Wetland Restoration Outreach Specialist

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. 

We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.

Wetland Restoration Outreach Specialist develops, manages, and advances conservation programs, plans and methods to address barriers to accelerating the implementation of wetland restoration projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This position is particularly focused on identifying and supporting implementation of wetland restoration opportunities in agricultural landscapes in the Lower Rappahannock River watershed. The successful applicant will be able to engage with farmers and farmland owners to increase their awareness and interest of wetland restoration benefits and support implementation of projects by coordinating with partners on enrollment in programs, funding, design, and construction. This position is funded for two years with the possibility of future funding. The position will be in the Richmond Office with the option of working remotely in proximity to the priority geography. 

The Wetland Restoration Outreach Specialist provides leadership and support to the Virginia Chapter and colleagues throughout the Chesapeake Bay in identifying and accelerating the rate of engagement of landowners in wetland restoration activities to improve water quality and wildlife habitat.  The Wetland Restoration Outreach Specialist addresses critical threats to natural systems, coordinates activities with a broad suite of stakeholders, fosters cross-site learning among the conservation community, and supplies conservation teams with social, programmatic, and biological information to advance shared conservation goals.  The Wetland Restoration Outreach Specialist develops and implements conservation strategies and employs a range of tools to engage private landowners and implements a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities.  The Wetland Restoration Outreach Specialist performs project oversight, coordinates multiple projects, sets deadlines, and manages completion.

• Develop and implement a strategy to identify and facilitate implementation of wetland restoration, in priority locations, to maximize benefits for both water quality and wildlife habitat. 
• Network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the public to recruit support for conservation programs. 
• Effectively communicate project status, roles, and timelines with supervisor, colleagues, and project partners.
• Work with a team of wetland restoration practitioners within and external to The Nature Conservancy.
• Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and fundraising targets.  
• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.  
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and/or under physically demanding circumstances.
• Write reports and communicate results and recommendations from projects to funders, media outlets, and communication teams.

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management (or similar field) OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with Job-related work (full-time, part-time, internship).    
• Experience with relationship building, working closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists. 
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.            
• Must have a valid driver’s license.  

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and/or experience with farmland management and operations and the economics of agricultural production.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field. 
• Knowledge of current trends and issues in wetland and stream regulation, science, and restoration. 
• Demonstrated understanding of key ecological processes influencing wetland and stream ecosystems in Virginia.
• Knowledge and/or working ability in ArcGIS.
• Demonstrated proficiency in analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing data, including aerial photography, soil surveys, topographic maps, and GIS products.

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 49684, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. Applications will be reviewed in the order they’re received and the position will remain open until filled.

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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.