Description

About Kentucky Waterways Alliance
For more than 30 years, Kentucky Waterways Alliance (KWA) has worked to protect, restore, and celebrate the waterways of the Commonwealth. Based in Louisville, KWA operates statewide through three integrated program areas: Watershed Management, Water Policy, and Community Engagement. Our work is grounded in the belief that clean water is essential civic infrastructure - critical to public health, resilient communities, and a thriving Kentucky.

For several years, KWA has been re-establishing a stronger presence across the state. A major part of this effort includes expanding on-the-ground engagement through cleanups, education, and partnerships, both within the Salt River Basin and throughout the Commonwealth.

Position Overview
KWA seeks a Salt River Watershed & Commonwealth Sweep Coordinator to help plan, coordinate, and execute this work during the 2026 season. This position will spend approximately 50% of their time focused on the Salt River Basin and 50% supporting KWA’s statewide Commonwealth Sweep, a statewide cleanup series.

The Coordinator will play a key role in volunteer coordination, community engagement, data gathering, event promotion and execution, and may also assist with planning and staffing KWA’s annual Kentucky Watershed Network Summit, a statewide convening for conservationists, environmental advocates, and water professionals.

This is a non-exempt position, and hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek will be compensated in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws. Overtime work requires advance approval.

What We Offer
* Status: Full-time, non-exempt hourly position, typically 32–40 hours per week, with some variability based on events and travel.
* Anticipated Start Date: Early March 2026
* Pay Range: $21-$24 per hour, commensurate with experience
* Duration: Spring through fall 2026 (exact dates contingent on budget and program scope)
* Location: Open to applicants residing within the Salt River Basin. Applicants based in Louisville will be expected to work regularly from KWA’s Louisville office.
* Travel: Work-related travel reimbursed by KWA

What the Coordinator Will Do
Salt River Basin (Approximately 50%)
* Compile and analyze existing water-quality data from the Kentucky Division of Water, Salt River Watershed Watch, and other available sources to establish a baseline assessment of current conditions in the Salt River.
* Utilize research and aerial photography to identify those areas where soil, fertilizer, and other pollutants are at risk of entering the river system, with the goal of producing a summary report by July 2026.
* Lead cleanups that create immediate, visible improvements on the Salt River and overlooked tributaries, including Mill Creek.
* Identify at least two additional cleanup sites on the Salt River (including one Four Roses Bourbon staff cleanup site, to be determined by June 2026).
* Support watershed planning by engaging directly with judge-executives, mayors, farmers, landowners, organizations managing 319 grants, and local leaders.

 Commonwealth Sweep (Approximately 50%)
* Coordinate and support KWA’s statewide series of creek and river cleanups, including logistics, volunteer coordination, and on-site staffing, with a goal of holding cleanup activities in each of Kentucky's seven major river basins. The Coordinator will be expected to be onsite for the majority of KWA’s cleanups.
* Manage cleanup supplies, tabling materials, registrations, and coordination with local partners.
* Assist with communications related to cleanup events and community engagement.
* Identify and engage with new partners on the local, regional, and statewide levels.
* Build strong, collaborative partnerships that bring volunteers, nonprofits, local governments, and community groups together in shared work.

Across Both Roles
* Deliver environmental education through adult education programs, workshops, and community events that connect people to their local waterways.
* Assist with planning and execution of KWA events, including occasional evenings and weekends.
* Work collaboratively with KWA staff while managing responsibilities independently in the field.
* Create reports that track event results, such as the amount of trash removed, event partners, volunteer hours, etc.
* Communicate event successes to both collaborators and stakeholders quickly and efficiently. 
* Fulfill any reporting responsibilities associated with grant funding or sponsorships.
* This role includes occasional overnight travel and weekend work tied to cleanup events and community engagement.
* Other duties as necessary.

Commitment to Equity
Kentucky Waterways Alliance is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Application Process
Applicants should submit the following materials:

• Resume
  * Cover letter
  * Contact information for two professional references
  
  Materials should be submitted electronically to employment@kwalliance.org.  No phone calls, please.
  Application deadline: Close of business on January 30, 2026
  Interviews: February 2026
  Anticipated start date: Early March 2026
  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Requirements

Who You Are
* You care deeply about Kentucky’s environment and people and want to play a hands-on role in protecting and restoring its waterways for community and environmental health. You are organized, reliable, and comfortable working with diverse communities across rural and urban settings.

Desired Qualifications and Experience
* Experience with—or willingness to learn—stream cleanup coordination and volunteer management
* Strong attention to detail and excellent interpersonal and communication skills
* Ability to work both independently and as part of a small, collaborative team
* Interest in water quality, watershed health, education, and community-based environmental work
* Comfort using office and communication tools, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Teams, Zoom, Dropbox, and social media platforms
* Interest and ability to research and synthesize water-quality data
* Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation
* Availability to work weekends, evenings, and travel throughout Kentucky as needed