Recreation Associate

Who We Are: Willamette Riverkeeper is a 501(c)(3) organization that works to protect and restore the Willamette River’s water quality and habitat. WRK has offices in Portland and Eugene and owns conservation properties in Lane, Benton and Yamhill Counties. WRK manages projects and programs throughout the Willamette Basin, working to rid the river of invasive species, restore floodplain habitat, conduct educational canoe and kayak paddle trips, and advocate for environmental policies to create a healthy Willamette River for all Oregonians. The focus of our work is on the mainstem Willamette, but it also extends to some of the tributary rivers. More information on WRK’s programs can be found on our website.

The Willamette River includes the ceded land that was the traditional home of Chinook peoples, including the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, and Molalla tribes. WR is committed to ongoing collaboration with Tribal entities to amplify their voices, issues, and needs to promote accurate historical narratives that help reverse harmful cultural and economic stereotypes.

Who You Are: You are a dynamic team player who has a demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive and collaborative environments, empowering diverse communities, and leading with adaptability and initiative. You excel at working both independently and within teams, navigating challenges with flexibility and integrity, and inspiring others to engage in outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship and community-building efforts.

Position Overview:

The Recreation Associate position is a multifaceted role focused on community engagement through outreach and education events, volunteer stewardship, and maintaining organizational properties and resources. This position combines key responsibilities from event coordination, property stewardship, and conservation efforts, supporting Willamette Riverkeeper’s mission to protect, enhance, and celebrate the Willamette River and its surrounding landscapes.

All WRK’s recreation programs are mission-driven, with the goal of connecting and engaging communities in an effort to protect, restore and celebrate our Willamette River, and revolve around these key goals:

• Growing a diverse base of river recreationists and stewards through equity, inclusion, and collaboration
• Building a basin-wide team of river stewardship partners and volunteers through hands-on river monitoring, restoration and cleanup activities
• Improving recreational access and growing participation in safe human-powered river recreation activities

Reports to: This position will report to the Co-Executive Director & Upper Willamette Riverkeeper. However, the Recreation Associate will interface with other WR staff, board members, community stakeholders (such as land managers, policy leaders, outfitters and other small businesses, regulatory agencies, etc.) and volunteers related to WR’s work on river monitoring and cleanup efforts, habitat conservation/restoration activities as well as recreation access, education, and other on-water activities.

Job Responsibilities

Outreach, Education, and Communication

• Digital Content Creation and Management:
  • Develop and manage online content for Willamette Riverkeeper and associated accounts (Paddle Oregon, Willamette Water Trail) on websites and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).
  • Contribute to monthly electronic and bi-annual printed newsletters.
  • Update, maintain, and enhance the Willamette Water Trail website to improve user engagement and educational impact.
• Community Partnerships and Public Engagement:
  • Build and maintain strategic partnerships to support programs like Discovery Paddles and River Guardians.
  • Collaborate with the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) to enhance access and safety along the Willamette Water Trail.
  • Represent Willamette Riverkeeper at Willamette Water Trail meetings with Oregon State Parks, championing next steps and ensuring follow-ups on meeting objectives.
• Educational Program Coordination:
  • Lead and coordinate the “Learn to Paddle Your Willamette Water Trail” series.
  • Provide instruction and lead coordination for annual river safety training for staff, volunteers, and project partners.
  • Co-lead recreational paddles through WRK’s River Discovery program and coordinate River Discovery day trips.

On-Water Community Engagement and Programming

• Stewardship and Cleanup Coordination:
  • Plan, organize, and co-lead stewardship and cleanup events, including monthly River Guardians cleanups and larger events like the Great Willamette Cleanup.
  • Recruit, train, and manage volunteers for stewardship activities, ensuring safety and effective participation in on-water events.
• Event Planning and Safety Management:
  • Coordinate logistics, gear inventory, and lead on-water safety for events, including Paddle Oregon, Pinot Paddle, and Willamette River Festival.
  • Manage equipment, supplies, and communication for stewardship activities at WRK properties, including Osprey Island, Norwood Island, Nichols Sanctuary, Ash Island, and the Pearlshell Reserve.
  • Ensure the safe and effective use of tools and equipment, including vehicles, canoes, motorized boats, landscaping tools, and carpentry tools.
• Public Engagement and Marketing:
  • Collaborate with OPRD and Willamette Water Trail partners to develop and implement annual outreach and marketing campaigns promoting the Willamette River Trail and WRK’s WWT properties.

