Aquatic Restoration and Resiliency Coordinator

The Nature Conservancy•Pulaski, NY

3d•$70,000 - $76,000

About The Position

The Aquatic Restoration and Resiliency Coordinator (ARRC) provides technical and scientific support for conservation initiatives and facilitates the St. Lawrence and Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM). The role develops, coordinates, and advances conservation programs, including aquatic invasive species prevention and management efforts that support The Nature Conservancy’s biodiversity objectives. The position is funded through a five-year PRISM award with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The ARRC plans, performs, and oversees aquatic invasive species control and monitoring projects; collects and manages data on rare, endangered, threatened, invasive, and non-native species; and uses data to prioritize areas for ecological restoration and conservation. The position conducts scientific surveys and applied field research, records data, writes reports, and develops proposals to administer and coordinate conservation programs within SLELO PRISM and The Nature Conservancy’s New York Division. The role may oversee seasonal staff and contractors to ensure timely delivery of project outcomes. The position may involve variable weather, remote locations, work on or near open water, hazardous terrain, and physically demanding conditions. A valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program are required; employment is contingent on completing a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a motor vehicle record review.

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 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.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of current trends, concepts, and practices in conservation, ecological restoration, limnology, natural resource preservation, and 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 strategies, 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 ways to improve 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 high-impact, ecologically sound 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 The Nature Conservancy’s New York conservation teams as needed.
Lead or monitor work groups of staff, interns, and volunteers across a wide geographic area as needed.
Supervise full-time, seasonal, or volunteer staff and oversee projects as needed.
Plan, perform, and oversee aquatic invasive species control and monitoring projects.
Collect and manage species data, conduct scientific surveys and applied field research, record data, write reports, and develop proposals.