Marine Restoration Specialist

What We Can Achieve Together: The Marine Restoration Specialist supports the Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve’s (VVCR’s) Marine Habitat Restoration Program through conducting marine ecological restoration projects and leading monitoring of activities relating to oyster, eelgrass, and bay scallop restoration. They will oversee volunteers in the construction of oyster reefs and the annual collection of eelgrass seeds, and they will help manage and maintain relationships with TNC’s academic partners through coordinating logistics with researchers whose work helps improve and understand the impact of TNC’s marine habitat restoration. The Marine Restoration Specialist gathers and synthesizes data including maintenance of VVCR’s long-term oyster monitoring database and marine habitat GIS data. They will create relevant reports and data records to inform our conservation activities and implementation plans. They conduct surveys, record data and write project reports for both VVCR staff and in support of project partners. They may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. We’re Looking for You: By joining the VVCR team, you will become part of a cutting edge Landscape Program that has worked to protect a unique coastal landscape using a science-based, partnership approach to management and conservation for 56 years. The Virginia Coast Reserve is one of the last expanses of coastal wilderness on the U.S. East Coast and encompasses over 40,000 acres of natural landscape throughout the Eastern Shore of Virginia, including 14 barrier and marsh islands. The work we do at VVCR serves as a model for how conservation can help both human and natural communities adapt and become more resilient in the face of a changing climate. You will be joining a dedicated, professional staff committed to this vision through work across five programs – coastal resilience, land protection, marine habitat restoration, education and community outreach and migratory bird conservation. Building on over two decades of successful oyster and eelgrass restoration, VVCR’s Marine Restoration Program aims to refine existing restoration techniques while pioneering the implementation of new ones. We work to scale up the impact of these projects by conducting and enabling research that measures the system-wide benefits of our marine habitat restoration to guide and justify the adoption of these techniques in other geographies. We’re looking for an individual with a unique combination of data management, field skills and social skills to join our Marine Restoration Team and help advance our work. Creativity, flexibility, willingness to work on a fast-paced, dynamic schedule- sometimes independently- and a great attitude are key to this role. What You’ll Bring: Bachelor’s Degree in science related field and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience operating and trailering boats independently up to 24 feet in length. Experience with GIS software and data to create maps. Experience communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means. Experience with managing complex databases, including data entry and report production. Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record (per TNC’s Auto Safety Program) and provide own transportation and personal automobile insurance. Experience working in physically strenuous settings sometimes to the point of physical fatigue, in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and on difficult and hazardous terrain. Desired Qualifications: Competent at snorkeling in shallow water. Ability to work full days lifting heavy objects such as 35 lb. oyster castle blocks. Manage and prioritize tasks from multiple sources. Complete tasks independently within assigned time frames. Communicate clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means. Local knowledge of the Eastern Shore of Virginia seaside, tides, and barrier islands preferred. 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 $32-$37/hour. 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. 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Nature Conservancy