INTRODUCTION
The San Juan Bay Estuary (“Estuary”) is seeking to hire an intersectoral collaboration facilitator to assist in the detection and remediation of illegal discharges within the San Juan Bay Estuary and its watershed. Specifically, this facilitator will lead the Estuary’s efforts to conceptualize and develop a citizen participation strategy through the Community Water Network, with the goal of promoting citizen mobilization and collective action in water restoration and conservation.
Established in 1994, the San Juan Bay Estuary is an alliance of public and private entities committed to their collective responsibility to restore and conserve the waters and associated ecosystems of the San Juan Bay Estuary and its watershed to ensure the prosperity of our tropical ecosystems, the health of our communities, and the vitality of the economy in the San Juan Bay Estuary and its urban watershed. The Estuary Office serves as a catalyst and facilitator for this alliance and operates as a trusted, science-based, nonprofit regional organization registered with the Puerto Rico Department of State.
The citizen participation effort in the Community Water Network (Network) is one of three components of the Estuary Monitoring and Remediation Project, along with the Illegal Discharge Detection and Remediation Project and the Public Health Initiative. The Network serves as a platform for citizen mobilization and collective action, comprised of entities and individuals who, from their respective spheres, work to ensure and support water justice in our communities. The Estuary's participation in the Network aims to achieve the sustainability of the Illegal Discharge Detection and Remediation Project (IDDE). IDDE is the first monitoring program in Puerto Rico that systematically detects and identifies major polluting areas at the sub-basin scale by training and empowering citizens to identify and monitor illegal discharges throughout the estuary and its watershed. The Participation Facilitator translates technical knowledge for the public to develop awareness and citizen participation in the discharge prevention and remediation process.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The main function of the Participation Facilitator is to implement a citizen participation strategy and protocol so that communities and various members of the Community Water Network can support the work of the team detecting and correcting illegal discharges.
As part of their duties, the Participation Facilitator must:
- Working with the technical team of Detection and Elimination of Illegal Downloads (IDDE) to translate technical knowledge and information into a language accessible to the public.
- Work with the Illicit Download Detection and Elimination (IDDE) technical team to identify critical areas and affected individuals to work with.
- Work with the Estuary's Citizen Science and Education team to ensure that the training component is nurtured and aligned with the Estuary's other educational efforts.
- Continue the implementation of the current citizen participation strategy and the training process of the Estuary Community Water Network, guided by the principles and approach of participatory action research, popular environmental education and the systematization of experiences and involve the Community Water Network.
As a contractor for the Estuary, the Participation Facilitator must:
- Coordinate all meetings with stakeholders, the public, or the Estuary team as needed.
- Attend each and every meeting required with Estuary or the IDDE project team to prepare and complete all project documents.
- Submit periodic written reports to Estuary once a month or when requested.
- Cover the costs of own tools and field trips, including transportation, computer, software and licenses, materials, etc.
- Be able to work outside of Estuary offices and attend as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates interested in applying for this position must have the following qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, Master's degree (preferred)
- Formal education in Education, Environmental Science, Social Science, Ecology, Planning (preferably)
- Experience in developing and facilitating citizen participation processes and programs in collaboration with communities, preferably within the San Juan Bay Estuary basin.
- Experience in developing and executing successful projects related to environmental and/or scientific issues that involve facilitation and community participation processes (teaching and learning) in Puerto Rico.
- Experience in planning and facilitating workshops, presentations and activities with communities related to environmental and/or scientific topics.
- Experience working with volunteer projects in the Estuary, particularly in relation to water quality monitoring (preferably).
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish.
- Effective interpersonal communication skills and cultural competence
- Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, social media, and other virtual platforms/software to support engagement and participation activities.
- Certified “MBE/WBE” (women- and minority-owned businesses) and other certified minority and small businesses may apply.
HOW TO APPLY
Individuals interested in this opportunity should submit their application by email. The email should be sent to [email protected] and the subject line should specify the job title, “Participation Facilitator - IDDE Project”.
Each application must include the following components:
- Cover letter demonstrating how the combination of the individual's qualifications, experience, and capabilities positions them as an ideal candidate for the position.
- Resume/CV that:
- Highlights the individual's experience working with the National Estuary Program and/or non-profit organizations.
- Include at least two concrete examples of similar projects, highlighting the individual's achievements and the project's impact.
- Three references, including a summary of the scope of work performed for each one.
Source of funding: State Revolving Fund Grant C-72-250-03
The Corporation for the Conservation of the SJBE provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
