Mon National Forest Headwaters Campaign Organizer (Independent Contractor) Summer 2025
Reports to: Conservation Manager, West Virginia Rivers Coalition, Inc.
Scope of Work: West Virginia Rivers Coalition Inc. (WV Rivers) is seeking one (or more) local campaign organizer(s) to identify and build local support (primarily in the 10 counties making up the Monongahela National Forest (MNF)) from individuals, businesses, and other local community leaders for two on-going campaigns:
A. West Virginians for Public Lands (WVPL) “Public Lands Bring Us Business” campaign: a program for businesses to become supporters of the efforts to conserve and protect West Virginia public lands.
B. Support for permanent safeguards for 16 MNF headwater streams.
Additional duties may include “tabling” at events in the Mon Forest area; weekly virtual update meetings and written reports; and other duties as mutually agreed.
Contractor activities will be focused in the ten counties in the MNF: Barbour, Grant, Greenbrier, Nicholas, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph, Tucker, and Webster Counties, West Virginia – with emphasis on the towns of Marlinton, Richwood, Davis/Thomas, Elkins, Petersburg, and all other Mon Forest Towns. Depending on the residence of the Contractor, Contractor’s activities may be focused on specific county/ies as agreed upon.
Type of position: This is an independent contractor position. The contractor will set their own schedule. Work will be performed remotely. The contractor will provide their own phone and computer. Some travel may be involved; mileage will be reimbursed at the federal reimbursement rate. West Virginia residency is required.
Contact Term: Start time will be between May 19, 2025, and June 2, 2025 (unless otherwise agreed) and will continue for 10 consecutive weeks. Preference for Contractor to work 20 hours per week, but there is flexibility on the number of hours per week. Length of contract may vary based upon the hours per week of expected work. Expectations regarding hours may be determined and/or revised by the parties.
Responsibilities:
- Building relationships with, and support from, individuals, local businesses (especially recreational-based businesses), and community leaders in the MNF area for the general goals of WV Rivers and West Virginians for Public Lands; and to advance the campaigns stated in the “scope of work.”
- Maintain records of, and report, all contacts (name, address, email address, phone, website, etc.), the result of the contact, and those leaders who have indicated support for joining “Public Lands Bring Us Business” and/or support for permanent safeguards for the MNF headwaters.
- Maintain records of time spent/task performed and submit no less than monthly an invoice for payment, including written time records, and expense reimbursements.
- Organizing and/or attending meetings, events, and tabling opportunities.
Qualifications
- As the contract position involves outreach, meeting with local individuals, businesspersons, landowners, and local community leaders, contractor should be comfortable meeting people, talking about projects, and soliciting support. Good “people skills” and interpersonal communication skills required.
- Familiarity and comfort with local community conditions, values, and expectations. Residence in one of the Mon Forest Counties is HIGHLY desired.
- While no certain length of residence is required, reasonable acceptance of the contractor by others as a member of the local community is expected.
- Previous coalition building, community organizing, or campaign/support building experience highly desired.
- Familiarity and comfort using Office Products (Word, Excel, Outlook) and email.
- General comfort and confidence working in technologies for remote working environments (Zoom and Microsoft Teams).
- West Virginia residency.
- Valid WV driver’s license, and reliable transportation (adequately insured).
- A commitment to equity and justice, and to supporting WV Rivers, WVPL, and the Mon Forest headwaters campaigns.
- A strong passion for WV Rivers’ overall mission and for policy protections of headwaters.
Compensation
The contract hourly rate will be determined based upon experience and qualifications with an expected rate of $25.00 per hour. As this is a part-time contracted position, Contractor will not qualify for benefits and will be issued a 1099-NEC.
Totals: Contractor work not to exceed $5,000.00, plus previously agreed upon cost reimbursements.
How to Apply
Please submit email addressed to mjones@wvrivers.org, attaching your cover letter and resume, with your name and “MNF Headwater Campaign Organizer” in the subject line. Position(s) is (are) open until filled.
About West Virginia Rivers Coalition
WV Rivers is the statewide voice for clean water for all, healthy and conserved public lands, and keeping West Virginians informed about water and land conservation issues and providing advocacy methods. WV Rivers was founded by outdoor enthusiasts who care deeply about the Mountain State’s renowned free-flowing waters, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities. We believe that clean water is the foundation of life, and that all people should respect and be able to enjoy clean West Virginia rivers and streams. We are also the West Virginia state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation and a licensed program of the Waterkeeper Alliance.
WV Rivers aspires to be an inclusive multicultural organization that celebrates the rich dimensions of diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious, and political beliefs. Diversity at WV Rivers translates into understanding and valuing all perspectives to fully accomplish our mission and vision for clean water for all and our other programs. Applicants must share a commitment to fostering values of diversity, inclusion, and equity in justice in all aspects of our programming and advocacy. All are welcome and encouraged to apply for this contract position. WV Rivers does not discriminate in any hiring or contracting decisions.
