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Restoration Ecologist

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

OFFICE LOCATION
This position can be based in Central or Northwest Ohio.

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.

In addition to the minimum 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, or claim an exemption under applicable state law will be considered.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

Growing awareness of water quality issues is driving new opportunities for targeted conservation throughout the region that will benefit nature and human wellbeing. The Restoration Ecologist works with TNC’s Natural Infrastructure team to develop, manage, influence, and advance science-based wetland and stream restoration projects through diverse partnerships that contribute to goals to restore areas most impacted by nutrient enrichment primarily within the western Lake Erie, Scioto, and Great Miami watersheds. The Restoration Ecologist manages planning and implementation of multiple restoration projects. They report to the Natural Infrastructure Director, and will find a culture that supports conservation achievement and personal development, celebrates innovation, values collaboration, and seeks lasting conservation results.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Restoration Ecologist implements and tracks activities to communicate TNC’s natural infrastructure conservation outcomes and goals, and contributes to the strategic direction of the Natural Infrastructure team. They identify partners and opportunities to scale up restoration efforts and apply cutting-edge ecological restoration techniques to projects. The Restoration Ecologist builds relationships with and capacity of partners, and coordinates community support. Frequent day travel to field sites is required.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

Manage planning and implementation process for multiple restoration projects, including:
Write and manage large public grants and contracts, including developing restoration concept plans and reviewing engineered plans, scopes of work, requests for proposals, and budgets.
Negotiate, contract, and oversee vendors.
Perform ecological assessments.
Ensure project compliance with internal and external regulations and policies.
Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
Collaboratively engage and cooperate with TNC staff, as well as diverse external partners.
May supervise staff/volunteers.
Travel statewide, work in variable weather conditions, and at remote locations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience in ecological restoration or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience developing and managing successful wetland and/or stream restoration projects.
Experience applying science in decision-making.
Experience in current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
Experience working independently to manage and prioritize tasks from multiple projects and contacts, and meet deadlines.
Experience with technical writing skills.
Experience with interpersonal communication skills, and ability to proactively grow and steward existing network of diverse partners, and to effectively communicate science and collaborate with technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience with computers and Microsoft Office suite, Zoom, Microsoft Teams.
Must have valid driver's license and be willing to travel statewide, work in variable weather conditions, and at remote locations.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
Master’s degree and/or experience in ecological restoration, hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, aquatic ecology, or water quality.
Proficiency with GIS software, particularly ESRI products.
Experience with habitat/land/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.
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 and beyond.
Boat operator certification and experience.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting salary for this position is $63,120.

Application Instructions: 
To apply for job ID 50930, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. This job posting will remain open until filled. 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. Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings! TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
Contact: 
Erin O'Rourke
Phone: 
614-717-2770
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