A LITTLE ABOUT US
Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.
YOUR POSITION WITH TNC
The Restoration Ecologist works within The Nature Conservancy’s Ohio Stream and Wetland Mitigation Program (OMP) which utilizes mitigation funds to locate and develop restoration projects in the state of Ohio that maximize success and conservation outcomes for the State’s dynamic watersheds. The Restoration Ecologist manages the planning and implementation of multiple OMP restoration projects across the state of Ohio. They will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, celebrates innovation, values collaborative approaches, and seeks lasting conservation results. The preferred office location is Dublin, Ohio, but other locations in Ohio may be considered.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The position’s primary responsibilities are managing OMP restoration projects, including, but not limited to: reviewing and implementing comprehensive mitigation plans; developing scopes of work, requests for proposals, and contracts for mitigation activities; coordinating with and providing oversight of contractors; developing and managing project budgets; performing wetland delineations and other ecological assessments, overseeing success monitoring; implementing corrective actions and engaging project partners. This position is responsible for understanding and implementing OMP operations and objectives. Supervises and/or coordinates the work of others and provides technical support to TNC staff in assessing potential mitigation sites that are appropriate as OMP projects. The Restoration Ecologist works under the supervision of the Mitigation Program Manager, and collaboratively with other OMP staff, TNC conservation staff, staff from the US Army Corps of Engineers, Ohio EPA, Ohio Interagency Review Team and other organizations, and individuals as needed in carrying out duties.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
• Manages restoration contracts, request for proposals, and assists in construction oversight.
• Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and working with TNC financial staff
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
• Performs wetland delineations and other ecological assessments, and restoration planning.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in ecological restoration or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience in invasive plant management, and restoration design.
• Experience negotiating complex contracts and other agreements.
• Experience managing staff and subcontractors.
• Knowledge of ecological land management and restoration principles.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, ArcMap GIS, GPS, and Web Browsers.
• Must have, or when appropriate be able to obtain, a valid Ohio driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Ability to work closely and effectively with conservation partners, contractors, consultants, agencies, and staff on all aspects of stream and wetland restoration and mitigation projects.
• Ability to perform wetland and stream delineations and assessments.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
• Experience preparing scopes of work for stream and wetland restoration, enhancement, or re-establishment.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing monitoring protocols to evaluate compensatory mitigation project performance and success criteria.
• Demonstrated understanding of key ecological processes influencing wetland and stream ecosystems in Ohio.
• Experience with contract preparation, contractor oversight, and contract and budget management.
• Successful experience in developing, directing and managing multiple projects, including ability to create and follow timelines and deliver products and results in a timely fashion.
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
• Demonstrated proficiency in analyzing, interpreting and synthesizing a variety of data including soil surveys, topographic maps and ArcGIS.