The Watershed Coordinator (WC) will identify, develop and manage restoration and protection projects in the Locust Fork and Big Canoe Creek watersheds in north central Alabama. Working in coordination with the Director of Freshwater programs and other staff the WC will advances on the ground conservation efforts in these watersheds by working with willing landowners and conservation partners to protect and restore riparian buffers, categorize and manage stream bank and forest restoration projects, identify land protection priorities and pursue opportunities to expand recreational access. The WC will serve as the face and voice of The Nature Conservancy’s efforts to protect and restore these high priority aquatic systems.
The Watershed Coordinator provides technical leadership and support within the Locust Fork and Big Canoe Creek watersheds and plans and coordinates restoration and protection projects. The WC addresses critical threats to natural systems and individual species, fosters cross-site learning among conservation community, and supports conservation planning efforts with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process. The WC develops and implements conservation strategies and employs a full range of protection tools to acquire varying degrees of legal interest in land and implements a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities. The WC builds community and partner support, and coordinates multiple projects, sets deadlines and manages completion.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- Supervises technical, administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing staff or volunteers.
- Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, GIS, web browsers, etc.
- Experience in training.
- Must have valid driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
- 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
- Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition.
- Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
- Experience with leading and implementing on the ground restoration projects.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
- Knowledge of federal incentive programs (i.e. Farm Bill, Partners for Fish and Wildlife, USDA).
- Familiarity with fluvial hydrgeomorphology.
- Familiarity with stream assessment and restoration methodologies.
- Ability to work from a canoe and/or kayak
- Ability and willingness to work with a multi-agency team to identify and prioritize restoration and protection efforts.
- Experience working with private landowners to enhance their knowledge of conservation practices.
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.