Land Stewardship and Conservation

• Seasonal Maintenance and Habitat Management:
  • Develop and implement a seasonal maintenance program for WRK’s Willamette Water Trail properties, including:
    • Weed trimming, brushing, litter removal, and invasive species management.
    • Property boundary surveys and invasive weed monitoring.
    • Maintenance and repair of Water Trail recreation amenities (kiosks, signage, picnic tables, tent platforms, journal boxes).
• Wildlife Monitoring and Data Collection:
  • Install and maintain wildlife cameras, collect photo data, and document information for communications, education, landowner outreach, and long-term habitat restoration planning.
• Habitat Restoration and Collaboration:
  • Support habitat restoration projects in collaboration with the Restoration Team, including Paddle & Pull and other relevant volunteer stewardship opportunities.
  • Work collaboratively with staff, partners, and volunteers to ensure safe operations and adherence to “river time” flexibility during fieldwork.

Other Duties and Professional Development

• Certifications and Training:
  • Maintain certifications and pursue professional development in recreational instruction and water safety (with Executive Director approval).
• Team Participation and Organizational Support:
  • Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and other organizational events as required.
  • Contribute to the overall success and mission of Willamette Riverkeeper through proactive teamwork and collaboration.
• Physical and Safety Requirements:
  • Lift and maneuver up to 70 pounds.
  • Safely paddle and maneuver canoes, kayaks, rafts, SUPs, and other equipment on the river.
  • Develop comfort and competency with fishing and river snorkeling as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrated risk management and leadership skills in outdoor settings.
• Strong cultural sensitivity, with a willingness to learn diverse perspectives.
• Basic river rescue skills and safety training.
• Confidence in leading volunteer events and public speaking in small group settings.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, with proficiency in Gmail and Microsoft Word.
• Experience driving vans and towing trailers safely.
• Clean driving record, ability to pass a background check, and eligibility for vehicle insurance.
• Experience operating a tandem canoe, kayak, SUP, raft, and motorized boat in moving water.
• Competency in operating and maintaining gas and battery-powered landscaping tools.
• Basic carpentry, landscaping maintenance, and hand tool usage skills.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks (e.g., paddling, hiking on uneven ground, landscape maintenance) in varying weather conditions.
• Strong public engagement and conflict management skills.
• Flexible schedule, including availability for weekends and evenings as required.
• Proficiency in time management tools, Microsoft Office, website management, budgeting, teamwork, and networking.

Desired Qualifications:

• Formal canoe, kayak, SUP, and/or raft instructor and safety certifications.
• Knowledge of native and non-native plant species in the Willamette Valley.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Recreation, Environmental Education, or a related field.

This position provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to land conservation, river stewardship, and community engagement while supporting Willamette Riverkeeper’s mission to protect and celebrate the Willamette River for future generations.

Please Note: Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you check every box of qualifications.

If you are interested in joining our team, please email these four items to info@willametteriverkeeper.org - Subject line “Recreation Associate Position”

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. References
4. Writing sample - answering the 3 listed questions below (1 page max)

If you fail to include one of these four items, you will not be considered for this position. Resumes will be accepted until 5 PM, Friday, March 21, 2025.

No phone calls or email inquiries, please.

Please answer these three questions as the writing sample:

1. Please describe a specific situation where you had to lead an emergency incident response during an outdoor or water-based event? What actions did you take to ensure the safety of all participants, and how did you communicate and coordinate with your team during the incident?
2. Share an example of how you successfully recruited, trained, and managed volunteers for a community stewardship or conservation event. How did you motivate and engage participants to ensure the event’s success, and what strategies did you use to communicate the organization’s mission and values?
3. Describe a time when you developed and maintained a strategic partnership to support a recreational or environmental program. How did you initiate the collaboration, and what steps did you take to ensure mutual goals were met while championing your organization’s mission?