The rivers, streams, and riparian ecosystems of New Mexico provide habitat for an extraordinary array of plants, animals and natural communities. However, these fragile systems are highly threatened. The Freshwater Program Manager (FPM) manages all aspects of the Conservancy’s strategies for the conservation of aquatic and riparian ecosystems in New Mexico and serves as the principal point of contact on water issues to government agencies, state legislators, other conservation organizations, and the academic community.
The FPM defines water conservation priorities and long-term strategies consistent with the Conservancy’s global Shared Conservation Agenda and the New Mexico Freshwater Roadmap. The FPM builds strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field, develops key partnerships with public and private organizations to identify and resolve technical and policy issues. The position widely communicates solutions, best practices and policy needs to diverse stakeholders and constituencies, establishing the Conservancy as a leader in water conservation in New Mexico. The FPM uses innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address natural system needs; engages local community and governments in planning and implementing local conservation projects; and applies complex and innovative solutions with government agencies, legislators, Tribes, traditional communities and landowners to conserve and protect natural communities and build water security.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Geographic and programmatic scope is water conservation in New Mexico including tributaries to the Colorado River.
- Requires cross-boundary work and relationships with the Colorado River Program and Conservancy business units that share river basins with New Mexico (e.g. San Juan River, Gila River).
- Serves as a team leader for New Mexico freshwater projects and participates as a conservation team member.
- Builds coalitions of stakeholders including agencies, landowners, businesses, Tribes, traditional communities, and other conservation organizations to accomplish program goals.
- Works with the Director of Philanthropy and other staff to ensure that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
- Works with the External Affairs Associate and other staff to advance water policy in the state legislature and with the Congressional delegation.
- Establishes and maintains optimal standards of performance for the freshwater program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- May make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
- May manage staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.
- 5 years’ experience in freshwater science, practice or policy (e.g. aquatic ecology, hydrology, water resources planning, water management, water law, government relations, or other related fields) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree or certification such as J.D. or P.E.
- Spanish-speaking and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 5-7 years’ experience in freshwater science, practice, policy or related conservation fields or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation practice, policy and plans.
- Knowledge of current trends in freshwater and other conservation practices.
- Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives or related field.
- Communicates clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
- Demonstrated experience in fundraising.
- Political savvy.
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
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.