The Stream and Wetland Ecologist position supports the wildlife conservation efforts of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s habitat conservation program. This position will provide technical support for aquatic habitat conservation projects across Tennessee with an emphasis on restoring stream and wetland habitats.

Position Type: Full-time

Location: Nashville, TN

Reports to: Director of Conservation

Summary:  The Stream and Wetland Ecologist will manage the Federation’s stream and wetland habitat restoration projects, including Tennessee Mitigation Fund projects statewide.  

Primary Responsibilities:

Conservation Work: Under the general guidance of the Director of Conservation, the Stream and Wetland Ecologist will complete the following duties and tasks:

• Review data sets using GIS and other resources to identify potential stream and wetland restoration project locations 
• Conduct outreach efforts to engage private landowners interested in improving aquatic habitat for wildlife. Outreach activities may include direct mailings, networking, conducting site visits, and attending events 
• Complete wetland delineations according to the US Army Corps Manual
• Conduct hydrologic determinations to state and federal guidelines
• Prepare detailed project budgets and scopes of work on stream and wetland restoration projects for permitting purposes
• Work with contractors to implement habitat restoration projects
• Collect and analyze stream and wetland monitoring data, and complete annual monitoring reports
• Develop and maintain a database to track progress on each project and overall program accomplishments

Other Duties: The Stream and Wetland Ecologist is required to perform the following tasks:

• Provide support to habitat conservation program staff
• Attend meetings to represent TWF on projects and initiatives
• Travel as directed to cover assignments
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key Qualifications: As a prerequisite, the successful candidate must believe in the core values of Tennessee Wildlife Federation and be driven by the mission. The following attributes and experience describe the best candidate for this role:

• A degree in biology or closely related field, with 3+ years of professional experience. A graduate degree in biology or closely related field can substitute for professional experience
• In-depth understanding of stream and wetland ecology
• Experience performing wetland delineations and stream determinations
• Experience with plant identification in Tennessee
• Ability to use ArcGIS and other computer mapping systems to identify and delineate project boundaries
• Experience working with private landowners as well as federal or state agencies is desired
• Experience in stream and wetland mitigation, and permitting under Section 401/404 Federal Clean Water Act Regulations is preferable
• Experience performing Tennessee Stream Quantification Tool (SQT) Assessments is a plus
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results and meet deadlines. Applicant must be self-motivated, responsible and have ability to solve problems
• Knowledgeable of Microsoft Office and G Suite 

Personal Characteristics:

• Must have a passion for the Federation’s mission
• Professional and friendly, able to handle the day-to-day ups and downs with efficiency and a sense of humor
• Strong work ethic with the ability to reject setbacks and enthusiastically persist until goals are achieved
• Results oriented-team player who is accountable for their own performance
• Approaches work from the Federation’s point of view rather than personal

Ethical Hunting Practices: Federation staff know and respect the game hunted, follow all related laws, familiarize themselves with wildlife in the area and behave accordingly. As an employee of the Federation, all employees are expected to follow all state and federal hunting and fishing guidelines and practice ethical and fair chase practices while executing or assisting with program events or in your personal outings afield.

Tennessee Wildlife Federation offers a competitive benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.