Jobs

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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.

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• Director of Communications and Marketing

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  Background
  Established in 1966, Riverkeeper protects and restores the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguards drinking water supplies, through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science and law. More about us >

  Position Overview
  We are seeking a Director of Communications and Marketing who has extensive experience in environmental campaigns, preferably in the water protection space. The Director must be innovative, creative, and collaborative. This is a hands-on position where the Director will be responsible for strategic advances as well as substantial contributions to written materials, social media postings and keeping website content up to date. The successful applicant will be a dynamic leader who will create and implement a vision for Communications and Marketing that will elevate Riverkeeper’s voice, brand, and platform in order to engage key stakeholders and reach new audiences. We are looking for someone who can help us drive digital marketing and help strengthen our online and social media communications while managing a fast-paced daily flow of communications outputs. This role will also have oversight of Riverkeeper’s website redesign, which will include a data-driven water quality mapping portal as a part of the envisioned strategy.

  This position reports directly to Riverkeeper’s President and works closely with other senior leaders in the development of public engagement strategies. They will oversee two full time staff members as well as outside designers, seasonal volunteers and interns.

  Duties & Responsibilities
  Specific duties and responsibilities include:

  Strategic Development and Execution

  • Envision, build, and implement a strong communications and marketing strategy to advance Riverkeeper’s work and build awareness and support for the organization throughout the Hudson watershed;
  • Develop and implement effective systems to manage communications and workflows among team members and between all programs and departments;
  • Oversee communications to ensure brand consistency and integrity;
  • Plan and create communications content and media strategies in support of existing campaigns and new initiatives in partnership with the program staff and leadership;
  • Partner with the Development Department to ensure fundraising and membership communications amplify our mission and program priorities, and are consistent with our strategic plan and our brand;
  • Use data and analytics to create and implement a digital marketing strategy, utilizing tools such as email performance tracking, website analytics, social media ad campaigns, and SEO;
  • Manage public relations efforts – including writing OpEds, LTEs, and press releases; planning story placement and press events; and vetting press inquiries/requests;
  • Build and maintain relationships with paid and pro bono communications and marketing vendors and consultants including designers, photographers, PR firms, etc.;
  • Ensure Riverkeeper’s website is accessible, engaging, and properly tells the story of our work;
  • Be an active member of the community, take an active role in events. Establish positive relationships with all members of the community to help maximize connections.

   

  Organizational Leadership

  • Participate in decision-making for the organization, providing input and feedback as part of the senior management team;
  • Effectively track and regularly report department outputs and outcomes to the board and staff;
  • Identify challenges and emerging issues Riverkeeper faces and provide clear and constructive approaches to them;
  • Communicate management decisions effectively to team members, and ensure decision-making is appropriately inclusive of staff team perspectives;
  • Support the goals and strategies identified by Riverkeeper’s ongoing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice initiative. Promote and champion an equitable and inclusive work environment.

   

  Team Management

  • Create and implement annual work plans for the department and each team member;
  • Create a positive and productive work environment, and identify professional development needs and opportunities for each team member;
  • Draft and manage an annual budget for the department, in consultation with the President and Chief Financial Officer;
  • Mentor and manage a team of two; lead recruitment, hiring and training of new staff as needed;
  • Riverkeeper prides itself on running a lean operation and creative workarounds are sought and encouraged

   

  The listed responsibilities are intended to describe the essential functions of the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.

  Qualifications
  Did you know that research shows that women and people from underrepresented 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 next role for you if you have at least 10 years of relevant experience, and would likely be described as:

  • A strategic communications and marketing professional with experience building and executing strategies that elevate an organization’s voice, brand, and platform in order to engage key stakeholders and reach new audiences;
  • An exceptional writer capable of coming up to speed and working on multiple campaigns, expressing the organization’s positions with sensitivity to its impact and public response;
  • An editor with demonstrated proficiency in communicating and engaging a wide range of constituencies through traditional media, social media, digital marketing, and web platforms;
  • Having working knowledge of website content management systems (WordPress), and capable of posting and updating content;
  • Having experience overseeing a website redesign and launch;
  • Using communications and marketing to empower communities; understanding and experience in co-creating initiatives or campaigns with communities; track record in developing and managing communications and marketing to drive action and fundraising;
  • A team player who is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups of people including; press, members of the public, colleagues and volunteer leadership;
  • A manager with experience creating a supportive environment that gets the best out of a team, and who is able to prioritize, delegate, and handle multiple projects and deadlines;
  • A team leader who is self-motivated, can change gears at a moment’s notice when needed and can set and track team priorities;
  • Having proficiency with video, podcasts, graphic design and/or interactive media is a plus;
  • Having a working knowledge of Luminate and Raiser’s Edge or similar is a plus;
  • Having a strong commitment to the mission, vision, values and goals of Riverkeeper;
  • Having a connection to the Hudson River and a familiarity with Riverkeeper’s priority issues;
  • Able to travel throughout the Hudson River Watershed and New York City;
  • Fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

