Northwest Georgia Freshwater Restoration Specialist

Application Deadline: The position is open until filled; early application is encouraged.

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Northwest Georgia Freshwater Restoration Specialist will help The Nature Conservancy in Georgia maximize its contribution towards the organization's 2030 Goals. These goals for freshwater work are to increase the resilience of streams and rivers, conserve and increase the quality of habitat critical to maintaining aquatic biodiversity, engage communities facing disproportionate watershed impacts, and increase resilience of human communities to climate change impacts. Conservation projects will be carried out under supervision of the Upper Coosa River Program Director and in close collaboration with TNC’s Freshwater Director, in addition to resource agency, non-profit, governing, and community partners.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Freshwater Restoration Specialist will 1) develop and strengthen relationships with local natural resource agencies’ staff and landowners, 2) provide technical leadership and support, and 3) plan and coordinate restoration and protection projects to address hydrologic alteration, sediment abatement, stormwater runoff, and aquatic barrier removal. This position is expected to work closely with resource agencies, landowners, and the locally active nonprofit, governing, and community-based organizations to implement initiatives. Work will focus on assisting the U.S. Forest Service with conservation planning and implementation within and surrounding the Conasauga and Blue Ridge Ranger Districts of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Specifically, the work will focus on enhancing water quality and quantity and implementing aquatic restoration projects including barrier removals (fish passage constructs, dam removals, undersized culvert replacements), instream habitat improvements, and bank stability and riparian enhancements in the Upper Coosa River Basin with a focus on the Conasauga, Coosawattee, and Etowah watersheds. The Freshwater Restoration Specialist will review contractor deliverables including condition/environmental assessments, hydrological models, and restoration designs; ensure permitting requirements are met; oversee monitoring and construction; develop communication materials for a variety of audiences; participate in public input meetings; assist with writing of environmental regulatory documents, watershed planning documents, grant proposals, and reports; and supervise seasonal staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.

• Supervises seasonal field staff with responsibility for overseeing daily work, performance management, training and development.

• 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.

• Coordinates multiple projects, sets deadlines, and manages completion.

Work Location: This is a hybrid position requiring 2-3 days in-person attendance at our Rome, GA office. Candidates must be willing and able to reside within a one-hour commuting distance of the Rome office.

We’re Looking for You:

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Northwest Georgia Freshwater Restoration Specialist! Funding for this position is currently secured for a 10-year period, offering the opportunity to contribute to sustained conservation outcomes over the long term.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in freshwater science or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience managing staff or volunteers.

• Experience working with a variety of partners, including collaboration, negotiation, and relationship building.

• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).

• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, web browsers, and virtual meeting applications such as Zoom, Teams, and Google Meets.

• Experience in training.

• Experience managing and executing complex projects.

Desired Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in freshwater science, similar field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge of freshwater conservation challenges, science, and restoration techniques.

• Experience working with GIS.

• Knowledge of permitting requirements for aquatic restoration projects.

• Experience with aquatic field work and/or habitat restoration.

• Knowledge of federal and state incentive programs (i.e., BRIC and other FEMA grants, EPA 319 funding, Farm Bill and other USDA funding, Partners for Fish and Wildlife, NFWF).

• Ability and willingness to work with a multi-agency team to identify and prioritize restoration and protection efforts.

• Experience working with private landowners and municipalities to enhance their knowledge of conservation practices.

• Ability to work from a canoe and/or kayak.

• Cross-cultural experience appreciated.

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 $58,500-$61,100. 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. 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 aiapply.co with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.