South Zone Watershed Restoration Specialist

The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

Benton, TN, USA 🇺🇸

Job ID: 55983

Location: Tennessee

Full/Part Time:

Regular/Temporary: Regular

OFFICE LOCATION

Benton, Tennessee, USA

This position is based out of the US Forest Service Ocoee Ranger District Office in Benton, Tennessee with hybrid work options available.

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WHO WE ARE

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.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The South Zone watershed Restoration Specialist will work with a collaborative team on the Cherokee National Forest to plan, implement, and monitor watershed restoration projects. This position will integrate with U.S. Forest Service staff to implement aspects of the Watershed Condition Framework in priority watersheds across the South Zone of the Cherokee National Forest. This role will utilize standardized protocols to survey and assess physical stream habitat and aquatic species populations; assess road-stream crossings and collect data associated with Aquatic Organism Passage design; develop or update Watershed Restoration Action Plans; and prioritize, plan, and implement restoration projects. They may also collect, analyse, and enter aquatic physical and biological data; compile and synthesize partner data; write monitoring reports; and develop and oversee budgets, grant proposals, and contracts.

The South Zone Watershed Restoration Specialist will report to the Tennessee Director of Water with guidance from U.S. Forest Service hydrologists and aquatic biologists. They will interact with a robust team of freshwater practitioners working across the six-state Southern Appalachian region in coordination with TNC’s Appalachian Whole System. This role will require work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances including physical exertion and/or strain to the point of fatigue. This position is based out of the US Forest Service Ocoee Ranger District Office in Benton, Tennessee or Watauga Ranger District Office in Unicoi, Tennessee with hybrid work options available.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

If you’re looking for a career where you can find purpose, come join our Chapter as the South Zone Watershed Restoration Specialist. Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful mountains of Tennessee, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

  • BA/BS and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management, including freshwater ecology or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience with stream and/or wetland science.
  • Knowledge of aquatic restoration techniques and experience with project implementation
  • Experience with field work, ideally in stream and wetland ecosystems.
  • Experience working with a variety of partners, including collaboration, negotiation, and relationship building.
  • Experience managing staff or volunteers.
  • Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
  • Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.          
  • Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Training and experience in stream science and assessment, including geomorphic survey, benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring, and habitat assessment.
  • Experience leading restoration projects (ideally large wood augmentation and/or aquatic barrier removal projects).
  • Experience working with government agencies, particularly US Forest Service.
  • Knowledge of Southern Appalachians freshwater ecology, hydrology, and aquatic biota.
  • Experience contributing to watershed plans and project prioritization.
  • General knowledge of monitoring techniques for restoration efficacy.
  • Experience with grant applications, grant writing, and reporting.
  • Working knowledge of ArcGIS, including desktop site assessment, basic map making skills, and experience collecting data using GPS and mobile GIS.

WHAT WE BRING

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.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

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.

SALARY INFORMATION

Salary range is $60,000 – $65,000 depending on experience, qualifications, and location. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 55983, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

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 applyhelp@tnc.org 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.


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