**NO LONGER HIRING FOR THIS POSITION**
MountainTrue Position Description: River Clean-Up Coordinator
Location: Asheville, NC
Reports To: French Broad Paddle Trail Manager
Position Description:
This is a 6-month full-time contract position based in Asheville but will work across areas of Western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene. The position is focused on leading the clean-up of garbage and debris from our region’s rivers following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Our collective goal for the clean-up is to engage volunteers in restoring river health, paddler safety, and community pride, while also supporting our region’s outdoor recreation economy by helping renew our rivers’ accessibility and scenery for commercial outfitting and public use. While the position will be based in Asheville, the River Clean-Up Coordinator will work in all impacted watersheds (alongside MountainTrue’s Riverkeepers) including the French Broad, Watauga, Nolichucky, North and South Toe, Broad, Green, and others.
Responsibilities:
The River Clean-Up Coordinator will focus on scouting garbage to be removed, securing access logistics, planning work days, coordinating and leading volunteers and contractors, disposal of collected garbage, and reporting findings. Specifically, this will include:
- Securing access logistics: Work with MountainTrue’s Riverkeepers, government agencies, outfitters, private landowners, railroad companies, and other partners to work upon and provide entry and exit through key river access points and other riverside locations.
- Planning work days: Work with MountainTrue’s events and communications staff to plan details for work days (date, time, place, details, etc.), post on MountainTrue’s website and social media channels, and spread the word to prospective volunteers and partners. These work days will include land-based clean-ups at river access points, riverside parks, and other locations, along with paddle-based clean-ups focused on removing garbage from the river itself between access points or other sections.
- Coordinating and leading volunteers: Organize and direct work day volunteers towards desired clean-up tasks, while also ensuring safety and order. Ensure that waivers are signed, protective equipment is worn, and tools are available, and secure meals and other benefits if/as able.
- Coordinating and leading contractors: Identify locations and situations where specific contractors are needed, such as heavy machinery operators, tow truck drivers, dumpster rentals, etc., and coordinate their services accordingly.
- Disposal of collected garbage: Ensure all collected garbage is either taken to the transfer station, landfill, or recyclery if needed to be removed from site, or if/where applicable brought to the right-of-way for disposal.
- Reporting findings: Record and report each work day’s total number of volunteers and estimated or calculated weight of garbage to MountainTrue’s Riverkeepers and other staff.
- Use and maintenance of MountainTrue equipment: The River Clean-Up Coordinator will have access to the French Broad Riverkeeper’s pickup truck, dump trailer, utility trailer, two jon boats, eight canoes, and various hand-held tools, and will be responsible for reporting issues or maintenance needs to MountainTrue staff.
Desired Qualifications:
- Strong leadership and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and adapt to shifting opportunities and priorities.
- Experience with large-group coordination, especially volunteers, and complicated logistics involved with an evolving disaster recovery landscape. Direct experience leading clean-ups and/or people on/around rivers is especially desirable.
- Familiarity with Western North Carolina rivers, access points, and in-stream features (bridges, dams, rapids, etc.) especially the French Broad, Watauga, Nolichucky, Broad, and Green.
- Existing connections with government agencies, non-profits, outfitters, and other river-focused partners.
- Experience with trucks, trailers, boats, heavy machinery, hand-held tools, power tools, etc.
- Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
- Ability to use a computer and email to plan, write, and communicate.
- Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and inclusion.
Compensation:
- $25.00 per hour, 40 hours per week, 6 months.
- Contract position paid hourly. There is potential for the responsibilities, pay, timeline, and benefits of this position to grow based on funding that MountainTrue is currently seeking, but for now it will be a 6 month contract position.
How to Apply:
Email a short cover letter and resume to French Broad Paddle Trail Manager Jack Henderson at jack@mountaintrue.org with the subject line “River Clean-Up Coordinator.”
Application Deadline: ASAP, rolling application review until position filled.
Prospective Start Date: December 1st, 2024.