   

  Location
  Riverkeeper is based in Ossining, New York, with an additional office in Kingston, NY. This position will be located in the Ossining office, but will have flexibility to have a hybrid (in-office and work from home) schedule. All in office staff follow Covid safety protocols as/when needed.

  Compensation and Benefits
  This is a band 3 position. Compensation is commensurate with experience ranging from $100-130K. This position is full time (37.5 hours/week) and must be flexible to work some nights and occasional weekends. Riverkeeper offers health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage, retirement match, vacation, sick, personal days, as well as parental leave and other benefits.

  To Apply
  Please submit a resume, cover letter, and four work samples that include two writing samples (e.g. press release, blog, article), one digital media campaign (e.g. social media campaign, website, action alert, fundraising campaign), and one example of a designed or art directed product (e.g. print piece, web design, poster design). Send materials via email to [email protected]. Please write ‘Communications and Marketing Director’ in the subject line. The position will be open until filled.

  Riverkeeper is an AA/EEO employer. Riverkeeper is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of us to realize our potential. Our work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law.

  People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

• Staff Attorney or Senior Attorney

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  Background
  Established in 1966, Riverkeeper is an independent, member supported environmental organization whose mission is to protect and restore the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguard drinking water supplies, through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science and law.

  Position Overview
  Riverkeeper is seeking a Staff Attorney or Senior Attorney to join our well-respected legal team and contribute to Riverkeeper’s presence and effectiveness in the Hudson River, its tributaries, and the watershed that provides New York City’s drinking water. As part of the legal team, the Attorney will advance Riverkeeper’s policy goals of fishable, swimmable waterways, and clean drinking water through litigation, advocacy, public education, and public outreach. This position is part Riverkeeper’s Legal Program and reports to the Legal Program Director. The geographic work area is the Hudson River watershed and the watersheds surrounding New York City (the “watersheds”).

  Specific Duties and Responsibilities include:

  • Legal Work & Enforcement
    • Enforce Environmental Laws:
      • Manage a docket of active cases that may include environmental citizen suit litigation, permit challenges, challenges to environmental reviews, etc.
      • Conduct legal research and formulate strategies for citizen enforcement, including supervising factual investigations and compliance sweeps of facilities subject to the Clean Water Act and other environmental laws.
      • Research, secure, and obtain opinions from expert witnesses.
      • Commence and advance enforcement lawsuits with partners and outside counsel.
      • Formulate settlement positions and monitor post settlement compliance.
    • Advise the Watchdog Program.
  • Policy Development and Strategic Planning
    • Maximize Riverkeeper efficiency and achievement in the watersheds.
    • Establish and enhance Riverkeeper presence and effectiveness in the region by:
      • Leading Legal Program efforts on campaigns and policy initiatives to protect and restore the environment, such as work on the GE PCB Superfund cleanup.
      • Reviewing bills, proposed rules, lobbying, testifying at public hearings, developing policy papers, etc.
  • Administrative
    • Monitor Environmental Notice Bulletin and other relevant notices.
    • Coordinate with the Boat and Water Quality Programs, as well as managing attorneys and students at the Pace Environmental Law Clinic to conduct investigations and develop cases.
    • Attend PACE Case Review Clinic when in session.
    • Review and draft comments on administrative matters, including proposed rulemakings, Superfund milestones, permit applications, and environmental review documents.
    • Review site specific legal documents
    • File local, state and federal information requests.
    • Coordinate with the Program Director and President to brief and explain legal actions to the Board for approval.

  The listed responsibilities are intended to describe the essential functions of the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.

  Qualifications

  Did you know that research shows that women and people from underrepresented 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 next role for you if you are:

  An experienced environmental attorney with an exceptional commitment to the environment and a strong academic and experiential-learning record. Exceptional candidates with more experience will also be considered for a Senior Attorney position. You should be either admitted to practice law in New York State, or qualified to be admitted upon motion, or, if necessary, qualified to sit for the next administration of the New York State bar exam. We expect that this position will involve considerable liaison with federal and state agencies; therefore, experience working with or within governmental agencies would be desirable.

