A LITTLE ABOUT US
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.
We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.
Although you’ll see requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply.
All TNC staff based in the U.S. or a U.S. Territory are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of receiving one of the vaccines approved in the U.S. (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson) shall be condition of employment and must be provided prior to starting work. TNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and reasonable accommodations for candidates who cannot be vaccinated due to a valid medical or religious reason will be considered.
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.
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 AND SCOPE
Manage restoration contracts, request for proposals, and assists in construction oversight.
Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
Work within and manage project budgets, negotiate and contract with vendors, assist with budget development, and work with TNC financial staff.
Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Build productive relationships with project stakeholders to accomplish program goals.
Oversee ecological assessments and restoration planning.
May work in variable weather conditions, potentially at remote locations on difficult and hazardous terrain under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years’ experience in ecological restoration or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Exeperience working closely and effectively with conservation partners, contractors, consultants, agencies, and staff on all aspects of stream and wetland restoration and mitigation projects.
Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
Experience in invasive plant management and restoration design.
Experience negotiating complex contracts and other agreements.
Experience managing staff and subcontractors.
Experience with ecological land management and restoration principles.
Experience with current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
Experience using applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, GIS software, and GPS.
Must have, or when appropriate be able to obtain, a valid Ohio driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree and at least 3 years’ experience in ecological restoration or related field.
Ability to perform wetland and stream delineations and assessments.
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.
Experience in soil sciences, including sampling, analysis, and best management practices
Experience in hydrology modeling, CADD software, topographic surveying, or environmental sampling a plus.
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.