What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Resources Director position at Protect Our Water Jackson Hole?
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 a senior leader 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.)
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 County
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. Email cover letter and resume
to Phil Powers: phil@protectourwaterjh.org