Boone River Project Director

Webster City, Iowa (IA)

With a presence in 50 states and 30 countries, The Nature Conservancy works at large scales to conserve whole ecological systems that reach beyond political boundaries drawn on a map. The work of the Boone River Watershed project director will inform watershed work throughout the Upper Mississippi Basin and beyond. The Boone has received national attention as an exceptional example of partners committed to achieving long-term, practical solutions that will eventually result in a healthy, functioning watershed. The work of The Nature Conservancy, in essence, is to work in partnerships that help local people craft solutions to national problems, while maintaining or improving local quality of life. The project director’s day-to-day duties are highly diverse and provide the possibility to gain and improve upon a wide set of skills necessary for the successful conservation professional. Additionally, the Conservancy supports a full-range of career development and leadership training opportunities. The project director can anticipate both a challenging and rewarding work environment – the opportunity to influence one of the most challenging and critical environmental issues of this generation and catalyze far-reaching change.

The Boone River Project Director has responsibility for implementing an integrated freshwater conservation program in the agriculturally dominated Boone River watershed in north central Iowa.  On-the-ground work in the Boone River watershed includes integration of best management practices on farmland to improve water quality and environmental flows and restoration of stream habitat including oxbow and wetland restoration projects.   These projects and practices are implemented in collaboration with farmers, government and non-governmental partners including the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Iowa Soybean Association (ISA).   The Boone River Project Director will direct all aspects of science, conservation, stewardship and community relations in the Boone River watershed.  S/he serves as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations and the academic community.    Specific functions of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Manage partnerships in the Boone to guide/focus watershed activities toward achieving TNC priorities as well as watershed-wide goals common to all partners and stakeholders in the Boone
• Develop and maintain key partnerships with public and private organizations, including NRCS, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, ISA, US Geological Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as agricultural leaders and agribusiness, to support and improve freshwater conservation and to widely communicate solutions and best practices.
• Develop working relationships with producers to get conservation practices on the ground through making initial contacts to developing contracts to assisting with implementing practices.
• Define conservation priorities and facilitates actions identified in the Conservation Action Plans for the Boone River.
• Develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address the natural system needs
• Gather and synthesize freshwater data to test the effectiveness of BMPs (environmental, agronomic and economic benefits) and to direct the implementation of conservation actions.
• Perform fieldwork, including ecosystem assessment, oxbow monitoring, gathering water quality samples, and evaluating soil quality improvement over time.
• Work to promote and support federal and state programs such as the Mississippi River Basin Initiative and local 319 nonpoint source management projects.
• Plan and provide outreach events such as workshops and field days and outreach materials such as newsletters, brochures, press release and other materials to watershed stakeholders.
• Write and manage grants and work with Philanthropy and Operating Unit leadership to raise funds for projects.
• Manage project budget and write project reports

This position will be supervised by the Iowa Freshwater Conservation Manager and will be based in Webster City in Central Iowa.    

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, water resources, natural resources management or related field, and 5 years of experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Experience in partnership development (landowners, other organizations, government agencies, community leaders, scientists, etc.).
• Experience or training regarding current trends in freshwater conservation,watershed planning, environmental flows and sediment/nutrient issues. Experience in applying this knowledge to define and achieve conservation priorities.
• Experience with biological and water quality monitoring and monitoring design.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including heavy workloads, and managing budget/finances under deadlines.
• Experience in written and verbal communication.
• Grant writing experience.
• Knowledge of agricultural practices.
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of common applications (e.g. Work, Excel, browsers). Experience with GIS, Arcview, and data management.
• Experience working and communicating effectively with a diverse group of people, including scientists, other staff, the public, etc.
• Experience performing physical, natural resources management work.
• Valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of Midwestern agricultural systems and drainage management regulation in Iowa.
• Self-motivated, self-directed and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Experience forming partnerships and working cooperatively with civic leaders, farmers, public agencies, private companies, non-profit organizations, and agricultural producers. Political savvy.
• Successful leadership experience, particularly in complex and challenging situations.
• Ability to work with influential officials, especially governmental and local leaders, to improve Conservancy programs’ outcomes.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license, be insurable under TNC policy, and comply with TNC Auto Safety Program.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Commitment to natural resource conservation.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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."  Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers. 

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.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

To apply to position number 41169, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 5, 2013.

Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

You must click “submit” to apply for the position. You may select “save for later” if you prefer to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited.

If you are experiencing technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contactapplyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process