Position: Water Resources Director

Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to Executive Director

Overview of Protect Our Water Jackson Hole

Protect Our Water Jackson Hole (POWJH) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the quality of surface and groundwater in Teton County, Wyoming. 

Water Resources Director Job Description

POWJH seeks an individual who can understand and interpret the science and regulatory implications of the issues we face and understands the infrastructure and policy solutions available. The job demands collaboration with individual districts throughout the County, other non-profits who are involved in water quality issues, the County Government and the Town of Jackson in addition to the POWJH staff and board. 

The Water Resources Director should have an understanding of limnology, water chemistry, hydrology, fisheries/aquatic plant biology, environmental engineering, and/or wastewater engineering (septic/advanced systems and centralized treatment plants.) They should have a familiarity with water resources issues in the West (e.g., the Snake River Compact, the Clean Water Act, the doctrine of prior appropriation, and the effects of climate change on water resources.) They must also have experience identifying and securing grant funding from a variety of granting organizations, both public and private.

Responsibilities–Advocacy

• With the Advocacy Director, serve as staff liaison to the Science & Regulatory Committee of the POWJH Board of Directors 
• Help Town and County staff develop pertinent regulations, such as updates to the County’s Land Development Regulations and Small Wastewater Facility Regulations
• Educate elected officials and their staff on relevant water quality topics
• Participate in meetings with local/state leaders and other key stakeholders and develop written and oral testimony as needed to support POWJH’s advocacy positions
• Serve as the lead employee to certain key partners in the County: notably the Teton Conservation District
• Serve as the lead employee on the implementation of the Fish Creek Restoration Plan
• Develop educational materials, action alerts, reports, meeting summaries, and testimony on pending rules and legislation alongside the Advocacy Director

Responsibilities–Data Collection

• Critically evaluate existing scientific data relevant to Jackson Hole water quality and identify knowledge and/or data gaps
• Source, vet, and manage outside technical consultants and advisors as needed. Critically evaluate their work plans and work product
• Gather data to become the POWJH technical expert on sewer and wastewater treatment technologies  
• Evaluate wastewater discharge permits, local development proposals, and other projects with potential to adversely impact water quality
• Serve as the lead employee on water quality monitoring throughout the County
• Understand and monitor adherence to regulations that affect water in Teton Count

Other responsibilities

• Attend and report on pertinent water quality meetings and hearings, including the Snake River Headwaters Watershed Group, Wyoming Anticipating Climate Transitions, and the Teton County Water Quality Advisory Board
• Help raise funds for POWJH's program, including identifying new funding opportunities; preparing and submitting grant proposals and grant reports; and assisting the ED in cultivating major donors
• Assist with public outreach events and other organizational activities
• Communicate POWJH's goals, operational plans, and strategic vision to external audiences

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• A passion for water quality restoration and protection in Teton County
• A minimum of five years of experience with conservation or environmental organizations and/or work with an applicable government agency or as an attorney in a related area
• M.S. or above in science or engineering, Ph.D. or J.D. preferred. 
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, including the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, NEPA, and state and local equivalents
• Demonstrated ability to work with scientists, engineers, elected officials and other technical experts to advance environmental priorities
• Competency with office technology. Competency with Geographic Information Systems will be helpful.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter able to work independently to execute their responsibilities while collaborating with other organizations with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude

Compensation

POWJH offers a generous benefits package including fully paid medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and a SIMPLE IRA with employer match.