Aquatic Restoration and Resiliency Coordinator

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Aquatic Restoration and Resiliency Coordinator (ARRC) provides technical and scientific support for conservation initiatives in support of The Nature Conservancy’s measures of conservation success. The ARRC will facilitate efforts of the St. Lawrence and Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM), a partnership program working to protect the region from the impacts of invasive species. The ARRC will develop, coordinate, and advance conservation programs and implement aquatic invasive species prevention and management programs that support biodiversity objectives of The Nature Conservancy. This position is funded through a five-year Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) award with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The SLELO PRISM is invasive species program that leads The Nature Conservancy’s invasive species work in the Eastern Lake Ontario region in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. SLELO is one of eight established PRISMs in New York, whose mission is to protect native habitats, biodiversity, natural areas, and freshwater resources by using a collaborative and integrated approach to invasive species management with emphasis on prevention, early detection, rapid response, education, and outreach. Visit www.sleloinvasives.org to learn more.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The ARRC directly plans, performs, and oversees AIS control and monitoring projects. The ARRC collects and manages data for rare, endangered, threatened, and invasive/non-native plant and animal species.  They classify targets and assess their data to prioritize areas for ecological restoration and conservation.  The ARRC conducts scientific surveys and applied practical field research, records data, writes reports, and develops proposals to administer and coordinate conservation programs within the SLELO PRISM and The Nature Conservancy’s New York Division. The ARRC may oversee seasonal staff and contractors to ensure that deliverables are successfully met and on time. This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Coordinates SLELO PRISM’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) spread prevention efforts. 

• Conducts field surveys (terrestrial and aquatic) for priority species within priority conservation areas and identifies ways to enhance invasive species prevention, early detection, and management strategies. 

• Conducts field assessments and identifies ecological restoration areas and management needs and coordinates the implementation of best management practices for increased site resiliency and biodiversity.

• Assists the PRISM Director with the development of Annual Work Plans and reports as related to aquatic invasive species and restoration.

• Manage invasive species infestations on private and public lands and waters under direction by NYS DEC ISCS.

• Coordinates high impact, ecologically sound removal efforts such as hand-pulls or aquatic invasive species mitigation efforts.

• Conduct and participate in innovate research projects including eDNA collection, processing, and evaluation of aquatic restoration efficacy and management. Deliver tools, biodiversity data, field services and training to staff, volunteers, contractors, and/or partners.    

• Collaborates with and serves on New York The Nature Conservancy conservation teams as needed.

• Willing to obtain NYS Pesticide licensure in category 5a.

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

• May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area. 

• May supervise full-time, seasonal and/or volunteer staff and oversee projects.

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on or near open water, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

What You’ll Bring:

• Master’s degree in science related field and 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience (bachelor’s degree with 3 years of experience) with a focus on environmental monitoring, aquatic invasive species, or similar field.
• Experience designing and implementing monitoring programs.
• Ability to recognize and identify invasive aquatic plant and animal species.   
• Experience managing staff, contractors, or volunteers. 
• Experience using software applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems and field data collection techniques.
• Experience with ecological restoration practices and implementation.
• Experience in training and formal presentation design/delivery.
• Experience safely operating small watercraft                

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of current trends, concepts, and practices in conservation, ecological restoration, limnology, and natural resource preservation including ecological site restoration.
• Experience collecting, manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting applied, field-related scientific data.
• Experience in terrestrial and aquatic invasive species project coordination and management, ecological restoration implementation strategies, data collection, data processing, and data interpretation.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Working as part of a team with project management skills and ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Valid driver's license

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 the Auto Safety information page. 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 pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $70,000 – 76,000 annually. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. 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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.

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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.