Restoration Ecologist

OFFICE LOCATION

Richmond or Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
VA202

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Restoration Ecologist monitors ecological conditions and provides project coordination for stream and wetland mitigation 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 Restoration Ecologist’s responsibilities include ecological monitoring of stream, wetland, and buffer mitigation projects; assisting with the development of corrective action plans; conducting contractor oversight during corrective action activities, such as planting efforts and invasive species control. The Restoration Ecologist is also responsible for evaluating adherence to project success criteria; collecting and analyzing field data; acquisition and maintenance of field equipment; the timely development of compliance reporting; and assisting with tasks needed to manage existing projects.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

You can expect the following roles and responsibilities when you join our team:

Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
Develops comprehensive stream and wetland monitoring plans for project sites. Plans may include monitoring protocols for vegetation, stream geomorphology, stream habitat assessment, and wetland hydrology, budgeting and project costs, monitoring timelines, and long-term management of sites.
Conducts ecological monitoring of stream and wetland mitigation sites to determine compliance with monitoring plans and other goals. Completes monitoring data entry and analysis and develops monitoring reports to submit to regulatory agencies. Leads site visits with regulatory agencies to review monitoring results and discuss any corrective action needs.
Assists with development of corrective action plans to ensure project success criteria are met.
Coordinates the work of, and works in partnership with, other individuals and organizations, including TNC staff, contractors, consultants, regulatory and environmental agencies, conservation groups, landowners, volunteers and others in carrying out duties of position. May oversee completion of work conducted by contractors or others.
Conducts stewardship or maintenance activities which may include tasks such as equipment removal, fence or access maintenance, and invasive species removal.
Provides support to the Stewardship Manager and other TNC staff to manage existing projects. Tasks may include review of restoration plans and reports, development of scopes of work and contracts, preparation of requests for submittal to regulatory agencies, documentation and reporting of existing site conditions and invasive species inventory, and field and office assessments to develop long term and adaptive management plans.
Will need to gain cooperation from individuals and groups over whom there is no direct authority in order to accomplish goals.
Financial responsibility includes developing project budgets and tracking expenses.
Will recruit and supervise volunteers and seasonal staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
Ensures 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.
Work will require physical exertion and/or strain to the point of fatigue. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. is required.
Frequent daily or overnight travel around the state, sometimes with short notice. Adverse working conditions in remote locations, long hours and possible weekend work on occasion.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with stream and/or wetland science.
Experience identifying plant species.
Experience performing physically exerting work in a variety of field and weather-related conditions.
Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., contractors, landowners, government officials, internal scientists.
Experience completing complex tasks independently under pressure under stringent time constraints. Demonstrated experience in accomplishing tasks in an orderly, organized manner and keeping organized files and records.
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.

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.
Experience identifying a large array of Virginia flora to species level, both woody and herbaceous. Knowledge of Virginia invasive species and management techniques preferred.
Training and experience in stream science and assessment, including geomorphic survey, benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring, and habitat assessment.
Training and experience in wetland science, including identification of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and hydrology.
Experience using GIS, including conducting desktop site assessments and making maps, and field data collection using GPS.
Experience with Federal, State, and local regulations, permits, and policies for stream and wetland mitigation.
Training and experience in stream and wetland monitoring techniques and protocols. Proficiency in developing and implementing monitoring protocols to evaluate site restoration performance.
Proficiency in analyzing, interpreting and synthesizing a variety of information including monitoring data, aerial photography, soil surveys, topographic maps, and site plans.
Experience in coordinating and overseeing multiple projects, including ability to create and follow timelines and deliver products and results in a timely fashion.
Experience managing staff or volunteers.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including; health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions. Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, and flexibility needs of the people we employ.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,000 – $65,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 55847, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on December 1, 2024. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.