  This position also requires:

  • a strong commitment to Riverkeeper’s mission and goals and possess a general familiarity with non-profit environmental organizations;
  • familiarity with New York State and federal administrative and environmental law;
  • at least 3-6 years of litigation and advocacy experience for Staff Attorney;
  • excellent writing, research and communication skills;
  • someone who is energetic, creative, well organized, independent, hard-working, personable, with a sense of humor; and
  • a flexible work schedule, must be willing to work some evenings, and frequently travel throughout the Hudson Valley and New York City for meetings.

   

  Riverkeeper prefers to hire Attorneys with:

  • training or experience in environmental policy;
  • training or experience in public oral advocacy and working with media;
  • training or experience with the Clean Water Act, RCRA, NEPA, NY SEQRA, CERCLA, and/or the Atomic Energy Act.

  Location
  This position will be a hybrid position, located in Ossining, NY. Currently, most staff are primarily working remotely with a few days per month in the office.

  Compensation and Benefits
  Compensation is commensurate with experience, dependent on whether Staff Attorney or Senior Attorney, ranging from $80,000 to $100,000. This exempt position is full time (37.5 hours/week). Occasional evenings and weekend work will be required, and flex time encouraged. Riverkeeper offers health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage, 403B, vacation, sick, personal days, as well as parental leave and other benefits.

  Application Procedure:
  Please submit your resume, writing sample, and cover letter as well as a list of at least 3 professional references to [email protected]. Please write ‘Staff Attorney’ in the subject line. The position will be open until filled. Phone calls will not be accepted.

  Riverkeeper is an AA/EEO employer. Riverkeeper is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of us to realize our potential. Our work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law.
  People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

• Mill Creek Request for Proposal

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  Request for Proposals (RFP):

  Riverkeeper is requesting proposals for qualified engineering firms to develop design plans to remove the Kenwood Mill Dam.

  Project Overview:
  The Kenwood Mill Dam (NYS ID: 226-1334, Federal ID: NY13732) located at 52 Washington St. in the City of Rensselaer is a 50-feet long and 6-foot high concrete, gravity dam built on Mill Creek. Mill Creek is a perennial tributary to the Hudson River and the Kenwood Mill Dam represents the first upstream barrier for diadromous species seeking upstream passage. The Kenwood Dam was built in 1917 to power machinery for Hyuck Felt Company. The felt company is no longer active and the mill has been converted into office space. Mill Creek now flows under the Capital View Office Park, which houses the NYS Children and Family Services.

  Riverkeeper has obtained a binding agreement with the property owners to remove the Kenwood Mill Dam. In partial fulfillment of this objective, Riverkeeper has been awarded a NYSDEC Tributary Connectivity grant to develop plans to remove all the structural components of the dam. Riverkeeper has secured up to $117,000 to hire a qualified engineering firm with the technical expertise to design the plan (or phased plan) to remove the Kenwood Mill Dam and facilitate fish passage in the dam’s absence.

  The full set of engineering plans should include the following elements: site assessment, investigation of the dam, local infrastructure assessment, structural analysis, hydrologic and hydraulic model (H&H), site survey, sediment analysis, historical analysis, construction costs, permitting costs, stability of revetments, restoration of disturbed areas, engineering schematics, and any other engineering design requirements needed to remove the Kenwood Dam, while ensuring the integrity of surrounding structures and infrastructure as well as the bidirectional passage of fish species. It is conceivable the available grant funding will not fully cover the costs for the entirety of the engineering plans. Prospective engineering firms should be prepared to propose how many of the required engineering plan elements they can produce with the available funding. The engineering firm chosen to produce the first phase of engineering plans may also be retained to produce the remaining engineering plan elements and carry out shovel-ready actions. The process for selection for subsequent phases will be determined after additional funding is secured.

  Selection Procedure:
  In order to apply for this RFP, prospective engineering firms must be able to demonstrate successful removal of 3 dams within the past 10 years. Selection preference may be scored higher for engineering firms that can demonstrate successful removal of a dam(s) in NYS within the past 5 years.

