Freshwater Restoration Specialist

What We Can Achieve Together: The Freshwater Restoration Specialist works to restore ecological function to freshwater systems to benefit biodiversity and climate resilience. They will develop, manage and advance freshwater conservation projects, public and partner outreach efforts, and research and monitoring activities. It is preferred that this position be located in east central Iowa from a home office, shared office, or hybrid. The Freshwater Restoration Specialist addresses critical threats to freshwater systems and species through on-the-ground restoration activities. They will coordinate on-the-ground freshwater conservation and restoration activities in priority geographies to improve the management of streams, floodplains, and wetlands. They identify, prioritize, design, and oversee in-stream and floodplain restoration projects to improve aquatic biodiversity, fish passage, floodplain connectivity, and natural hydrology. Potential actions could include wetland restorations, perched culvert repairs, low-head dam removal, restoring in-stream habitat, and floodplain reconnection. They collaborate and coordinate with federal, state, and private partners on conservation planning and activities. Close collaboration with partners allows TNC to achieve greater conservation outcomes and is a critical part of this position. Community outreach and engagement are also important for cultivating landowner, farmer, and community support for restoration projects, and building awareness of The Nature Conservancy. Engagement activities can include: presenting at conferences and meetings, hosting field days and public events, publishing articles and providing social media content. The position is also be responsible for securing funding for freshwater conservation projects through public and private grants, donor solicitation with our development team, and corporate engagement. Develop project budgets, maintain records, and create reports for funders. They assist with identifying gaps in research around freshwater biodiversity threats and impacts, help design and fund research and monitoring projects, and assists with research activities as needed. This may include: fish and mussel surveys, water quality sampling, and vegetation assessments. They manage conservation data, participate in conservation planning, and develop project packages. Includes collecting, assembling, and analyzing various types of data, to prioritize and plan future restoration efforts. This position produces maps using GIS software and assists in the production of reports and restoration plans. Work will be done both in the field and in an office setting. Responsibilities & Scope May supervise volunteers, interns, technical, administrative and/or professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development. Coordinates multiple tasks or projects in a timely manner and with attention to detail. Works with Freshwater Team to prepare and monitor freshwater program budget. Ensures 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. Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context. Works well independently and as a team. Some travel across Iowa will be required to our priority geographies. We’re Looking for You: If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join the Iowa Chapter as the Freshwater Restoration Specialist! We're looking for an approachable, project manager minded specialist to join our Freshwater Team! In this role you will use your passion and the passion of the team to create tangible lasting changes to this area. As the Freshwater Restoration Specialist you will prepare, restore, and monitor the east central Iowa wetlands wildlife habit, for recreation, beautification, water quality, and to reduce flooding. The Iowa Chapter of the Nature Conservancy is looking for someone who can coordinate the healthy, functioning lands and waters of the east central Iowa wetlands allowing biodiversity to thrive. What You’ll Bring: Bachelor’s degree and 3 years experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience coordinating multiple projects. Experience managing staff or volunteers. Relationship-building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, and internal scientists. Experience completing tasks independently concerning timeline(s). Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English. Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc. Experience in training. Desired Qualifications: Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, with emphasis on freshwater biology, or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities. Ability to manage multiple priorities, with assignments sometimes coming from a number of sources and work independently. Experience utilizing databases for data entry and report production preferred. Strong administrative skills including attention to detail and numerical ability. Ability to plan, administer and record results of work-team meetings and activities. Knowledge of ecological land management principles. Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation. 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 $52,000 – $58,000. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io with Request for Accommodation in the subject line. The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners. To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.