Sustainable Water Program Manager

The Nature Conservancy•George, OR

2d•$71,000 - $83,400•Hybrid

About The Position

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Oregon works to create a world where people and nature thrive. The Sustainable Water Project Manager develops, manages, and implements conservation projects across Oregon. The Project Manager will collaborate with teammates to lead and complete projects related to water scarcity, drought resilience, and water management in a changing climate. This position will report to the Sustainable Water Program Director within TNC Oregon. They will work closely with other conservation teams and functions, potentially including TNC Oregon’s Science, Philanthropy, and Government Relations teams. This position may be located anywhere in Oregon, with a preference for Bend, OR, and the position will require frequent travel (~20% of time) to project sites and meetings. The Sustainable Water Project Manager will work with colleagues and partners on projects to benefit climate adaptation for Oregon’s communities, rivers, and aquifers. The Sustainable Water Project Manager will lead conservation projects through a full lifecycle including methods development, funding acquisition, project implementation, product completion, and dissemination of results. They will build and maintain partnerships with other organizations, Tribes, agencies, and communities that are working towards a sustainable water future. They will provide support for related projects within TNC Oregon’s Sustainable Water Program and may interface with community-based collaboratives. The Sustainable Water Project Manager will design monitoring approaches, perform fieldwork for data collection, and complete projects that protect and restore freshwater function and biodiversity.

Requirements

BA/BS, law or business degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management, conservation, environmental science, hydrology, water management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience independently leading projects in an unstructured environment.
Experience communicating technical information to diverse audiences both in writing and verbally.
Experience collaborating with Tribes, non-profit partners, government agencies, and/or community groups.
Experience implementing field projects, preferably related to habitat restoration, conservation, water management, and/or hydrology.
Possesses strong interpersonal skills and political savvy.
Must be a team player.
Independently driven and demonstrated ability to complete tasks within project timelines.
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."
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.

Nice To Haves

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Demonstrated knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, water management, and natural resources, especially in the Pacific Northwest.
Critical analytical thinking and excellent English writing skills are essential.
Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
Understanding of water policy or Western water law is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Advance Sustainable Water programmatic efforts in Oregon, including projects related to conserving climate-resilient habitat, nature-based solutions for aquifer recharge, climate-smart water management, groundwater-dependent ecosystems, and drought vulnerability.
Support organizational efforts on TNC Western US and Canada Divisional Priorities, potentially including projects within the Columbia River Basin, Sagebrush Sea, or Emerald Edge.
Manage multidisciplinary project teams to complete deliverables while meeting deadlines.
Collaborate with partners, including Tribal governments and indigenous partners, state or federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community groups to advance Sustainable Water priorities.
Represent The Nature Conservancy in partnerships and collaborative groups.
Ensure that interactions with Tribal partners are managed according to TNC’s Indigenous Right Relations guidance, including Free, Prior and Informed Consent.
Effectively communicate project results, lessons-learned, and key messages to a variety of audiences ranging from community members and elected officials to technical experts.
Work within and/or manage a budget to complete projects, potentially including budget development, contract development and management, contractor oversight, financial administration, and legal compliance.
Participate in public and private fundraising strategies, including leading or collaborating on proposal writing for public grants.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
May involve domestic travel of 20% or more.