The Nature Conservancy’s Ohio Stream and Wetland In-Lieu Fee Mitigation Program (OMP) utilizes mitigation funds to locate and develop restoration projects in the state of Ohio that maximize success and conservation outcomes for the State’s dynamic watersheds. The Restoration Ecologist manages the planning and implementation of multiple restoration projects across the state of Ohio.
The position’s primary responsibilities are managing OMP restoration projects, including, but not limited to: developing and managing project budgets; reviewing and implementing comprehensive mitigation plans; performing wetland delineations and other ecological assessments, developing scopes of work, requests for proposals, and contracts for mitigation activities; coordinating with and providing oversight of contractors; overseeing success monitoring; securing release of compensatory mitigation credits; implementing corrective actions and engaging project partners. This position is responsible for understanding and implementing OMP operations and objectives. Supervises and/or coordinates the work of others and provides technical support to TNC staff in assessing potential mitigation sites that are appropriate as OMP projects. The Restoration Ecologist works under the supervision of the Mitigation Program Manager, and collaboratively with other OMP staff, TNC conservation staff, staff from the Corps, Ohio EPA and other organizations, and individuals as needed in carrying out duties.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Manages restoration contracts, Request for Proposals, and construction oversight.
- Performs wetland delineations and other ecological assessments, and restoration planning.
- Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in invasive plant management, wetland delineations, stream assessments, and restoration design.
- Experience negotiating complex contracts and other agreements.
- Experience managing staff and subcontractors.
- Knowledge of ecological land management and restoration principles.
- Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, ArcMap GIS, GPS, and Web Browsers.
- Must have, or when appropriate be able to obtain, a valid Ohio driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to work closely and effectively with conservation partners, contractors, consultants, agencies, and staff on all aspects of stream and wetland restoration and mitigation projects.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
- Experience preparing scopes of work for wetland restoration, enhancement, or re-establishment.
- Proficiency in developing and implementing monitoring protocols to evaluate compensatory mitigation project performance and success criteria.
- Demonstrated understanding of key ecological processes influencing wetland and stream ecosystems in Ohio.
- Experience with contract preparation, contractor oversight, and contract and budget management.
- Successful experience in developing, directing and managing multiple projects, including ability to create and follow timelines and deliver products and results in a timely fashion.
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
- Demonstrated proficiency in analyzing, interpreting and synthesizing a variety of data including soil surveys, topographic maps and ArcGIS.
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.