Nc Mountains Freshwater Restoration Specialist

Asheville, North Carolina, USA

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The NC Mountains Freshwater Restoration Specialist will help expand our freshwater portfolio in the Southern Appalachians. Work will be focused on implementing aquatic restoration projects, including dam removals, undersized culvert replacements, instream habitat improvements, streambank stability enhancements, and riparian restoration. TNC’s goals for freshwater work in this region are to increase the resilience and connectivity of mountain streams, conserve and increase the quality of aquatic habitat critical to the amazing aquatic biodiversity of the Southern Appalachians, and to increase resilience of downstream human communities to climate change impacts including flooding. The projects will be carried out in close collaboration with federal, state, non-profit, and tribal partners.

The NC Mountains Freshwater Restoration Specialist will report to the Southern Blue Ridge Program Director with guidance from and direct connections to the NC Director of Freshwater and Coastal Systems. They will work closely with a robust team of freshwater practitioners working across the six-state Southern Appalachian region in coordination with TNC’s Southern Appalachian Whole System. They will be responsible for working with partners to evaluate and prioritize potential projects in selected NC watersheds and implementing restoration projects from conceptual design through completion. The work includes assisting with writing of watershed planning documents that enable TNC and partners to apply for federal funds and proposals for private matching funds. The Restoration Specialist should be able to review restoration designs, oversee construction work, ensure permitting requirements are met, and have a strong knowledge of aquatic restoration approaches, hydrology concepts, and aquatic ecology. The Restoration Specialist will coordinate with partners and the local community to increase support for aquatic restoration. They will assist staff in grant proposal writing and reporting.

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the NC Mountain Freshwater Restoration Specialist! Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks.

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management, including freshwater ecology or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Demonstrated communication skills, both written and spoken in English, with internal and external collaborators.
• Experience with field work, ideally in stream and wetland ecosystems.
• Experience working with a variety of partners, including collaboration, negotiation, and relationship building.
• Experience with on-the-ground project implementation.
• Knowledge of different aquatic restoration techniques.
• Demonstrated project management skills including contracting for services, restoration/construction oversight, project and grant reporting.
• Must have valid driver's license and be willing to travel to project sites.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with federal and North Carolina state laws and regulations as they pertain to instream and riparian restoration work.
• Experience working with government agencies, particularly US Forest Service.
• General knowledge of monitoring techniques for restoration efficacy.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Knowledge of Southern Appalachians freshwater ecology, hydrology, and aquatic biota.
• Experience contributing to watershed plans and project prioritization.
• Experience leading restoration projects (ideally aquatic barrier removal projects).
• Experience with grant applications, grant writing, and reporting.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS and basic map making skills.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management and freshwater ecology, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

The NC Mountains Freshwater Restoration Specialist may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. The position is based out of TNC’s office in Asheville with hybrid work options available. It is a full-time, three-year term position subject to renewal based on available funding. The salary range is $53,000-$57,000 depending on experience.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

To apply for job ID 53882, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

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TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.