Description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Freshwater Recovery Technician (FRT) is a field-based position that performs work on public lands related to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The FRT’s work will support watershed restoration projects and focus on pre-implementation survey and assessment of dams, undersized culverts, streambank stability, instream habitat, and riparian vegetation conditions. Other potential work includes collecting water samples, assisting with vegetation monitoring, and assisting with aquatic species surveys. TNC’s goals for freshwater work in this region are to increase resilience and connectivity of mountain streams, and conserve and increase the quality of aquatic habitat critical to the aquatic biodiversity of the Southern Appalachians. The FRT should have a strong interest in stream restoration and aquatic ecology. This position is based in Asheville, North Carolina and reports to the NC Mountains Freshwater Restoration Specialist.  Work will primarily be outside in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Two Freshwater Recovery Technicians will be hired and expected to work together, maintaining safety and high-quality data collection under infrequent supervision. This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.                                                                           

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

The ideal candidate should have excellent communication and organization skills with attention to detail. Candidates must be located in or near Asheville, North Carolina if hired. This seasonal position runs from May 26th, 2026 to August 28th, 2026 with potential extension based on need and availability. Exact dates may be adjusted to fit the selected candidate or program requirements. The hourly compensation is $20 per hour.

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Familiarity with aquatic ecology or stream surveying techniques.
• Experience working in a team environment. 
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, etc.                                           
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, driver’s license).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with or knowledge of Southern Appalachians freshwater ecology, hydrology, and aquatic biota.
• Experience surveying and assessing stream restoration projects.
• Experience using a mobile device or tablet equipped with Avenza, ArcGIS, FieldMaps, and Survey123.
• 1 – 2 years’ experience in watershed management or related field.       
• Ability to collaborate and follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• Ability to work independently in remote locations; may work under infrequent supervision.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

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 the Auto Safety information page 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:

The pay rate for a candidate selected for this position is $20 per hour. This rate 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.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. 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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

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 and Perks here.

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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.