Jobs

Photo: Dorothy Handelman

We offer paid positions and internships that provide strong experience in policy, litigation, development, and communications.

Riverkeeper is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage women and people of color to apply and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, military status, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran.

Read Oxford’s health plan transparency disclosure >

• Boat Captain

  Download the description >

  ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
  Riverkeeper is New York’s premier water quality advocate. Our mission is to protect and restore the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguards drinking water supplies, through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science and law. With an annual operating budget of $5 million, Riverkeeper is a mid-sized not-for-profit operating in the Hudson Valley. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, mission-oriented organization. For more information, visit www.riverkeeper.org.

  TITLE: Boat Captain
  REPORTS TO: Senior Director of Advocacy, Policy & Planning
  DEPARTMENT: Advocacy, Policy and Planning Program
  LOCATION: Hybrid work environment with a few days per month in the office (Ossining and/or Kingston) and 10 – 15 days per month on the boat.

  POSITION SUMMARY
  This is a rare opportunity for an individual with boat operation and maintenance experience to join an advocacy organization protecting clean water in the Hudson Valley and New York City. Maintaining an on-the-water presence is a defining element of Riverkeeper’s approach to water protection. Our boat operation is professional, reliable and respected. It serves as an icon for environmental activism in the Hudson Valley and is a visible reminder of Riverkeeper’s essential role – providing eyes, ears and a voice for the Hudson River.

  Riverkeeper boat patrols accommodate individuals and small groups – staff members, researchers, elected officials, journalists, filmmakers, law enforcement, ecologists, etc. – and provide an up-close, undistracted focus on the river and its needs from the river’s point of view. These experiences and conversations inspire a shift in perspective and a deepening of understanding and collaborations of all kinds. Along the way we build relationships with grassroots groups, anglers, boaters and others invested in the well-being of the river.

  Our patrol range is Waterford to the Upper Bay in New York Harbor. In New York Harbor we patrol the Harlem and the East River to the Throgs Neck. We also aim to patrol the Mohawk River/Erie Canal to Utica or Rome, and as far as Fort Edward on the Upper Hudson/Champlain Canal twice a year.

  ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  (This is not an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.)

  • Primary responsibility is to oversee and coordinate the maintenance of three Riverkeeper vessels:
    • a 36-foot wooden diesel powered Deadrise (the R. Ian Fletcher)
    • a 25-foot fiberglass Parker outboard (the Bob Boyle)
    • a 20-foot aluminum SeaArk outboard (the Sun Hill)
  • Operate the Fletcher. The Fletcher will be the primary vessel in use, with the Bob Boyle deployed for water quality monitoring conducted by our Science Program and other purposes as needed. A seasonal Captain is hired to operate the Boyle for the Science team, with support from the Boat Captain, during our monitoring season from May to October.
  • The Boat Captain will manage the schedule for the Fletcher, and other vessels as needed, in collaboration with members of Riverkeeper’s leadership team. The goal is to conduct regular patrols of the Hudson River estuary (from the Battery to Waterford) at least six times a year between April and November. Those patrols can include a variety of guests from staff to journalists, elected officials, scientists and supporters. Additional targeted outings will be scheduled on an as needed basis to support Riverkeeper’s advocacy, communications, science and fundraising needs. The Boat Captain will be responsible for documenting scenes from the river that can be shared with staff, the board, with the public on social media, and when needed with press and/or elected officials.
  • The Boat Captain is an integral part of our Watchdog Team, which receives, assesses and responds to reports from members of the public concerning pollution or other issues affecting the Hudson River and its tributaries. The Boat Captain is Riverkeeper’s primary watchdog, and a core goal of the boat patrol is to observe, investigate, report and assist in the resolution of illegal or harmful activities observed. To investigate and resolve watchdog concerns identified through the observations from the boat or those identified by members of the public, the Boat Captain will partner with Riverkeeper staff with various expertise (legal, communications, advocacy) as needed, on a case-by-case basis. Watchdog reports and investigations can yield legal enforcement actions, public awareness and sometimes press reports on river issues such as spills, illegal dumping and fish die-offs.

   

  EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
  Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply. This might be the right role for you if you have:

  • Deep experience and knowledge (at least 3-5 years) in the safe operation (as captain) and hands-on maintenance of 20’ to 36’ vessels, marine engines, and related mechanical systems required.
  • The candidate must have extensive experience on the water, operating vessels (as captain), and ideally knowledge and experience on the Hudson River.
  • Experience maintaining a wooden vessel is greatly preferred.
  • Ability to conduct multi-day patrols that include some overnight stays.
  • Project management skills and experience including managing relationships with subcontractors, boatyard, managing budgets, etc.
  • A US Coast Guard “6 pack” license is preferred.
  • Passion for Riverkeeper’s mission and restoring iconic waterways is a must.
  • Outstanding oral communication skills, including comfort with public speaking as an ambassador for Riverkeeper in interactions with various individuals, from members of the public to senior agency officials and elected leaders.
  • Prior advocacy experience is a plus.
  • Preferred educational background: Training and knowledge in ecological science preferred. An undergraduate degree in a related field and/or direct knowledge earned by the equivalent time spent in the marine trades and vessel operation is required.
  • Proficiency and working knowledge of social media platforms is desired including ability to shoot
    stills, video and write.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and team player approach is essential, with ability to collaborate with advocates, scientists, attorneys, fundraisers and others on staff, and support ongoing partner cultivation from other organizations.
  • Required safety certifications include: First Aid course, CPR training (within one year), and a New
    York State Boating Safety Certificate

   

  OTHER EMPLOYMENT DETAILS
  HOURS: This exempt position is full time. It requires flexibility to work outside of the normal work hours and weekends.
  COMPENSATION: Salary range: $70,000 – $100,000 annualized, commensurate with experience. The salary for the position is expected to fall within the posted range; however, it is possible that the salary for the role may vary outside of this range (either more or less) depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience.
  BENEFITS: Riverkeeper offers healthcare, dental and vision, life and disability coverage, retirement savings plan match, annual professional development stipend, Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, personal days, floating holidays, most federal holidays, summer Fridays), and other benefits; office is closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays.

