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Restoration Ecologist

Job Title: 
Restoration Ecologist
Company, Organization, or University: 
The Nature Conservancy in Ohio
Location: 
Northwest Ohio preferred
Description: 

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 will provide technical leadership and support to advance TNC Ohio’s natural infrastructure strategy, focused on restoring wetlands, floodplains, and riparian corridors to improve streams and lakes impacted by nutrients. Ohio is rich in important water resources, and growing awareness of threats to drinking water, and support for water quality improvements is driving new opportunities for conservation throughout the region that will benefit nature and human wellbeing. TNC has developed science-based, ambitious goals to restore target watersheds most impacted by nutrient enrichment specifically within the western Lake Erie, Scioto, and Great Miami watersheds. The Restoration Ecologist will work to address these critical threats and coordinate community support. They will implement strategies to secure public and private support for TNC priorities to maximize conservation outcomes. They will manage the planning and implementation of multiple restoration projects across the state of Ohio, including ongoing efforts on the Lake Erie coast. They will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, celebrates innovation, values collaboration, and seeks lasting conservation results. They will report to the Natural Infrastructure Director. Northwest Ohio is the preferred location for this position, but other locations may be considered.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Primary responsibilities involve identifying, evaluating, and managing multiple restoration projects, including developing concept plans, reviewing and implementing design plans, developing scopes of work, budgets, requests for proposals, contracts, and grant applications, coordinating and overseeing contractors, and performing ecological assessments. Additional functions include building relationships with and capacity of partners, coordinating community support, assisting with accessing funding to advance projects, and meeting deadlines, all in coordination with TNC staff and partners to implement successful projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Manages all elements of restoration planning and projects.
Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
Financial responsibilities include developing and managing budgets and negotiating and contracting with vendors.
Ensures project compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Gains cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain under physically demanding circumstances.
May supervise staff/volunteers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in ecological restoration or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to effectively collaborate, proactively grow network of partners, and manage contractors on all aspects of restoration projects.
Experience negotiating.
Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
Proficiency with Microsoft applications and GPS, and familiarity with ESRI products.
Must have, or when appropriate be able to obtain a valid driver's license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Proficiency with ESRI products.
Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to apply science in decision-making and to guide activities.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
Experience in plant management, wetland and stream delineations and assessments, and restoration design.
Experience with grant writing and preparing scopes of work for stream and wetland restoration, enhancement, or re-establishment.
Experience with contract preparation and management, contractor oversight, budget management, and permitting processes.
Proficiency in developing and implementing monitoring protocols to evaluate project performance and success criteria.
Demonstrated understanding of ecological processes influencing coastal, wetland, and stream ecosystems in Ohio.
Experience developing and managing multiple projects, including ability to create and meet timelines.
Excellent communication skills via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
Boat operator certification and experience.

Application Deadline: 
Monday, September 13, 2021
Application Instructions: 
To apply for job ID 50193, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on September 13, 2021. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. 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 people 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.
Contact: 
Erin O'Rourke
Phone: 
614-717-2770