The Nature Conservancy: Wetland Restoration Manager
position description:
The Wetland Restoration Manager develops, manages and advances wetland mitigation projects of the Virginia Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (Trust Fund) to protect, enhance and restore wetland resources and habitat as compensation for unavoidable impacts to wetlands 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 wetland compensatory mitigation activities of the Trust Fund.
responsibilities:
The Wetland Restoration Manager provides technical leadership and support to the Virginia business unit by planning, directing and implementing wetland mitigation projects and programmatic oversight and advancement of wetland mitigation activities. They address critical threats to wetland systems and individual species, foster cross-site learning among Trust Fund team, VABU, and other mitigation providers, and manage all aspects of wetland mitigation for the Trust Fund. They work closely and coordinate with a wide variety of Nature Conservancy staff, private individuals, public entities, agency staff and contractors in support of wetland project and programmatic goals. They develop and implement wetland mitigation strategies and projects to fully achieve the Conservancy’s internal conservation priorities for wetland restoration and mitigation within the operational framework of the Trust Fund. The Wetland Restoration Manager is skilled and adept in wetland mitigation, wetland restoration standards and resources and advises Trust Fund staff on the application of these tools for the advancement and fulfillment of program objectives.
• Manage multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff working toward accomplishment of wetland mitigation goals, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.
• Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish project and program goals.
• 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.
• Plan and direct all aspects of wetland mitigation activities including feasibility, project scope, proposals, contracting, design, implementation, mitigation plans, monitoring, maintenance, stewardship and obtaining multiple internal and agency approvals as required.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• 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.
what you'll bring:
• BA/BS and 5 years’ experience in soil science, hydrology, botany, or related natural resource management field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
• Experience with principles of land acquisition.
desired qualifications:
• Advanced degree or extensive wetland restoration and mitigation experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of wetland science and restoration practices, conservation and mitigation practices.
• Ability to explain conservation, wetland restoration and mitigation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, wetland restoration, mitigation, and natural resource preservation.
• Demonstrated understanding of key ecological processes influencing wetland ecosystems in Virginia, including vegetation ecology, wetlands hydrology, hydric soil identification and forest management.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local regulations, permit processes and regulatory policies for wetland mitigation.
• Ability to prepare scopes of work for wetland restoration, enhancement or creation projects.
• Advanced GIS analysis skills
• Ability to develop, direct and manage multiple projects.
• Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages, including developing and sharing technical reports.
• Ability to analyze, interpret and synthesize a variety of data, including aerial photography, soil surveys, topographic maps, and GIS data.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
how to apply:
Go to www.nature.org/careers, click Search Careers and search by the position title and/or location, then click Apply Now to submit an online application. It is necessary to complete the application in its entirety. In addition, please attach as one document your resume and a letter of interest. For assistance with the online process, go to:
http://www.nature.org/aboutus/careers/external-applicant-userguide.pdf
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
The Nature Conservancy’s commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women 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.