The Arkansas Delta Project Manager develops, manages and advances conservation programs, plans and methods for the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) of Arkansas, also known as the Delta. With direction and training, this position will implement conservation projects prescribed by the Delta Program Director and our partners.
The Arkansas Delta Project Manager provides technical leadership and support to the Delta Program Director as well as the Arkansas Field Office. He/she participates in the plans and manages projects with our partners focused on bottomland hardwood reforestation, wetland restoration, alluvial stream restoration, implementation of agricultural Best Management Practices and stewardship of our preserves and easements in the Arkansas Delta. The Arkansas Delta Project Manager assesses critical threats to natural systems and individual species of the Delta, fosters cross-site learning among our partners in the conservation community, and supplies conservation planning teams with site or landscape level ideas and data relevant to the planning process. The Arkansas Delta Project Manager implements our Delta 5-year 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 in the Delta. The Arkansas Delta Project Manager coordinates community support, ensures the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and coordinates multiple projects, sets deadlines and reports on the status of conservation projects throughout the Delta.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May supervise technical, administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development on projects within the Delta.
- Ensures Arkansas Delta Program and its projects comply 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.
- Conducts frequent travel in the Delta of Arkansas and less frequent travel to portions of the MAV in surrounding states. Occasional travel will be expected outside of the lower Mississippi River Valley region.
- Maintains records of project development, budgeting, delivery, and reporting per agreement requirements.
- Communicates frequently with the Delta Program Director on project opportunities, status, and coordination with partners.
- Represents the Arkansas Delta Program and the Arkansas Field Office with professionalism, pragmatism, and respect for others.
- Experience managing staff or volunteers.
- Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, e.g., 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, web browsers, etc.
- Experience in training.
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.
- Previous experience in conservation project management, development, or monitoring.
- 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.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
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.