Stream Restoration Ecologist

 

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable.  One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 74 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

 

The Stream Restoration Ecologist monitors ecological conditions and provides project coordination for stream and wetland mitigation projects completed through the Virginia Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (Trust Fund).  The Trust Fund is a partnership between The Nature Conservancy in Virginia (TNC), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that provides a form of compensatory mitigation through preservation, restoration, creation or enhancement of wetlands, streams, buffers, and other aquatic resources in Virginia. 

 

 

The Stream Restoration Ecologist’s responsibilities include ecological monitoring of stream, wetland, and buffer mitigation projects; assisting with the development of corrective action plans; and conducting contractor oversight during restoration activities, including construction, planting efforts, and invasive species control. The Stream Restoration Ecologist is also responsible for evaluating adherence to project success criteria; collecting and analyzing field data; acquisition and maintenance of field equipment; the timely development of compliance reporting; and assisting with tasks needed to develop new projects and manage existing projects.

 

 

• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Develops comprehensive stream and wetland monitoring plans for project sites.  Plans may include monitoring protocols for vegetation, stream geomorphology, stream habitat assessment, and wetland hydrology, budgeting and project costs, monitoring timelines, and long-term management of sites.
• Conducts ecological monitoring of stream and wetland mitigation sites to determine compliance with permits, monitoring plans, and other goals.  Completes analysis of monitoring data and develops monitoring reports to submit to regulatory agencies.
• Assists with development of corrective action plans to ensure project success criteria are met.
• Coordinates the work of, and works in partnership with, other individuals and organizations, including TNC staff, contractors, consultants, regulatory and environmental agencies, conservation groups, landowners, volunteers and others in carrying out duties of position. May oversee completion of work conducted by contractors or others.
• Provides support to the Stream Project Manager and other TNC staff to develop new projects and manage existing projects.  Tasks may include field and office assessment to identify potential stream and wetland mitigation sites, review of restoration and corrective action plans and reports, development of scopes of work and contracts, and preparation of requests for submittal to regulatory agencies.  
• Will need to gain cooperation from individuals and groups over whom there is no direct authority in order to accomplish goals.
• Financial responsibility includes developing project budgets and tracking expenses.
• May recruit and supervise volunteers and seasonal staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
• Ensures compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Work will require physical exertion and/or strain to the point of fatigue.  Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. is required. 
• Frequent daily or overnight travel around the state, sometimes with short notice.  Adverse working conditions in remote locations, long hours and possible weekend work on occasion. 

 

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with stream science.
• Experience identifying plant species.
• Experience performing physically-exerting work in a variety of field and weather-related conditions.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., contractors, landowners, government officials, internal scientists.
• Experience completing complex tasks independently under pressure under stringent time constraints.  Demonstrated experience in accomplishing tasks in an orderly, organized manner and keeping organized files and records.
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.             
• Must have valid driver’s license. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to identify a large array of Virginia flora to species level, both woody and herbaceous. Knowledge of Virginia invasive species and management techniques preferred.
• Training and experience in stream science and assessment, including geomorphic survey, benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring, and habitat assessment.
• Experience using GIS, including conducting desktop site assessments and making maps, and field data collection using GPS.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations, permits, and policies for stream and wetland mitigation. 
• Knowledge of stream and wetland monitoring techniques and protocols.  Proficiency in developing and implementing monitoring protocols to evaluate site restoration performance. 
• Proficiency in analyzing, interpreting and synthesizing a variety of information including monitoring data, aerial photography, soil surveys, topographic maps, and site plans. 
• Successful experience in coordinating and overseeing multiple projects, including ability to create and follow timelines and deliver products and results in a timely fashion.
• Experience with wetland and stream construction.  Ability to interpret construction design plans on-site and evaluate if construction work complies with plans.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers. 
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’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.” Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

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 to position number 48525, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 8, 2020.

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