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POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) is seeking a full-time TerraCorps Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC) to help connect more people to the Nashua River through environmental education, volunteer engagement, and community-based outdoor programs.

Based in Groton, Massachusetts, NRWA works across 32 communities in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire to protect water quality, restore habitat, conserve open space, and engage communities in the stewardship of the Nashua River watershed. We believe people protect the places they feel connected to. Much of our work focuses on helping people build that connection through hands-on experiences on and around the river.

This is a dynamic, community-facing position for someone who enjoys working with people, spending time outdoors, and helping programs grow. The service member will support a mix of watershed education, public programming, volunteer coordination, outreach, and community events throughout the watershed. Some days may involve helping lead hands-on watershed education programs for students and community groups, whether that’s exploring river ecology from the shoreline, paddling on the Nashua River, or assisting with classroom-based activities. Other days may include coordinating volunteers for a community paddle, representing NRWA at a local event, helping improve how volunteers and participants engage with our programs, or collaborating with staff to develop new community offerings such as wildlife walks, riverside talks, workshops, or educational series.

The Community Engagement Coordinator will work closely with NRWA staff to support and strengthen the organization’s river-based education and engagement programs while gaining hands-on experience in environmental education, community outreach, volunteer coordination, and public programming.

Potential Projects

Projects may evolve throughout the service term based on organizational needs and the interests and skills of the service member, but may include:

• Supporting NRWA’s watershed education and community engagement programs for students and community groups through activities such as guided walks, workshops, classroom visits, virtual programs, and field-based learning experiences
• Assisting with community paddles, outdoor recreation programs, and public events that help connect people with the Nashua River and surrounding watershed
• Recruiting, coordinating, and communicating with volunteers for programs and events
• Experience coordinating volunteers and community programs
• Supporting outreach efforts through tabling events, community partnerships, social media, and outreach materials
• Assisting with the implementation and growth of NRWA’s volunteer engagement systems and tools
• Helping strengthen relationships with schools, community organizations, municipalities, and local businesses
• Supporting efforts to make NRWA programs more welcoming and accessible to new and underserved audiences

Desired Qualifications

We are looking for someone who is excited to learn, comfortable working with a wide range of people, and interested in environmental education and community engagement.

Helpful qualifications include:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfort with public speaking or leading small groups
• Interest in environmental education, outdoor recreation, conservation, or watershed protection
• Experience working with volunteers, youth, or community groups
• Experience working with children, students, or youth groups is strongly preferred
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Comfort working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• Experience with paddling a tandem canoe, event coordination, or outreach is helpful, but not required
• Spanish or multilingual communication skills are a plus

Physical Requirements

This position includes both office and field work. The service member should be comfortable:

• Working outdoors in a range of weather conditions
• Standing for extended periods during events and programs
• Walking on uneven terrain near rivers and trails
• Comfortably paddling a canoe or kayak as part of programs and events
• Lifting and carrying materials or equipment up to approximately 40 pounds
• Occasionally assisting with loading or moving canoes, kayaks, or program supplies

TerraCorps Service Details

This is a full-time AmeriCorps service position through TerraCorps. The service term runs approximately 11 months, beginning in late August 2026 and ending in late July 2027.

Members serve approximately 1,700 hours over the course of the term (about 38 hours per week) and receive:

• A living allowance
• Health insurance
• Professional development and networking opportunities
• A Segal Education Award upon successful completion of service
• Eligibility for federal student loan forbearance, if applicable

The Community Engagement Coordinator will be supervised by NRWA’s Education Director and will work closely with staff across multiple program areas.

Ready to Apply?

Applications for this position must be submitted via the TerraCorps online application. The position description for the CEC at NRWA can be found at TerraCorps Available Member Positions TerraCorps Available Member Positions, listed as position number 25.