Aquatic Restoration and Resiliency Coordinator

The Nature Conservancy•Pulaski, NY

About The Position

The Aquatic Restoration and Resiliency Coordinator (ARRC) provides technical and scientific support for conservation initiatives and helps advance The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goals. The role facilitates the St. Lawrence and Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM), a collaborative program focused on protecting the region’s native habitats, biodiversity, natural areas, and freshwater resources from invasive species. The position is funded through a five-year PRISM award with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The ARRC plans, conducts, and oversees aquatic invasive species control and monitoring projects; gathers and manages data on rare, endangered, threatened, invasive, and non-native species; and uses survey and assessment findings to prioritize restoration and conservation work. The coordinator conducts field surveys and applied research, records and analyzes data, prepares reports and proposals, and develops and coordinates conservation programs within SLELO PRISM and TNC’s New York Division. The role may oversee seasonal staff, contractors, interns, and volunteers and may involve fieldwork in variable weather, remote locations, on or near open water, hazardous terrain, and physically demanding conditions.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a science-related field and one year of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, such as a bachelor’s degree and three years of experience, focused on environmental monitoring, aquatic invasive species, or a similar field.
Experience designing and implementing monitoring programs.
Ability to recognize and identify invasive aquatic plant and animal species.
Experience managing staff, contractors, or volunteers.
Experience using software applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Experience with Geographic Information Systems and field data collection techniques.
Experience with ecological restoration practices and implementation.
Experience in training and formal presentation design and delivery.
Experience safely operating small watercraft.
Valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program; employment is contingent on completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a motor vehicle record review.
Ability to work in variable weather, remote locations, on or near open water, hazardous terrain, and physically demanding circumstances.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of current trends, concepts, and practices in conservation, ecological restoration, limnology, and natural resource preservation, including ecological site restoration.
Experience collecting, manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting applied, field-related scientific data.
Experience coordinating and managing terrestrial and aquatic invasive species projects, ecological restoration implementation, and data collection, processing, and interpretation.
Ability to complete tasks independently within established timelines.
Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
Project management skills and ability to work collaboratively and independently as part of a team.
Excellent written, spoken, and graphical communication skills in English.
Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience.

Responsibilities

Coordinate SLELO PRISM’s aquatic invasive species spread-prevention efforts.
Conduct terrestrial and aquatic field surveys for priority species in priority conservation areas and identify improvements to invasive species prevention, early detection, and management strategies.
Conduct field assessments, identify ecological restoration areas and management needs, and coordinate best management practices to improve site resiliency and biodiversity.
Assist the PRISM Director with annual work plans and reports related to aquatic invasive species and restoration.
Coordinate ecologically sound, high-impact removal efforts, including hand-pulls and aquatic invasive species mitigation.
Coordinate innovative science efforts, including environmental DNA (eDNA) initiatives.
Provide tools, biodiversity data, field services, and training to staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners.
Collaborate with and serve on TNC New York conservation teams as needed.
Plan, perform, and oversee aquatic invasive species control and monitoring projects; collect and manage species data; conduct applied field research; record and assess data; and prepare reports and proposals.
May lead or monitor geographically dispersed work groups of staff, interns, and volunteers.
May supervise full-time, seasonal, or volunteer staff and oversee projects.