccess.org), or Michelle Neuenschwander (michelle@hispanicaccess.org).
Applications for this position are due on January 30, 2022, at 11:59 pm EST.
About the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program:
The Partnership Wild and Scenic River program has evolved for nearly 30 years to its well-established status as a partnership conservation model for National Wild and Scenic Rivers. With 16 rivers as of 2021, the crux of the model is its empowerment of local municipalities, partner organizations, and agencies to protect and enhance river values through collaborative management, and its flexibility in establishing a collaborative structure that works for the region. The collaborative management structure of each Partnership River exists to protect and enhance river values, consistent with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive River Management Plan; in most cases, a River Council (or Committee) of partner representatives is a central feature of the structure. More information can be found at Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers - Wild and Scenic Rivers Program (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).