  Additionally, qualified engineering firms must be able to demonstrate or articulate previous experience with some or all, but not be limited to the following criteria:

  • Structure and infrastructure analyses
  • Scour analyses
  • Capacity to generate H&H models
  • Proficient knowledge of local, state and, federal requirements and appropriate authorizations to successfully remove a dam in NYS
  • Supportive cooperation with local, state and federal agencies, project stakeholders, public, property managers, and property owners on other projects
  • Keen understanding of riverine and geomorphic processes
  • Environmental engineering and design
  • Aquatic ecology, especially with regard to the Hudson River and Mill Creek
  • Functional understanding of fish passage requirements
  • Ability to implement creative solutions to complex river issues
  • Landscape design and bank stabilization upon completion of projects

   

  Riverkeeper will then initiate a competitive bidding process that begins with qualified engineering firms who meet the preliminary selection criteria. Applicants should contact George Jackman or Maddie Feaster from Riverkeeper via email to express intentions to compete for the bid. If the firms can demonstrate the minimum requirements, Riverkeeper will schedule a pre-proposal site visit for qualified firms to examine the project area. Upon visiting the site, competing engineers will have two weeks to answer preliminary questions, and three business weeks thereafter to return a full project proposal to Riverkeeper.

  Following initial email inquiries, pre-proposal site visit, submission of written responses, and submission of the completed proposal, a review and possible interview will occur. Riverkeeper will then evaluate proposals based upon cost, clarity, appropriate answers to the written questions, presentation of the proposal, innovativeness, and cost-effective strategies to complete the project. Riverkeeper will rank the proposals in hiring preference. Riverkeeper will then enter contract negotiations with the top ranked firm. If contract negotiations with the selected firm fail for any reason, the next firm in the ranking will be notified.

  Scope of Services:
  The basic scope of services shall include to a greater or lesser extent, but may not be limited to the following project elements:

  • Technical analysis: The selected firm will complete a technical and structural analysis, ensuring stability of surrounding structures, infrastructure, and revetments.
  • Hydraulic and Hydrologic modeling (H&H): Additional hydraulic modeling may be required based on the results of the preliminary design.
  • Sediment sampling: The selected firm will conduct collection of sediment samples and analysis. Based on guidance from state officials, additional sediment analysis may be needed.
  • Permitting: The selected firm will identify and pursue all permits and approvals needed to proceed to construction phases, support permit application process and pre-application to appropriate agencies.
  • Engineering firm deliverables and deconstruction planning: The selected firm will produce a design report with the following elements:
    • Alternatives analysis, summary of project sequence, sediment management plan, and permitting sequence.
    • Technical structural analysis and infrastructure analysis, scour analysis, flow control if necessary, preliminary designs for dam deconstruction, and landscape design, disturbance restoration upon completion of the project.
    • Impoundment restoration, bank and structural stabilization as necessary and as completely as possible.
  • The selected firm will provide cost estimates for all alternatives feasibly considered.
  • The selected firm will complete final design elements -if possible- with the relevant information available at the time.
  • The selected firm will assist Riverkeeper in developing a framework for alternatives if necessary. The framework will help project partners compare the benefits and challenges of each alternative.
  • The selected firm will consult with Riverkeeper personnel and NYSDEC officials as needed to refine the analysis of the project area and final design plans.
  • The selected firm will engage with Riverkeeper as often as weekly to discuss project progress. The project partners will hold monthly administrative meetings to ensure progress of the plan ensues appropriately. A representative from the selected firm should be available for each meeting.
  • The selected firm will be required to meet project deadlines and present findings at public meetings to municipal administrators, NYSDEC representatives, and elected officials as needed. A final summary and presentation of relevant information may be required after the project period stated in this RFP.
  • The selected firm will support funding applications for additional phases of the removal process and impoundment restoration project that may begin after the conclusion of the design phase.

   

  The scope of services may change with unforeseen circumstances. However, significant changes to the accepted plans will be subject to the approval of Riverkeeper in consultation with NYSDEC or other grant funders and/or property owners.

  Currently, $117,000 is available and proposals for this RFP should not exceed that amount. Proposed activities covered within the aforementioned cost must be completed within 12 months of a signed contract between Riverkeeper and the selected firm. Extensions beyond 12 months may be considered, but will require additional approval. Firms should stipulate anticipated needs for extensions in their proposal. At logical phases in the project timeline, the firm may be required to provide progress reports to Riverkeeper who will distribute to property owners or grant funders as required.

  Riverkeeper is actively pursuing additional funding sources to complete the entirety of the dam removal project. In addition to the materials below, applicants should provide a brief supplemental estimate of costs and a brief summary of the anticipated tasks that go beyond the scope of work in this first phase of the project but will be required to complete a comprehensive, final design plan and required permits for active removal phases of the dam. Supplemental estimates for services beyond the scope of work included in the $117,000 will not be considered binding, but will help inform Riverkeeper’s future fundraising efforts.