  All employees must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

  HOW TO APPLY:
  Application process requires submission of a cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]. Please write ‘Boat Captain’ in the subject line. The position will remain open until filled.

• Water Quality Fellow

  Download the description >

  TITLE: Water Quality Fellow
  REPORTS TO: Community Science Manager
  LOCATION: Kingston, NY (hybrid) – from May 1- October 31, 2024

  POSITION SUMMARY
  Riverkeeper’s Science Team is looking for a Water Quality Fellow for the 2024 sampling season from May 1 – October 31, 2024. The Fellow will receive training in lab techniques and be expected to work independently to support Riverkeeper’s water quality monitoring projects. This position will primarily work out of Riverkeeper’s lab located in Kingston, NY with some field work. Field work would include getting to water sampling locations in the mid-Hudson region. Lab work will primarily consist of water sample processing using the EPA approved IDEXX system and is to be conducted in our lab in Kingston, NY. This sampling program primarily focuses on fecal indicator bacteria Enterococcus and E.Coli.

  ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  (This is not an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.)

  • Be a part of our water quality sampling program working with community science volunteers from the Hudson River watershed.
  • This position will coordinate the collection and ensure the accurate processing of water quality samples according to Riverkeeper’s Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance protocols, working under the supervision of Riverkeeper’s Community Science Manager.
  • The position will work with and help to organize a core group of approximately 40-50 volunteers who are trained in water quality collection protocol and analysis from shoreline/riverbank locations.
  • Sampling occurs monthly and will require communication and distribution of sampling supplies to volunteers.
  • Responsible for data entry including, but not limited to, scanning of physical data entry sheets, and data entry in google sheets.

   

  EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
  Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.

  • Environmental studies educational curriculum or related field of study preferred.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to reliably follow instructions in order to produce reliable data in our laboratory Commitment to the values and mission of Riverkeeper
  • Ability to commit to being in the lab on specific days throughout the sampling season from May to October
  • After sufficient training, ability to work independently to meet program goals
  • Experience with IDEXX FIB recreational water quality monitoring or other comparable lab procedures is preferred
  • Ability to collaborate and work with the Community Science Manger to ensure their tasks are accomplished
  • Excellent organizational skills and experience with data entry
  • Familiarity with Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel
  • Ability to communicate about challenges they may experience with tasks, responsibilities, and
    deadlines.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to engage with and coordinate volunteers are required
  • Must have access to reliable transportation to be used for travel within the mid-Hudson region
  • Cell phone required

   

  OTHER EMPLOYMENT DETAILS
  HOURS: This temporary position will require a schedule of Monday through Friday, working up to 30 hours per week for the duration of the fellowship (5/1-10/31/24).
  COMPENSATION: Base salary range: $20 – $22 per hour commensurate with experience.
  BENEFITS: This position will be eligible for health insurance (Oxford Metro Plan, employee only), and participation in Riverkeeper’s 403b retirement savings plan.
  OTHER: Hired candidate must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

  HOW TO APPLY:
  Application must be done via email by sending a resume and cover letter to
  [email protected] and [email protected]. Please write ‘Water Quality
  Fellow’ in the subject line. The position will remain open until filled.

• Graphic Artist

  Download the description >

  TITLE: Graphic Artist (Temporary Consultant)
  DEPARTMENT: Advocacy, Policy and Planning Program
  LOCATION: Remote

  SCOPE OF PROJECT WORK
  We are seeking a Graphic Artist to illustrate an environmental ‘systems map’ diagrammatic spread for the Hudson River Watershed Surface Drinking Water Climate Vulnerability Matrix. The graphics need to demonstrate the connectivity of the hydrologic system to enable community and drinking water system operators to better understand potential climate change impacts to surface drinking water. The deliverables will require 2 digital spreads for Hudson River Watershed surface graphic drinking. Assignment will run from April 22 – May 30, 2024.

  ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

  • This assignment requires a Graphic Artist with strong experience creating ecological system graphic designs and illustrations.
  • Must be able to integrate designs into broader planning documents and the flexibility to adapt work into Riverkeeper organizational design standards and specifications.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex ideas into digestible graphic art.
  • Experience and comfort interacting and collaborating with Scientists, Natural Resource Managers, and Planning Specialists.
  • Familiarity with the Hudson River Watershed is strongly preferred
  • Proficiency or Mastery in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and or other design or artist software applications.
  • Must be available from April 22 – May 30, 2024 for 15-20 hours per week.

   

  COMPENSATION
  Hourly rate is $45 – $55 commensurate with experience.

  HOW TO APPLY:
  Please apply by April 19 th via email by sending your profile and cover letter to
  [email protected] and [email protected]. Please write ‘Graphic Artist
  Consultant’ in the subject line. Must include your hourly rate requirements along with examples of work, PDF or online portfolio.