Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper
Are you passionate about protecting local waters? Do you like connecting with community members and helping to build a positive movement and implement change? Are you a solutions-oriented person with the courage to stand up to polluters? Are you equally at home out on the water and speaking to a crowd? Do you want to be part of a dynamic and supportive team? Will you be the strong voice that helps us answer to the water?
Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper (PBWK) seeks a full-time Waterkeeper to help us implement the pillars of our clean water goals - advocate, investigate, inspire, and thrive - as defined in our board-approved and recently published 5-year strategic plan. The Waterkeeper will report to the Executive Director and will be the primary person responsible for managing and growing programs.
PBWK is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, an international movement with the mission to strengthen and grow a global network of grassroots leaders protecting everyone’s right to clean water. The Waterkeeper will be a full-time employee of PBWK who is independently licensed by the Waterkeeper Alliance.
The most critical skills for this position are excellent writing and public speaking, the ability to energize and engage our community, and persistence in pursuing restoration and advocacy opportunities. Experience with advocacy and/or regulatory enforcement is highly preferred.
The Waterkeeper will primarily work out of our recently acquired property located along the Little River in Belfast, though frequent field work and travelling throughout the Penobscot Bay watershed will be required. Longer travel will occasionally be required for professional conferences and events, including the Waterkeeper Alliance regional and international conferences. This is a full-time position with required flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and longer hours when necessary. The employee must live in, or be willing to relocate to, the communities where we work.
This position offers a competitive benefits package and a salary range from $70,000 to $90,000, based on experience and qualifications. This position will ideally start on or about May 15, 2026.
PBWK is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all applicants. This position uses a wide variety of skills; we encourage you to apply if you think you would be a good fit and have a passion for clean water, even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications.
Founded in 2018 by a group of grassroots citizens concerned with the health of local waters, Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper envisions a thriving Penobscot Bay Watershed that nurtures all life, and works everyday to fulfill its mission to boldly advocate for the health of the Penobscot Bay Watershed through science, public action, and community engagement. We value and prioritize collaboration with other stakeholders, including conservation groups and local community members, and are ultimately action-oriented and unapologetic advocates for a healthy watershed. We answer to the water.
The Board of Directors and staff leadership, with input from diverse partners and community stakeholders, have initiated a new strategic plan to protect the Penobscot Bay Watershed. The full strategic plan can be reviewed at www.penbaywaterkeeper.org/strategic-plan
To read more about the history of Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper, please visit our history page at
www.penbaywaterkeeper.org/history.
ADVOCACY AND ENFORCEMENT
Be the lead advocate for the Penobscot Bay, Penobscot River, and all waters of the watershed by building and maintaining relationships with local elected officials and government staff, representing PBWK at meetings and hearings, and networking and prioritizing participation with other advocacy groups and collaborators.
Patrol and monitor the watershed and land to assess threats to water quality, record and respond to citizen pollution reports, and document and report potential pollution issues. Take action to ensure observed pollution issues are remediated appropriately; this includes taking enforcement and legal action when necessary.
Proactively identify emerging developments, regulations, rules, plans, and trends that may affect water quality in the watershed and respond appropriately. This includes participating in the decision-making process to establish regulations and plans.
Proactively monitor point source pollution permits and participate in the decision-making process establishing or re-issuing such permits.
Participate in the Waterkeeper Alliance and Regional Waterkeeper groups.
WATER QUALITY MONITORING
Operate and maintain the Waterkeeper boat, including for water quality monitoring, pollution source monitoring, responding to citizen alerts, and hosting partners.
Participate in the Maine Coastal Observing Alliance’s water quality monitoring program, engage with and investigate water quality monitoring efforts by relevant government agencies and NGOs, and implement other water quality monitoring programs as needed.
Conduct additional testing and analysis as needed to respond to citizen reports, identify potential pollution hotspots, and to target subsequent restoration and outreach efforts.
Analyze and communicate water quality data to diverse, new, and established communities.
OUTREACH AND Engagement
Proactively engage with our communities to provide education and outreach on water quality issues and to encourage adoption of best practices.
Apply for and manage grants for restoration and outreach initiatives, including identifying funding sources; developing potential projects and partnerships; writing proposals; and managing grant budgets, hours, and reporting requirements.
Manage and develop ongoing programs and volunteer groups to implement our mission and strategic plan.
Manage and participate in volunteer Waterkeeper Advisory Councils.
Develop effective working relationships with media, regulatory agencies, and governing bodies to raise awareness and facilitate the protection of the watershed.
Attend and present at conferences and trainings as a way to broadcast our skill sets, accomplishments, and innovative strategies for watershed protection.
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree, with a focus on environment, science, or policy preferred, but not required. Law degree or legal background is a plus.
5+ year’s work experience in a relevant field, with related work experience related to the Penobscot Bay watershed strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience with grant and program management including grant-writing, organizational skills, budgeting, and coordination.
An understanding of aquatic ecosystems, watershed issues, regulatory issues, and the local factors that influence local water quality.
Familiarity with environmental law and policy, especially relating to water quality in Maine.
Experience with community engagement, including public speaking, volunteer management, and participation in workgroups.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Excellent written and oral communication skills. and demonstrated ability to speak confidently in a public forum.
Critical thinking, analysis, and problem solving skills.
Ability to be diplomatic in adversarial situations.
Ability to work independently, manage other staff or volunteers, work as a team player, and collaborate effectively.
Experience and familiarity with operating boats in open waters in varying conditions.
Experience with water quality testing techniques, protocols, and equipment.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and other standard office software and tasks.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to hiring@penbaywaterkeeper.org with “Waterkeeper Application” in the subject line.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until March 31, 2026 or until the position is filled.
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