Watershed Restoration Engineer

The Nature Conservancy•Lexington, VA

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Watershed Restoration Engineer will work collaboratively with technical specialists from TNC, the USFS, other agencies, NGOs, and private consultants including hydrologists, biologists, engineers, recreation managers, and others as necessary. This position coordinates with key partners and external relations with respect to aquatic restoration programs. They may also serve as the project liaison with city, county, state, and federal agencies. They will serve as Technical Monitor on project implementation - administering and evaluating contractor efforts and assessing technical progress in relation to the established schedule and specifications. Assures contractor performance complies with the plans and specifications required in the contract. Consults with contractor personnel to resolve difficult and complex, unforeseen problems and latent conditions that develop during the project. They will provide oversight of third-party project preparation and implementation, as well as administration of A & E contracts. They may advise conservation teams on designing and conducting experiments. They may lead a program or project relative to conservation planning, research and stewardship. They collaborate with other scientists and institutions to enhance Conservancy practices. The Watershed Restoration Engineer provides technical and scientific support and leadership as a subject matter resource (SMR). The position will provide technical support to a multi-agency watershed restoration in partnership with the George Washington – Jefferson National Forest. They will perform project development and implementation activities including watershed analysis, stream and road-stream crossing assessment, survey, design, and preparation of construction drawings and contracts. The project portfolio will focus significantly on road-stream crossing restoration for Aquatic Organism Passage using U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Stream Simulation Design methodology. Other project work is expected to include channel and floodplain restoration through large wood augmentation, natural channel design techniques, dam removal, road realignment, and more. This position will be based out of the Alleghany Highlands Program office in Lexington Virginia with the expectation that the staff would report to the office one to two days per week and reside somewhere in or near western Virginia where the office and field work are located.

Requirements

Master's Degree in science related field and 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience manipulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical or environmental data.
Experience leading or participating on cross functional teams.
Experience managing complex projects including the financial aspect and coordinating the work of peers and partners.
Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
Ability to pass a background check.
Must have valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Nice To Haves

Registered Professional Engineer with 5 years relevant experience strongly preferred.
Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Experience and proficiency with Site Survey (to include Robotic Total Station and less advanced methodologies), Drafting (AutoCAD Civil 3d or similar), Hydraulic Modeling, and watershed analysis.
Knowledge of Road Design Principles.
Experience with stream restoration design and implementation.
Strong knowledge of common software applications.
Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.
Proven negotiation skills.
Attention to detail.
Training experience.

Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with technical specialists from TNC, the USFS, other agencies, NGOs, and private consultants including hydrologists, biologists, engineers, recreation managers, and others as necessary.
Coordinate with key partners and external relations with respect to aquatic restoration programs.
Serve as the project liaison with city, county, state, and federal agencies.
Serve as Technical Monitor on project implementation - administering and evaluating contractor efforts and assessing technical progress in relation to the established schedule and specifications.
Assure contractor performance complies with the plans and specifications required in the contract.
Consult with contractor personnel to resolve difficult and complex, unforeseen problems and latent conditions that develop during the project.
Provide oversight of third-party project preparation and implementation, as well as administration of A & E contracts.
Advise conservation teams on designing and conducting experiments.
Lead a program or project relative to conservation planning, research and stewardship.
Collaborate with other scientists and institutions to enhance Conservancy practices.
Provide technical and scientific support and leadership as a subject matter resource (SMR).
Provide technical support to a multi-agency watershed restoration in partnership with the George Washington – Jefferson National Forest.
Perform project development and implementation activities including watershed analysis, stream and road-stream crossing assessment, survey, design, and preparation of construction drawings and contracts.
Focus project portfolio significantly on road-stream crossing restoration for Aquatic Organism Passage using U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Stream Simulation Design methodology.
Undertake other project work including channel and floodplain restoration through large wood augmentation, natural channel design techniques, dam removal, road realignment, and more.