Lake County Watershed Coordinator — Hybrid/Field Work

Fremont Economic Development Corp.; Leadville (CO); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Paid time off

SIMPLE IRA matching contributions

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Arkansas River Watershed Collaborative (ARWC) seeks a Lake County Watershed Coordinator to oversee planning, on‑the‑ground implementation, monitoring, and reporting across Lake County projects. The role involves coordinating diverse partners, conducting fieldwork, and ensuring deliverables on a growing portfolio of landscape restoration efforts.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in natural resource management or related fields, strong communication skills, and will travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Two years of demonstrated and relevant experience in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Hydrology, or another similar field.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects and tasks efficiently, even in a demanding environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work with diverse partners.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate ARWC watershed projects in Lake County, including planning, fieldwork, and reporting.
• Develop and foster partnerships with government and nonprofit partners to advance projects.
• Support budgeting, grant prep, and reporting in collaboration with the Executive Director.

Skills

Project coordination

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Fieldwork

Data collection

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

ArcGIS

Survey123

GPS

ESRI

Job description

Closing Date: Open until filled; early application encouraged

Work Arrangement: Home office based in Lake County, Colorado. Some travelrequired

Job Classification: Full-Time, Hourly (Non-Exempt)

Location: Lake County,

Compensation: $26-30 per hour ($54,080-$62,400/year), based on experience

Position Overview

The Arkansas River Watershed Collaborative (ARWC) seeks a motivated individual toforest and watershed health projects across Lake County, Colorado. Reporting to theExecutive Director (ED), the Lake County Watershed Coordinator (LCWC) willcoordinate on-the-ground watershed projects, build relationships agency andcommunity partners, and support ARWC’s growing portfolio of landscape-scalerestoration and planning work. Projects include the Upper Arkansas ComprehensiveWatershed Restoration project, Willow Fire Recovery, River Watch, CO StrategicWildfire Protection Plan, and the Headwaters Wildfire Ready Action Plan. Required inperson River Watch training October 28-31.

The LCWC will oversee planning, on-the-ground implementation, and comprehensivemonitoring and reporting for projects in Lake County and the headwaters of ArkansasBasin. Our ideal candidate will have experience in natural resource management,environmental science, hydrology, or another similar area. Our ideal candidate hasworked with a diverse set of partners to coordinate successful conservation projects inthe past, has excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and has the flexibilityand enthusiasm to help colleagues with complex projects. They thrive working withothers in public, office, and field.

ARWC is growing, and this role offers real opportunity to develop professionally whiledoing meaningful work for the communities and landscapes of the Arkansas Basin.

About ARWC

The Arkansas River Watershed Collaborative (ARWC) unites partners and communitiesacross Colorado's Arkansas River Basin to restore landscapes, reduce wildfire risk, andprotect water resources. From proactive forest health treatments and stream restorationto community engagement and education, ARWC works across 28,000 square miles —from Leadville to the Kansas border — to build a more resilient basin. We're a small,mission-driven team doing big work: strengthening forest resilience, restoringwatersheds, and empowering the communities that depend on them. Learn more atarkcollaborative.org.

Core Responsibilities

Program Coordination (50%)

• Implement ARWC watershed projects in Lake County such as CA Gulch culvertreplacements and fire recovery work

• Work with government and nonprofit partners to develop and executeinnovative projects.

• Assist ARWC forester with mitigation projects, including planning, fieldwork,and reporting.

• Participate in community outreach and collaboration efforts related to waterquality, restoration, and forest health.

• Support local Community Wildfire Protection Plans and other collaborativeplanning efforts such as the Lake County Wildfire Ready Watershedprogram.

Project Development (25%)

• Cultivate and enhance community partnerships to advance new projects and ashared vision throughout the basin.

• Work with government and nonprofit partners to develop new and innovativeprojects.

• See out new funding sources and grant opportunities.

Monitoring and Evaluation (10%)

• Conduct site visits for progress evaluation, data collection, and documentationpurposes.

• Analyze collected data to determine project efficacy and prepare comprehensivereports

Administrative & Other Duties (15%)

• Support budgeting process, grant preparation, and reporting in collaboration withthe Executive Director.

• Maintain systems to organize project records and ensure timelines anddeliverables are met

• Develop and follow safety protocols for fieldwork including working alone,driving, and using tools.

• Assist colleagues with projects across the basin, as needed.

• Two years of demonstrated and relevant experience in Natural ResourceManagement, Environmental Science, Hydrology, or another similar field.

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects and tasks efficiently, even ina demanding environment, while consistently meeting objectives and deadlines.

• Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills, a commitment to team collaboration, andthe ability to operate independently in a self-directed environment.

• Experience coordinating projects with a diverse range of partners.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel and use a personalvehicle, as necessary, to perform work-related activities – travel expenses will bereimbursed.

• Job duties are in various settings, including office, vehicle, or outdoors in allpossible weather conditions. You must possess the physical ability to hikethrough Colorado's varied landscapes and travel via vehicle over rough terrain,sometimes in remote locations and in varying weather conditions. You must beable to stand, sit, walk, talk, or listen for extended periods. You may be requiredto carry up to 50 pounds for 100 feet.

• Successful applicants must be able to pass a background check beforebeginning work.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, other typical office software

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of the principles of natural resources managementin the Mountain West

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field preferred.

• Experience with volunteer management, team leadership, and/or oversight ofcontractors.

• Experience or willingness to learn using forestry hand and power tools

• Proficiency with ESRI, GPS, and data collection apps (ArcGIS Collector,Survey123) and experience with online platforms for grant applications andreport submissions.Joining ARWC means…

• A chance to be part of a small but mighty team with opportunities to grow and learn.

• A significant role in a nonprofit that’s making a tangible impact on the ArkansasRiver Basin’s future.

• A position with travel and the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangementLocationTo best serve the needs of our basin, ARWC employees are located throughout theorganization’s service territory. Staff work primarily from home offices and travel toproject sites when necessary. We also have dedicated office space at ColoradoMountain College, Leadville campus. This position will largely be responsible forprojects in Lake County but travel to adjacent counties or other parts of the state maybe required. Preference will be given to candidates residing in or near Lake County,Colorado. Potential relocation assistance may be available to highly qualifiedcandidates.

Compensation and BenefitsThis is a full-time, hourly position with an average of 40 hours/week. Compensation iscommensurate with qualifications and experience, but we anticipate hiring between $26and $30/hour. ARWC offers a generous benefits package, including health insurance,life and disability insurance, paid time off (sick, vacation, holidays), SIMPLE IRAmatching contributions, and flexible work arrangements

How to Apply: This position is open until filled, but preference will be given tocandidates who apply by August 24. Early applications are strongly recommended.Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter, 2) resume (max 3 pages), and 3) list of 3references (in a single pdf) by e-mail to [e-mail] with the subject line:“Lake County Watershed Coordinator”. References will only be contacted if you areselected for a final interview.Please respond to the following questions in your cover letter

1. Why does watershed health work in Colorado matter to you?

2. Please describe your experience relevant to the position’s core responsibilities.

3. Why are you interested in working for ARWC?

**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.