Stream & Wetland Conservation Specialist

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 Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania and Delaware is working to create a world where people and nature thrive. Our Water Program is focused on providing clean water and protecting our rivers, streams, coasts, and oceans during a changing climate.  The Stream & Wetland Conservation Specialist will be part of a team working to improve water quality in the Susquehanna Watershed and Chesapeake Bay Basin.  A major focus of this effort is to build effective partnerships and a collective vision for restoring streams and wetlands that improve water quality, while providing co-benefits, such as wildlife habitat and flood risk reduction.  This position will add capacity to a growing and eager team and be provided with varied opportunities for professional development and growth.  This is a 2-year grant funded position. 

 

• Reporting to the Director of Freshwater Conservation, the Stream & Wetland Conservation Specialist serves as a core member of the Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter’s Water Team with significant strategic and partnership responsibilities.
• Creates, builds, and maintains effective and dynamic collaborations with academic, conservation, and agency partners to create a common conservation vision, streamline project implementation, create a forum for sharing, and align funding to accelerate the scale and increase the impact of implementation efforts.
• Supports the implementation of high ROI stream and wetland projects through logistical and technical support to partner agencies, conservation districts, organizations as well as landowners. 
• Building upon a suite of existing programs, aligns funding with wetland and stream conservation approaches, while advancing the creation of new and innovative program options.
• Effectively communicates project status, roles, and timelines with project partners while conducting outreach to stakeholders sharing the importance and need for conservation activities.
• Coordinates and implements high ROI restoration activities that maximize water quality improvements while supporting a suite of co-benefits including improving wildlife habitat, flood risk reduction, and climate resiliency.
• Develops contracts and oversees work to ensure all contract requirements are met and work is performed to specs designated.
• Writes reports and communicates results and recommendations from projects to funders, media outlets, and communication teams.
• May collect monitoring data to evaluate the effectiveness of restoration and maintains monitoring equipment.
• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, with some evening and weekend hours, and under physically demanding circumstances.

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience building partnerships and working closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, agency officials, academics, practitioners, etc.. 
• Experience advancing conservation practices, such as stream and/or wetland restoration and protection.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience working with and managing teams. 
• Experience communicating via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, ArcGIS, etc.
• Must have valid driver’s license. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Master’s degree in freshwater science or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Familiarity with social, economic, and political conditions and issues in Pennsylvania and Delaware as well as the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• Self-starter with ability to generate work plans with limited support aligning with the overall conservation strategies.
• Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition.
• Knowledge of ecological land and freshwater conservation principles.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, water conservation, and natural resource preservation.

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 48623 , 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 April 5, 2020.

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