The Watershed Manager will oversee The Nature Conservancy’s work throughout the Wood River basin including; Silver Creek Preserve and 10,000 acres of conservation easements in the Silver Creek Basin. Will also provide support for The Conservancy’s freshwater conservation work in other priority watersheds as needed.
The Watershed Manager will assist in the development of a comprehensive Silver Creek restoration plan and lead its implementation. S/he will be responsible for supporting similar freshwater conservation efforts in other priority watersheds in Idaho, as directed. The manager will maintain and enhance, strong working relations with private landowners, community leaders, university researchers, conservation organizations, and cooperating agencies to implement and finance these conservation efforts. As the manager of a flagship TNC project, the Watershed Manager will work closely with TNC staff on donor relations, public outreach and communications, and special events to maintain and cultivate key relationships with TNC constituents and supporters. This position supervises the Silver Creek Assistant Manager, and seasonal staff, interns and volunteers at the Silver Creek Preserve.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive restoration program in the Silver Creek watershed by broadly engaging partners and local advisory committees.
- Direct land and water protection and stewardship efforts in the Wood River watershed, including oversight of conservation easements, land management agreements and cooperative conservation projects with surrounding landowners.
- Develop and sustain positive working relationships with neighboring landowners, the local community, university researchers, federal and state agencies, local governments, and other conservation groups to expand conservation efforts and build and maintain support for TNC.
- Serve as the Conservancy’s spokesperson for the Silver Creek area and work with marketing staff to communicate the Conservancy’s work through multiple media outlets. Represent the Conservancy and make public presentations at appropriate meetings, conferences, and community events.
- Assist with the identification and implementation of freshwater conservation projects statewide.
- Write proposals and secure funding, through public and private grants, for studies and restoration projects.
- Coordinate the Conservancy’s ecological monitoring programs in the Silver Creek area.
- Develop and implement the Silver Creek Preserve annual operations plan and implement the Silver Creek Area Watershed Conservation Plan and annual budgets. Ensure spending is consistent with annual budget.
- Establish and maintain a professional, visible, and welcoming presence at the Silver Creek Preserve and ensure the Preserve and associated infrastructure, trails, and access points are well maintained.
- Assist with fundraising activities, field trips with donors, farm and ranch tours, and other special events as needed.
- Recruit, train, and supervise Silver Creek Assistant. Support Silver Creek Assistant with management of seasonal interns and volunteers. Manage contractors as appropriate.
- 3-5 years related work experience or related experience in land and water management.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances, setting and meeting deadlines, and ensuring program accountability with diverse partners, both internal and external.
- Experience developing partnerships and leading collaborations within the private and public sectors.
- Experience with a variety of river restoration techniques in the western U.S.
- Experience working with water conservation projects (e.g., irrigation efficiencies, agricultural water management) and an ability to make recommendations for conservation.
- Experience with effective negotiation, communication, and convening skills.
- Valid driver’s license
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- BA/BS degree and 5-7 years of experience in freshwater conservation, river restoration, land management, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans with the public and private entities.
- Politically savvy and experience in presenting to and communicating with business, governmental, and community leaders.
- Proficient data management skills including generating reports, interpreting data, and ability to integrate information into actionable results.
- Experience identifying potential public funding sources and cultivation.
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.