  For future phases of the project beyond the scope of work agreed upon, the same firm may be granted the option to complete the plans to obtain a shovel-ready project.

  Pre-Proposal Site Visit and Submission of Proposal:
  A pre-proposal site visit will occur on two pre-selected dates that will be announced to accommodate the respondents. There will be no further chance to visit the property if the two dates are missed. According to contract agreements, all access to the project site must be scheduled beforehand and accompanied by Riverkeeper staff to ensure adequate notification to onsite security staff and the property manager. A pre-proposal site visit is not mandatory for this RFP, but is strongly suggested to comprehend the potential complexities associated with the project site.

  Selection of the top-ranked firm will be based upon a predetermined set of evaluation criteria determined by Riverkeeper as outlined on page 2 of this RFP. Respondents must submit their proposal in strict accordance with all requirements of this RFP stated herein. The respondent’s proposal must not be marked as confidential or proprietary to the respondent. Riverkeeper may refuse to consider a proposal if so marked. All proposals will become the property of Riverkeeper, subject to disclosure laws and all Riverkeeper policies and procedures.

  No obligation, either expressed or implied, exists on the part of Riverkeeper to issue an award or agree to compensate for any costs incurred in the preparation or submission of a proposal in response to this RFP. All costs associated with the preparation or submission of proposals covered by this RFP are solely the responsibility of the respondent. Engineering firms must maintain full transparency during all stages of the process with Riverkeeper staff assigned to this project if awarded the contract.

  When applying to this RFP, please send all inquiries to George Jackman or Maddie Feaster. Contact information is listed below. Due to hybrid working conditions or in the field on other projects, all voice messages must be left on George’s mobile number listed below.

  Proposal Elements and Request for Qualifications (RFQ):
  All respondents must include the following information with your completed proposal:

  • Project Summary Narrative (5 pages maximum)
    • A project summary narrative defining the respondent’s interpretation of the scope of the project. While river restoration is outside the scope of this request, discussion of possible river restoration enhancements of Mill Creek that would conceivably promote improved fish passage while also ensuring resiliency of the impacted structures from intense rain events expected to increase with climate change is encouraged.
    • Propose which of the following engineering plan elements can be produced with the available funding: site assessment, investigation of the dam, local infrastructure assessment, structural analysis, hydrologic and hydraulic model (H&H), site survey, sediment analysis, historical analysis, construction costs, permitting costs, stability of revetments, restoration of disturbed areas, engineering schematics, and any other engineering design requirements needed to remove the Kenwood Dam, while ensuring the integrity of surrounding structures and infrastructure as well as the upstream fish passage of targeted species.
  • General anticipated project schedule or timeline (1 page).
  • Detailed budget itemizing hourly rates, overhead factors, and all other details by which project costs have been derived.
  • Additional pertinent information as deemed necessary by the respondent (1 page).
  • A 1-page summary of additional, anticipated activities not listed in the Basic Scope of Services above but that are likely required to advance the removal process through the completion of a technical analysis of infrastructure in the impoundment and a comprehensive removal design. Include an estimate of funds required by the firm to complete or support the additional activities. The estimates provided in this section will not be considered binding, but may inform future contract extensions, request for proposals, and fundraising efforts.
  • RFQ:
    • Background description of firm and institutional structure.
    • Firm profile that includes a list of team members that will be assigned to this project.
    • Principal team member profiles.
    • Technical Expertise Profiles. Attach a brief summary for each member of the team and detail relevant experience, length of service with the firm, educational background, professional background, along with the percent of the project for which they will be responsible. Include individual’s professional certifications, a brief discussion of their relevant work experience and their hourly rates. Sub-consultant’s roles on the project should also be listed.
    • In addition to a general list of representative projects, applicants select one or two previously completed projects of similar size and scope for reference. Please select projects (if possible) that have been completed within the past year but not more than seven years ago. Please include a detailed description of services rendered, the name, contact information of the client’s project manager, and the name and contact information of the general contractor and the contractor that completed the work.

   

  Contact information:
  George Jackman
  Senior Habitat Restoration Manager
  Riverkeeper, Inc.
  [email protected]
  (718) 736-3991

  Maddie Feaster
  Habitat Restoration Project Manager
  Riverkeeper, Inc.
  [email protected]
  (631) 513-2399