Wetland Restoration Specialist in Little Rock, Arkansas

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact for people and nature around the world in 69 countries, all 50 United States, major US cities and in your neighborhood. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.

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.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Wetland Restoration Specialist will be responsible for contributing to the restoration of natural function and productivity of priority wetlands in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley of Arkansas. Technical and personal skills are needed to design and build wetland projects that improve water quality, provide productive wildlife habitat, and improve floodplain capacity within an agriculturally-dominated landscape. The conservation strategies for the Arkansas Field Office’s Delta Program are focused on reducing siltation and erosion into area streams, reforesting key blocks of bottomland hardwood forest, and reconnecting floodplain pathways into managed areas that provide for sustainable coexistence of globally significant agricultural and environmental landscapes. These strategies are pursued by working with private, state, and federal stakeholders to implement projects that demonstrate effective techniques, collect quantifiable data, and collaborate with partners to increase acceptance of conservation solutions for people and nature at a landscape scale.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Increase naturally-functioning hydrology and wetlands on Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) easements in Arkansas.

• Use existing network of WRP easements to identify opportunities to restore altered flow pathways across the Cache River watershed;

• Improve internal and partner understanding and adoption of techniques for designing and building blocks of functional floodplain ecosystems within an agricultural landscape in Arkansas.

• Work with staff and partners including landowners, private organizations, state and federal agencies to develop restoration plans that include surveying, tree planting, wetland/stream construction, or implementation of on-farm conservation practices, among others;

• Collect project field data which may include water quality sampling, biological inventories, habitat surveys, or others in order to monitor and document impacts of restorations on area water quality parameters and wildlife habitat values.

• Lead or assist with tours of projects and program for volunteers, donors, trustees, partners or staff;

• Become part of the greater Arkansas Field Office team and assist other programs and projects as needed and available

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Increase professional network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy projects/partnerships.

• Exhibit financial responsibility for projects that may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development.

• Work efficiently under minimal and sometimes distant supervision; make responsible and independent decisions based on experience and judgments.

• Perform responsibly in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

• Travel safely and independently across a wide geographic area in Arkansas.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in a science-related field and 1 year related experience in conservation, ecological land management, ecological restoration or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience operating and maintaining various types of technical equipment and recreational vehicles.

• Experience with common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers, and Geographic Information Systems).

• Valid driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS degree and at least 2 years related experience in conservation or ecological management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience working with bottomland hardwood forests, wetland restorations and/or natural channel design concepts.

• Experience with water quality sampling, monitoring plant or animal species to complete project management activities.

• Experience supervising or managing staff, volunteers, or contractors to complete a conservation project.

• Familiarity with current trends and practices in row crop agriculture

• Experience communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English to a broad spectrum of stakeholders including government officials, private landowners, partners, donors, trustees or the general public.

• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s) and direct supervision.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

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.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 45041, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 3, 2017.

Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.*LI-

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The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

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

Job Title: Wetland Restoration Specialist

Location: Arkansas

Job ID: 45041

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time