Watershed Coordinator info.

[rvranglr]

I saw a reference on one of these boards to a watershed coordinator on the Darby. As we have WCs out this way, I'm wondering how they compare. Is there anyplace on-line I can go to get some information about the positions in Ohio?

If not, can anyone tell me what are the general duties of the WC in Ohio? Who funds the position(s)? Who do they report to? Full time or part time? contractor or employee, etc., etc.

Also, does Ohio have a statewide watershed program? Where might I look for information on that?

Thanks for any help.

JB

[ecoangler]

JB.
Go to www.theoec.org. Looking in the search function and I suspect you'll find what your looking for.

[Admin]

rick, that link is not good.

[ecoangler]

Thats interesting! It didn't work as I posted. Maybe a typo.

TRY
www.theoec.org

[mikem]

Hello Rvranglr,

I've applied for some of these jobs before in the past and work with these groups on an occasional basis for my current job. I can give you some hints about it.

Watershed coordinators in Ohio are non-profit jobs usually for "friends of ____ Creek" group or something like that. They are mostly grant-funded positions through the Ohio EPA division of Surface Water and ODNR Division of Soil and water conservation. Go to the ODNR site and look the division listed above to find the most info.

Other positions are created and funded by county soil and water conservation districts, and some are funded by city governments.

These positions are mostly full - time. Starting salary is usually about 30-35K or so. Some pay up into the 40's. A bachelor's degree or at least an Associates in something environmental is usually a requirement for these jobs.

As a WC you're basically the front person for a group that is protecting a river, your duties will creating or implementing watershed action plans, fundraising, a lot of planning events, web sites/newsletters, directing comittees, stuff like that. As an advantage you have a lot of ability to positively impact a river in these positions.

The good news if this sounds like you is that these jobs are all over the place. But it's hard work, and I.M.O. due to their relatively fixed salary and limited benefits, turnover is pretty common. There aren't a lot of jobs out there, but the job openings come up on a pretty regular basis.

Best website available is the Ohio Watershed Academy, lots of info. They have a FREE training 2X a year that takes 6 months. Just google Ohio Watershed Academy and you'll be in.

Also, sign up for the Ohio Watershed Network group email on their website,

best of wishes,
mikem

[kokofisher]

If you have any other questions contact Heather Dean at the Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW). Her Title is Watershed Coordinator and may be able to offer you some insight. I t sounds like the position is what mikem described it as. She is mostley coordinating activities fo the group.

Regards, Mike

[rvranglr]

Thanks to all for the replies and information. Sounds like they are much the same as out this way. I look forward to following up with the websites and individuals mentioned.

Maybe we can get some of these various "_____ Watershed Network" groups together somewhere to share information. I'll approach a couple of the state networks I know of and see if I can't put them in touch with the Ohio network.

Thanks again.

[Eugene]

As Mike said, these tend to be non-profits, and communication from within can be pretty variable given the relatively high rate of turnover, so some of the contact info on this page will be decidedly out of date:
ohiowatersheds.osu.edu/groups/wgp_all.php

...still, it's a good start.