Job ID: 518315
Location: KNOXVILLE, TN
Regular/Temporary:
External – Posting Description
Watershed Representative (OER) B – 518315
Organization: CAO
Department: LAND MGMT EAST 2
Work Location: Chattanooga, TN, Knoxville, TN or Johnson City, TN
Relocation: Relocation benefits are not offered for this position
Posting Open: 4/1/2025
Posting Close: 4/11/2025 11:59 PM EST
Grade / Salary: Competitive
Seeking a Watershed Representative to support TVA’s Natural Resource Plan through public facing stewardship of land, water, and shoreline resources. Responsibilities include reviewing Section 26a requests, conducting site inspections, resolving land-use issues, and collaborating with environmental, cultural, and policy teams. The role requires strong GIS and problem‑solving skills, experience balancing field and office work, and familiarity with zoning, land rights, and TVA land processes. Must be a self‑starter with 5+ years of relevant experience preferred; master’s degree preferred.
Job Summary
Land &Water Stewardship team representative responsible for varied stewardship functions including processing requests for Section 26a approval and use of TVA land; maintaining/improving stakeholder relations; planning and implementing water, natural resources, and recreation initiatives and projects. Serves as asset owner and fully-seasoned professional with land and water resources and overall watershed condition.
Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Responsible processing request for shoreline development projects by applying TVA policies and procedures related to 26a matters; inspecting project locations to assess land rights; environmental considerations, physical limitations, and appropriate construction methods; and supplying appropriate forms and sample drawings for more complex applications.
- Provides project management for requests for use, transfer, or sale of land and/or land rights for commercial, industrial, or recreational purposes and recommends approval, modification, or denial of requests based on environmental or other impacts and existing policies.
- Initiates concurrent review by U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and state agencies when appropriate.
- Performs inspection of shoreline and TVA land and land rights, identify encroachments and violations discovered, and serves as liaison with TVA’s compliance and stakeholder functions.
- Performs inspections to evaluate compliance with contracts, land use agreements, etc and serves as liaison with TVA’s compliance and stakeholder functions.
- Provides input for annual and long-range budgets estimates for land and water stewardship projects.
- Participates in developing, and implementing land and water stewardship strategies; involves identifying issues, appropriate actions, and resources (including partners and funding opportunities) required to address the issues.
- Organize partnerships of state/federal agencies conducting land and water stewardship projects;
- Seek opportunities to link water quality improvement, shoreline management, land use, resource management, and recreation functions to maximize public benefit.
- Maintain good working relations with professionals in state and federal agencies and non-government organizations, as well as private citizens representing various watershed stakeholder interests.
- Serve on interdisciplinary teams as required.
- Conduct internal coordination with other TVA programs and business units to carry out assigned projects and activities.
Supervision Received
Supervision is neither close nor continuous. Assignments are made by supervisor or business unit manager, who defines broad goals and objectives, establishes priorities and guidelines and reviews results. Problems/changes that occur in the field are handled by the incumbent. Documented work processes, general policy, agency management plans, and regulatory guidelines provide the framework in which incumbent directs or performs work.
Skills and Proficiencies
- Proficient in oral/written communications, facilitation and personal relationship skills.
- TVA land use policies and procedures; knowledge of TVA land rights.
- Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in applying project management principles.
- Section 26a of TVA Act.
- Federal environmental laws.
- Knowledge of other TVA program interests.
- Organizational skills.
- Knowledge of water quality, natural resource management, recreation, and management principles & practices;
- Basic knowledge of environmental laws, regulatory issues/constraints/ requirements dealing with natural resources.
- Knowledge of federal & state water/natural resource programs & funding sources
- Apply scientific principles in an integrated management approach.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience/Certificates, Licenses, and Registration Requirements/Other Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the natural sciences, resource management, water resource sciences, or related discipline. Advanced degree is desired.
Several years of experience in land use or closely related field or equivalent experience.
Must have successfully completed the TVA Watershed Representative Progression Program
Equal Employment Opportunity
TVA is an Equal Opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities. Any applicant or employee who believes s/he has a discrimination claim (including harassment or retaliation) must contact TVA’s Equal Opportunity Compliance office within 45 calendar days of the event or action s/he believes to constitute discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
Drug-Free Workplace
All TVA Non-Nuclear employees are covered by TVA’s Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program Plan, in accordance with Executive Order 12564, Public Law 100-71 and the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing. Information regarding the Drug Free Workplace Program can be found at www.samhsa.gov/workplace. TVA Non-Nuclear employees in Testing Designated Positions, including those performing safety-sensitive duties are also subject to random drug testing. TVA Nuclear employees are subject to random alcohol and drug tests in accordance with 10 CFR Part 26 as mandated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
How to Claim Vet Preference
If you are requesting to be considered as a preference-eligible veteran as outlined in the application process, you must submit your military documents before the posting close date indicated above. Be sure to include all supporting documentation: Form DD214 (member 2 or member 4 copy), a Veterans Disability Rating Letter from the VA (if applicable), and a completed form TVA 3595. If you will not get your DD214 until you are separated or retired, you can request a Statement of Service through your military personnel office. The Statement of Service must list your dates of military service, character of service, expected date of separation and any service-connected disability rating that you have been awarded from your branch of military service. Please submit your military documents each time you apply for a position.
How to Submit Documentation:
- Upload documents in Step 7 of the application process.
- Email documents to careers@tva.gov
More information about preference eligibility and a link to form TVA 3595, can be found at https://www.tva.gov/Careers/Claiming-Veteran-Preference. If you have a question about preference eligibility, please email Careers@tva.gov.
