Northwest Georgia Freshwater Restoration Specialist

The Nature Conservancy•Rome, GA

3d•$58,500 - $61,100•Hybrid

About The Position

The Northwest Georgia Freshwater Restoration Specialist will help The Nature Conservancy in Georgia maximize its contribution towards the organization's 2030 Goals. These goals for freshwater work are to increase the resilience of streams and rivers, conserve and increase the quality of habitat critical to maintaining aquatic biodiversity, engage communities facing disproportionate watershed impacts, and increase resilience of human communities to climate change impacts. Conservation projects will be carried out under supervision of the Upper Coosa River Program Director and in close collaboration with TNC’s Freshwater Director, in addition to resource agency, non-profit, governing, and community partners. The Freshwater Restoration Specialist will review contractor deliverables including condition/environmental assessments, hydrological models, and restoration designs; ensure permitting requirements are met; oversee monitoring and construction; develop communication materials for a variety of audiences; participate in public input meetings; assist with writing of environmental regulatory documents, watershed planning documents, grant proposals, and reports; and supervise seasonal staff. Funding for this position is currently secured for a 10-year period, offering the opportunity to contribute to sustained conservation outcomes over the long term.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in freshwater science or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience managing staff or volunteers.
Experience working with a variety of partners, including collaboration, negotiation, and relationship building.
Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, web browsers, and virtual meeting applications such as Zoom, Teams, and Google Meets.
Experience in training.
Experience managing and executing complex projects.
Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Ability to reside within a one-hour commuting distance of the Rome office.

Nice To Haves

3-5 years’ experience in freshwater science, similar field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of freshwater conservation challenges, science, and restoration techniques.
Experience working with GIS.
Knowledge of permitting requirements for aquatic restoration projects.
Experience with aquatic field work and/or habitat restoration.
Knowledge of federal and state incentive programs (i.e., BRIC and other FEMA grants, EPA 319 funding, Farm Bill and other USDA funding, Partners for Fish and Wildlife, NFWF).
Ability and willingness to work with a multi-agency team to identify and prioritize restoration and protection efforts.
Experience working with private landowners and municipalities to enhance their knowledge of conservation practices.
Ability to work from a canoe and/or kayak.
Cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Responsibilities

Develop and strengthen relationships with local natural resource agencies’ staff and landowners.
Provide technical leadership and support.
Plan and coordinate restoration and protection projects to address hydrologic alteration, sediment abatement, stormwater runoff, and aquatic barrier removal.
Work closely with resource agencies, landowners, and the locally active nonprofit, governing, and community-based organizations to implement initiatives.
Assist the U.S. Forest Service with conservation planning and implementation within and surrounding the Conasauga and Blue Ridge Ranger Districts of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Enhance water quality and quantity and implement aquatic restoration projects including barrier removals (fish passage constructs, dam removals, undersized culvert replacements), instream habitat improvements, and bank stability and riparian enhancements in the Upper Coosa River Basin with a focus on the Conasauga, Coosawattee, and Etowah watersheds.
Review contractor deliverables including condition/environmental assessments, hydrological models, and restoration designs.
Ensure permitting requirements are met.
Oversee monitoring and construction.
Develop communication materials for a variety of audiences.
Participate in public input meetings.
Assist with writing of environmental regulatory documents, watershed planning documents, grant proposals, and reports.
Supervise seasonal staff.
Perform tasks with minimal supervision and make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
Supervise seasonal field staff with responsibility for overseeing daily work, performance management, training and development.
Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Coordinate multiple projects, set deadlines, and manage completion.