The Wetland Restoration Assistant monitors ecological conditions and provides project coordination for wetland and stream compensation projects completed through the Virginia Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (Trust Fund). The Trust Fund is a partnership between The Nature Conservancy in Virginia (TNC), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that provides a form of compensatory mitigation through preservation, restoration, creation or enhancement of wetlands, streams, buffers, and other aquatic resources in Virginia.
The Wetland Restoration Assistant’s responsibilities include ecological monitoring of wetland and stream mitigation projects; assisting with the development of corrective action plans; and conducting contractor oversight during wetland restoration activities, including construction, planting efforts, and invasive control. The Wetland Restoration Assistant is also responsible for evaluating adherence to wetland project success criteria; collecting and analyzing field data; acquisition and maintenance of field equipment; the timely development of compliance reporting; and assisting with site development plans. The Wetland Restoration Assistant provides field support to the Wetland Restoration Specialist and other TNC staff in identifying and assessing potential wetland mitigation sites that are appropriate as Trust Fund projects and are consistent with the mission of TNC. This position is funded through June 2021 with the likelihood of funding beyond that date.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Coordinate the work of others, including TNC staff, contractors, consultants, regulatory and environmental agencies, organizations, volunteers and others in carrying out duties of position.
- Review completed wetland sites to determine compliance with permits, monitoring plans, and other goals.
- Develop comprehensive wetland monitoring plans for project sites. Plans will include monitoring protocols for vegetation and hydrology, budgeting and project costs, monitoring timelines, and long-term management of sites.
- Financial responsibility includes developing project budgets and tracking expenses.
- Will need to gain cooperation from individuals and groups over whom there is no direct authority in order to accomplish goals.
- May recruit and supervise volunteers and interns. May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
- Works under minimal and distant supervision; must make independent decisions based on experience and judgments.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Experience with wetland science.
- Experience identifying plant species.
- Experience performing physically-exerting work in a variety of field and weather-related conditions.
- Experience using GIS, including conducting desktop site assessments and making maps.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1–2 years related experience in environmental science-related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- Training and experience in wetland science, including identification of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and hydrology.
- Ability to identify a large array of Virginia flora to species level, both woody and herbaceous. Knowledge of Virginia invasive species and management techniques preferred.
- Knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations, permits, and policies for wetland and stream mitigation a plus.
- Knowledge of wetland and stream monitoring techniques and protocols. Proficiency in developing and implementing ecological monitoring protocols to evaluate site restoration performance is preferred.
- Proficiency in analyzing, interpreting and synthesizing a variety of data including aerial photography, soil surveys, topographic maps, and site plans.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Powerpoint), including developing technical reports.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
- Frequent daily or overnight travel around the state, sometimes with short notice. Adverse working conditions in remote locations, long hours and possible weekend work.
- Capacity to handle complex tasks under pressure and under stringent time constraints. Demonstrated experience in accomplishing tasks in an orderly, organized manner and keeping organized files and records.
- Work will require physical exertion and/or strain to the point of fatigue. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. is required.
- Field work involves exposure to job hazards, including (but not limited to) various outdoor conditions (heat, cold, rain), steep and/or rugged terrain, wildlife (snakes, insects, etc.), poisonous plants, deep and flowing water, vehicular traffic, etc.
- Must have valid driver’s license and safe driving record (per TNC’s Auto Safety Program).
- Cross cultural; multi-cultural; multi-lingual skills, background or experience a plus.
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.
This position is funded through June 2021.