THE YARRA RIVERKEEPER ASSOCIATION

At the Yarra Riverkeeper Association (YRKA), we believe that the Yarra, Birrarung – our beautiful, spiritually significant, and resilient river – brings life, joy, and balance along its 242 kilometres journey from source to sea. The river we know and love is not just water, but land and people, community, and culture – together as one living and integrated natural entity from source to sea.

Founded in 2005, the Yarra Riverkeeper Association is the community voice of the Yarra, Birrarung. We are a for-purpose (not-for-profit), apolitical, grass-roots organisation that works with communities, traditional owners, governments (local, State, and Federal), statutory authorities, and businesses to advocate for the river's health.

As Melbourne's population grows and the climate crisis worsens, the Yarra/Birrarung comes under increasing environmental pressure, pollution, and habitat fragmentation. Riverkeepers are vital to keeping the Yarra, Birrarung healthy.

Our vision is a healthy, protected and loved river. Every day we work to make this possible through advocacy, education, community engagement and on-the-ground litter and regeneration programs.

The Yarra Riverkeeper Association is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a worldwide network of more than 350 inspiring, determined organisations in 49 countries dedicated to protecting the world's waterways. Founded in 1999, it brings together all Waterkeeper organisations to strengthen and grow a global movement for healthy and clean water to be enjoyed by all.

POSITION PURPOSE

We are looking for dynamic team with some entry level experience in planting, weeding, and other relevant tasks.

You will be supporting our Regen team through 2022 planting season.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Training and supervising new volunteers and event participants
• Organise volunteer rosters in collaboration with the Volunteer Coordinator
• Planting native species in some of our regeneration sites
• Running monitoring surveys for flora and fauna
• Maintaining regeneration sites through weeding, mulch spreading, watering
• Running bioblitz walks with community

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Interest in environmental issues
• Knowledge of native plants and invasive species preferred but not necessary. We are happy to share the knowledge!
• Love for outdoor work
• Commitment to the vision and mission of the Yarra Riverkeeper Association
• Willingness to learn
• Ability to work autonomously as well as in a team

TIME COMMITMENT

4 - 8 hours a week

6 - 12 months

This can also be eligible for workplace experience