November 9, 2024
Job posting - International Watershed Coordinator 2024
We're hiring! Applications due by November 22, 2024 with start in mid-December. Read on for details!
CONTRACT TITLE: International Watershed Coordinator
LOCATION: Hybrid combination of work from home and travel throughout Rainy-Lake of the Woods region
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Reports to the Executive Director of the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation.
CONTRACT PERIOD: One-year term contract, possibility for renewal
CONTRACT VALUE: We offer a competitive rate of $60,000 per annum
ORGANIZATION
The Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation (LOWWSF) is a registered Canadian charity based in Kenora, Ontario. Since 2005, LOWWSF has worked to develop a sustainability plan for the multi-national Rainy-Lake of the Woods watershed, including strategies to better manage the nutrients that drive harmful algal blooms, to prevent and respond to aquatic invasive species, to mitigate contamination risks to surface and groundwater, and to ensure systematic monitoring across the watershed.
Our work brings together scientists, policymakers, civil society, and international and domestic governments in Canada, the U.S. and Indigenous nations in the Rainy-Lake of the Woods watershed. Core to our mission, the LOWWSF’s International Watershed Coordination program connects, sustains and supports collaborative watershed governance and activities across the multi-national Rainy-Lake of the Woods watershed.
JOB SUMMARY
This is a multi-faceted role that requires strong organization and proficiency with time management and work-planning, while offering an exciting and dynamic range of experiences and opportunities.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the International Watershed Coordinator (IWC) develops and coordinates a program to cultivate broad and trusting coalitions across the watershed to align local, regional, national, and international entities on actions towards a shared vision and plan for the watershed. The IWC engages with agencies in the watershed, functioning as a liaison among the LOWWSF, the International Joint Commission and its Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board, the International Multi-Agency Arrangement, Indigenous Nations, and civic engagement groups. The IWC also leads LOWWSF’s public education and outreach, including by coordinating the annual International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
The IWC is responsible for:
- inter-agency and international coordination, administration and secretariat duties for collaborating groups and projects throughout the Rainy-Lake of the Woods watershed
- public engagement, outreach, and communications including writing, public speaking, and hosting meetings and events online and in person
- some meeting facilitation
- some website administration
Additionally, the IWC will assist the Executive Director in:
- project proposal development
- data analysis
- report writing
Key activities include:
- Coordinating a project to develop a Canadian domestic phosphorus management plan for Rainy-Lake of the Woods
- Supporting the development and activities of the International Multi-Agency Arrangement, with secretariat support and participation on its technical committees and projects
- Leading the organization of the annual International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum and producing a proceedings report
- Supporting LOWWSF’s participation on the IJC International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board, including assisting with development and review of project proposals, analysis, and reporting
- Enhancing communications of LOWWSF and its watershed coordination program and fostering communications and engagement among groups working in the watershed, including developing and managing content for website, social media, e-newsletter, print media, and an expert webinar series
QUALIFICATIONS
The IWC has a passion for the Lake of the Woods watershed and its environment.
- Citizenship – Canadian citizen or permanent resident (eligible to work in Canada)
- Languages – English is essential. Knowledge of Anishinaabemowin a strong asset
- Education / Experience – Bachelor’s or higher degree, in a field such as biological or environmental sciences or similar or equivalent demonstrated experience. Graduate degree is an asset but not required. Minimum of one year working in the environmental, water resources management, or related field.
Specific Knowledge & Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Ability to work interactively with multiple nations, agencies, and stakeholders from different contexts, countries, and backgrounds. Familiarity with Treaties and Indigenous governance frameworks in Rainy- Lake of the Woods is an asset.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Zoom, data analysis and management, websites content management systems and social media
- Ability to work independently, with own place of work, computer, and software
- Limited travel may be required in the Rainy-Lake of the Woods region, including ability to travel to the USA
Personal Attributes:
- Self-starter and able to work independently, while also being a strong contributor to collaborative teams
- Flexibility and adaptability to an ever-changing work environment
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
- Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize to meet required deadlines
- A drive for success
COMPENSATION
This contract is for a one-year term at a range of $60,000.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications will be accepted until 5pm November 22, 2024.
Please send a resume, the names and contact information of two references, and a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and qualifications to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
No phone calls please. We thank all that apply, but only candidates to be interviewed will be contacted. Preferred start date is mid-December 2024 or as soon thereafter as possible.
For our final Ask an Expert session of 2023, we want to take you on a tour of the International Watershed Coordination program. What is this program and what does the International Watershed Coordinator do?
Teika Newton is the International Watershed Coordinator, working with the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation and the International Joint Commission to support watershed-wide project coordination. A long time participant in watershed governance and management through the International Rainy Lake of the Woods Watershed Board prior to becoming the IWC, Teika has served in the past as the Canadian co-chair to the board's Engagement Committee, Community Advisory Group, and its Adaptive Management Committee. Teika's professional expertise is in climate policy development. She holds a Master's degree in evolutuionary biology from the University of British Columbia. Teika lives and works out of her off-grid house just outside Kenora, Ontario (Treaty 3) with her husband Mike, their kids Maya and Sam, and numerous pets. 
Amanda Bell is a Hydrologist with the US Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center in the Middleton, WI office. Over more than 20 years as an aquatic biologist, she has investigated ecological integrations of aquatic communities in rivers and streams across the US. The impacts of aquatic invasive species are becoming more apparent in the food web dynamics as these exotic species displace native species and disrupt the natural processes and Amanda will join us to talk about AIS work in the Rainy - Lake of the Woods Basin.