Water Ambassador

TreePeople has partnered with Los Angeles County Public Works in an exciting opportunity to advance the 14 Safe, Clean Water Program (SCWP) goals. The Safe, Clean Water Public Education and Community Engagement Program will support public education and community engagement efforts related to stormwater and urban runoff capture within the LA County Flood Control District. The Water Ambassador program seeks to amplify Safe, Clean Water Program messaging, and improve the connection between community members and SCWP participation. 

The following objectives of the TreePeople Water Ambassador program will support alignment with the goals of the SCWP:

• Water Ambassadors will increase community awareness of the SCWP and support community members envisioning their stormwater solutions.
• Water Ambassadors will support the development of innovative, multi-benefit project concepts responsive to community needs and priorities.
• Water Ambassadors will engage community members in active stewardship of nature-based neighborhood stormwater and drought preparedness solutions.
• Water Ambassadors will increase community understanding of stormwater management and drought preparedness in the context of LA County’s water systems, particularly in areas most vulnerable to climate change impacts.
• The Water Ambassador program will improve pathways to green jobs for the Ambassadors in SCWP watershed areas by increasing information and awareness on training and certification opportunities—both for Ambassadors and residents.

TreePeople is seeking to hire three (3) local, seasonal, full-time (40 hours per week) Water Ambassadors to serve as proponents of the SCWP in the Southeast Los Angeles County region, Northeast San Fernando Valley region, and West San Fernando Valley region by conducting on-the-ground outreach and community organizing for 9 months. These individuals will be responsible for the messaging, communication, engagement, and project development for the Safe, Clean Water Program. This position will also be responsible for making connections with and between community members, community-based organizations, public agencies, churches, schools, parent centers, businesses, and other key stakeholders around LA County’s Safe, Clean Water Program (Measure W) objectives and goals. 

TreePeople will provide robust training and development to support the deployment of resources, feedback gathering, and engagement with each community. This neighborhood-led organizing and capacity-building program will amplify community  voices around water issues in LA County.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead community outreach and engagement efforts, recruiting a diverse group of stakeholders that includes but is not limited to residents, community-based organizations, faith-based groups, youth groups, parent centers, neighborhood associations, schools, advocacy groups, businesses, and public officials.
• Serve as a community liaison by participating and representing the SCWP Water Ambassador program at meetings, community events, etc.
• Network and cultivate relationships with community members.
• Educate the public on stormwater management, drought preparedness, and SCWP opportunities through presentations and discussions.
• Identify key community stakeholders in the project area(s) to leverage SCWP work and establish and maintain relationships in the community.
• Record, track, document, and report on community engagement, feedback, and related activities using Google Workspace, Asana, and GIS tools.
• Support TreePeople’s teams by participating in volunteer events, including on weekends and some evenings.
• Participate in TreePeople team activities.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Interested in green job pathways in the resource conservation and/or community engagement field.
• A community-oriented individual who is excellent at mobilizing and understanding the needs of local residents.
• Possess a focus on equity, inclusion, and cultural competency.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Project management skills and organizing strategy.
• Public speaking and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized, friendly, intelligent, proactive, and a quick learner.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills: listening, negotiating, public speaking, and writing.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace tools, Microsoft Office, Asana, and GIS (or willingness to learn).
• Spanish bilingual – preferred
• Local Residents of the Southeast Los Angeles County region, Northeast San Fernando Valley region, and West San Fernando Valley are strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Ability to travel throughout the assigned region and community meeting locations on a daily basis.
• Able to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Able to stand and walk for long periods of time