| Description |
| | The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. | | ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | | The Freshwater Ecologist provides technical and scientific support and leadership for conservation initiatives in conservation action planning (CAP) or other conservation activities and measures of conservation success (MOS). Independently evaluates, selects, and applies standard methods and techniques. This includes the following functions:
• Conducts scientific surveys and research, records data, writes project reports and develops proposals
• Delivers conservation tools, biodiversity data, field services and training to Conservancy staff and its partners
• Coordinates fieldwork and logistical support for research, project development and monitoring
• Helps develop adaptive management plans, develops conceptual models, and identifies and designs ecosystem conservation strategies | | BASIC QUALIFICATIONS | | • Graduate degree in science-related field and 2 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
• Experience synthesizing, interpreting and communicating scientific information and preparing reports on findings.
• Peer reviewed publication record.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite Software.
• Experience working and communicating with a diverse group of people. | | ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION | | The Freshwater Ecologist provides scientific/technical support, expertise and leadership for freshwater conservation initiatives for the Mississippi Field Office, particularly in the realm of stream and wetland ecology, nutrient transformation in stream/wetland systems, and impacts of sedimentation on aquatic communities. The Freshwater Ecologist will work closely with other aquatic conservation staff and assist conservation program staff in the assessment of aquatic community health and water quality threats to conservation targets. The Freshwater Ecologist will manage all aspects of our effort to address sediment and nutrient runoff that impacts aquatic resources in the largely agricultural Delta region of Mississippi, which includes partnership development with federal, state, non-government and private sector partners; working directly with landowners; project design, implementation, and monitoring; and proposal development for funding sources. Additionally the position will work with other staff on public policy such as the federal Farm Bill programs as it relates to the conservation of freshwater biodiversity and will initiate and assist others in locating and developing the resources needed to implement successful freshwater conservation.
The Stream Restoration Scientist will be supervised by the Mississippi Director of Conservation Programs and will work closely with regional freshwaters staff, MS conservation and philanthropy staff, and numerous partners and stakeholders.
• Works collaboratively with other conservation staff to develop, implement and monitoring conservation and restoration strategies and methods for aquatic conservation projects.
• Conducts scientific surveys and research, records data and writes project reports.
• Assists in design of conservation practices to minimize the effect of sedimentation/nutrient loading to benefit aquatic biodiversity and coordinates the implementation of conservation practices.
• Assists with implementation of other top conservation strategies in priority conservation areas to benefit aquatic biodiversity.
• Leads assessments of freshwater conservation needs.
• Supervises field technicians and other staff as needed.
• Prepares proposals to leverage funding for conservation programs.
• Networks with TNC’s freshwater conservation networks and serves as the Mississippi TNC representative on regional freshwater conservation teams.
• Engages full suite of partners (other organizations, federal, state and local agencies, and academia) in project implementation.
• Participates in education and outreach activities and community relations as necessary.
• Operates and maintains a range of field equipment, including boats and outboard motors, 4-wheel drive vehicles and ATVs.
• Other duties as requested by supervisor.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
• Graduate degree in aquatic science-related field (hydrology, aquatic ecology, or environmental engineering preferred) and 2 years experience, or the equivalent combination with an emphasis on the conservation of watershed-scale freshwater ecosystems, particularly within an agricultural context is advantageous.
• Demonstrated knowledge of stream and/or wetland ecology, wetland bio-chemistry/nutrient transformations, and trends/practices in Non-Point Source (NPS) water quality management.
• Strong time and project management skills and an ability to coordinate diverse, complex activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers) and ability to use provided computer technology to enhance the quality of work.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
• Ability to collect, synthesize, interpret and effectively communicate complex scientific information to influence conservation practice.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively as part of multi-disciplinary team.
• Successful history of writing grant proposals desirable.
• Demonstrated experience with software applications (MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), GIS systems, and statistical analysis software). | | BENEFITS | | The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 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. |
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