Natural Resources Specialist
About The Position
The Natural Resources Specialist is a partnership position between the Tennessee Aquarium and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to connect landowners with resources that support aquatic conservation on private lands. The primary responsibility of this position is to work with farmers and landowners in priority watersheds of the Ridges to Rivers Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to promote conservation practices that reduce soil erosion. Specifically, the Natural Resources Specialist will conduct targeted outreach to make landowners aware of relevant conservation programs that will protect soil health and reduce soil erosion to meet targeted outcomes for improved stream health to benefit rare mussels and Laurel Dace within the six-county RCPP area. The Natural Resources Specialist will assist in the review of financial assistance requests to the NRCS under the provision of federal, state, and local agriculture programs. The Natural Resources Specialist will network with other conservation organizations and agencies, including local land trusts and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, to help private landowners find the best fit for conservation programs that enhance regional water quality and southeastern freshwater animals. Finally, the Natural Resources Specialist will assist Aquarium staff, specifically the Watershed Coordinator, with delivering general outreach about Farm Bill Programs and the relationship between healthy soil and healthy water.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or associate’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline is required (Environmental science, natural resources, wildlife & fisheries management, soil science, biology, etc.)
- 1-2 years of experience is preferred.
- Possess strong personal skills to communicate effectively with private landowners, partners and the public.
- Ability to work independently.
- Knowledge of freshwater conservation issues and the NRCS nine-step planning process.
- Ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, especially farmers and rural landowners.
- Driver’s license required to operate Aquarium vehicles
- Computer skills and familiarity with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ArcGIS.
Nice To Haves
- Land stewardship experience preferred.
- GIS experience preferred.
- Knowledge of NRCS Farm Bill programs and NRCS Conservation Practices preferred.
Responsibilities
- Effectively communicates and works with landowners and agencies to implement conservation practices on high priority streams to improve stream health for aquatic animals, especially rare mussels and Laurel Dace.
- Partners with farmers and landowners to develop a systematic application schedule for practices included in the RCPP.
- Provides information to farmers and landowners on the types of assistance available via Farm Bill and Partners for Fish and Wildlife programs, and programs available via local land trusts, including the nature of the programs and how and where to apply for assistance.
- Assists with public outreach activities by providing guidance and NRCS policy for the application of practices. As appropriate, conducts practice demonstrations and discusses conservation practices on tours.
- Interfaces with conservation partners including nonprofit organizations, agency personnel, and universities to maximize outreach and educational opportunities to farmers and landowners in the six-county RCPP area.
- Presents material on practice application and specifications at community or contractor meetings as needed.
- Coordinates with the NRCS RCPP Program Coordinator, Assistant State Conservationist - Field Operations (Region 3), and applicable District Conservationists on outreach and community engagement activities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
