Job Title: Environmental Manager
Location: Haywood County
About Haywood Waterways Association: Haywood Waterways Association (HWA) is a nonprofit association dedicated to maintaining and improving the water quality of the Pigeon River. Our focus is reducing non-point pollution in the Pigeon River Watershed. We work toward this goal through a variety of voluntary initiatives. These include providing educational programs to people of all ages, gathering water quality data and information, sharing information through various means to increase public awareness, supporting greenway efforts, and obtaining grants and other resources to address nonpoint pollution problems. We are funded by contributions from members, grants, and donations. Formed in 1998 by a handful of concerned citizens in partnership with local governments, our organization has continued to support and bolster water quality measures across Haywood County.
Job Description:
The Environmental Manager (EM) role is multifaceted and requires an individual who is educated in aquatic biology and has a willingness and ability to educate and manage many of our environmental programs. The position reports directly to the Executive Director. The position manages the following programs: Education, Outreach, Kids in the Creek, Septic Repair, Phase II, and Monitoring. The position will also oversee and lead volunteer plantings and cleanups, member hikes and paddles, aquatic workshops, guided tours, and educational workshops.
This is a 50/50 in-office/field position throughout the year. Other duties as assigned. HWA is a small team and prioritizes a healthy work-life balance. This position is hybrid, working in the office, at home, or in the field as needed. Office and work site visits are required due to the nature of the job, as such we prefer the applicant to live within Haywood County or a neighboring area. Mileage reimbursement (within the county) and office/field equipment will be provided. CPR training will also be provided. Weekend work may be required at times and a shift in work schedule is provided to ensure minimal disruption to personal schedules.
Term of Service:
The position is considered regular part-time (24 – 28 hours per week; 52 weeks per year). The term of service is expected to continue beyond one year.
Responsibilities: The Environmental Manager, with input from the Executive Director and staff, will perform or supervise the following tasks:
Education
● Engage and educate youth and adult groups
● Manage education partnerships
● Develop education programming and materials
● Oversee, educate, and implement Kids in the Creek program
● Lead aquatic workshops
● Present at community workshops
Outreach
● Manage booth at local events
● Lead groups paddles & watershed hikes
● Lead public snorkeling events
● Develop outreach materials (website, brochure, etc.)
● Attend public meetings and presentations as needed
● Deploy to outdoor settings to obtain outreach footage
Environmental
● Manage the Septic Repair program
● Oversee and implement MS4 Phase II programs
● Manage the Monitoring program and volunteers
● Plantings – setup and lead volunteer events
● Cleanups – setup and lead volunteer events
● Oversee greenway maintenance program
● Conduct site visits as needed
Qualifications:
● Associate Degree in Environmental Sciences, Biology, or a similar area (preferred)
● Experience: environmental monitoring, education, nonprofit, or a similar area: 1 year (preferred)
● Ability to work with school age children, inside and outside the classroom setting
● Able to work independently and as part of a team
● Ability to communicate in a timely manner with team and organizational partners
● Able to take ownership and drive activities to completion
● Proven ability to manage multiple, overlapping programs with minimal supervision
Qualities:
● Creative problem-solving and desire for organizational development
● Affinity to the natural sciences and a desire to protect our local environment
● Passion, integrity, and a sense of humor
Physical Requirements:
● Ability to drive a vehicle
● Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. of equipment, supplies or materials in the office or the field
● Strong swimmer and ability to paddle, comfortable around and in river systems
● Must have the ability to sit or stand at a desk, type, bend, twist
● Ability to traverse rugged terrain such as steep streambanks, and to tolerate exposure to outdoor elements and varying weather conditions in all seasons
● Reasonable accommodations will be made to allow a person to perform essential functions
Employee Benefits:
● Paid Time Off and Holidays
Non-Discrimination Policy:
HWA is an equal opportunity employer and our hiring policies and practices are applicable without regard to race, age, gender, religion, national origin, physical ability, or sexual orientation.
Compensation:
$25/hr. We have office space in Waynesville, but allow for flexibility in working from home as necessary.
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume/CV plus two professional references to [email protected]. Include “Environmental Manager” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. We encourage applicants to apply by 5:00 pm on October 24th, 2025.