Virginia, USA

Charlottesville or Richmond, VA, Virginia

VA407

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."

The Restoration Specialist develops, manages and advances wetland and stream mitigation projects of the Virginia Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (Trust Fund) to protect, enhance and restore wetland and stream resources and habitat as compensation for unavoidable impacts to wetlands and streams in Virginia. They use the full range of conservation tools, including scientific and engineering practices, advancement of known and new techniques, project management, negotiation skills, contract and budget management, and cooperative partnerships with federal, state, and local government, conservation organizations and other partners as appropriate to fulfill requirements for statewide compensatory mitigation activities of the Trust Fund.

Are you ready to expand your career in project management? We're looking for a candidate with conservation experience who is passionate, motivated, and ready for an opportunity to learn and grow as a professional in managing wetland and stream restoration work. The Restoration Specialist will provide technical oversight and support to the Virginia business unit by planning, directing and implementing wetland and stream mitigation projects. The Restoration Specialist will be responsible for a portfolio of projects as part of the Virginia Aquatics Resources Trust Fund. While working collaboratively with others as well as independently, the Restoration Specialist will have opportunities for training and gaining valuable experience as they make progress towards The Nature Conservancy's 2030 Goals.

The Restoration Specialist will work closely and coordinate with a wide variety of Conservancy staff, private individuals, public entities, agency staff and contractors in support of mitigation project and programmatic goals. They will develop and implement wetland, stream, and riparian buffer mitigation projects to fully achieve the Conservancy's internal conservation priorities for mitigation within the operational framework of the Trust Fund. The Restoration Specialist will be familiar with compensatory mitigation and restoration standards for wetlands, streams and their associated riparian buffer areas, and will support the Trust Fund program staff on the application of these tools for the advancement and fulfillment of program objectives.

Essential functions of the position include:
* Plan and direct all aspects of wetland and stream mitigation projects including feasibility, project scope, proposals, contracting, design, implementation, monitoring, and maintenance.
* Work with landowners, partners, regulatory agencies, TNC staff and contractors to obtain project approvals and oversee project implementation.
* Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development.
* Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
* Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
* May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
* Frequent travel around the state, sometimes with short notice. Adverse working conditions in remote locations and long hours.

* BA/BS and 3 years' experience in stream or wetland science, botany, or related natural resource management field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Experience with complex project management.
* Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
* Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
* Interest and ability to learn and develop professional skills through The Nature Conservancy training opportunities.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
* Advanced degree or extensive wetland or stream restoration and mitigation experience is preferred.
* Knowledge of wetland and stream science, vegetation ecology, restoration practices, and designs.
* Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, wetland and stream restoration, mitigation, and natural resource preservation.
* Ability to prepare scopes of work and manage contracts for wetland and stream restoration projects.
* GIS analysis skills.
* Ability to develop, direct and manage several projects simultaneously.
* Demonstrated experience in accomplishing tasks in an orderly, organized manner and keeping organized files and records.
* Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

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

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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,000-65,000 for annual base salary. 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.

To apply for job ID 56017, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on January 12, 2025. 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.

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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.