West Virginia Rivers Coalition is forming a Technical Advisory Council (TAC) and seeking up to 12 experts to join our inaugural cohort.

The TAC is an independent network of scientific, legal, and policy experts who strengthen the technical basis of our advocacy, expand staff capacity, and help translate emerging research into conservation policy and public understanding. The TAC helps WV Rivers by:

• Providing technical expertise to support campaigns and programs
• Expanding the breadth and depth of expertise available to staff
• Strengthening leadership in water science and conservation policy
• Communicating science and policy to decision-makers and the public

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for people with demonstrated expertise in fields relevant to protecting West Virginia’s rivers, streams, and communities. Areas of expertise may include:

• Freshwater biology
• Hydrology and hydrogeology
• Environmental public health
• Forest ecology and forestry
• Geospatial and data science
• Economics and public policy
• Environmental law
• Other relevant scientific, technical, or policy fields

We’re particularly interested in experts based in West Virginia or with substantial experience working on issues relevant to West Virginia. We also welcome applicants from outside the state whose expertise can contribute to our work.

We seek a council that reflects a diversity of disciplines, perspectives, professional backgrounds, and identities.

What TAC members do

TAC members provide independent scientific, technical, legal, and policy expertise to WV Rivers staff and campaigns, consistent with their areas of expertise, interests, and availability. Members may be asked to:

• Provide scientific, technical, legal, and policy expertise to WV Rivers staff and campaigns on a rolling basis, consistent with their areas of expertise, interests, and availability.
• Provide independent technical judgment and to identify financial, professional, institutional, or other conflicts relevant to matters on which they provide advice.
• Contribute to at least one science or policy communication activity each year, such as a blog post, media interview, webinar, social media content, press release, or conference presentation.
• Meet approximately quarterly online to discuss emerging research and policy issues, collaborative opportunities, communications, and technical-support needs. Additional meetings may be convened as specific needs or opportunities arise. (Meetings are coordinated by the Senior Scientist and Policy Specialist.)

Commitment

TAC members serve two-year terms, with an option to renew. The council will meet approximately quarterly online, with additional meetings as needed. The TAC provides advice and expertise but does not establish or approve WV Rivers policy or legal positions. Membership does not imply endorsement of every position taken by WV Rivers, nor does WV Rivers necessarily endorse the individual views of TAC members.

Please note:

• Membership is voluntary and unpaid.
• Members serve in their individual capacities and are expected to provide independent technical judgment and disclose relevant financial, professional, institutional, or other conflicts of interest.
• Members will be listed on the WV Rivers website with their photo, professional credentials, and area of expertise.

Apply to join the inaugural TAC

If you have expertise that could help strengthen the work of protecting West Virginia’s rivers and streams, we encourage you to apply. Applications for the inaugural cohort are open through September 22, 2026.

Questions about the TAC or application process? Contact Than Hitt (thitt@wvrivers.org) or Maria Russo (mrusso@wvrivers.org).