OFFICE LOCATION
Atlanta Metropolitan Area, Georgia, USA

This position could work from a home office in the Metro-Atlanta, Georgia area and/or choose to work from our main office in downtown Atlanta.

WHO WE ARE
The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The Urban Freshwater 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 Freshwater Director and in close collaboration with non-profit, governing, and community partners. The Urban Freshwater Specialist will 1) provide technical leadership and support, and 2) plan and coordinate restoration and protection projects to address hydrologic alteration, sediment abatement, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure implementation, public stormwater and conservation policy, and aquatic barrier removal.  Approximately half of the work will focus on 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 South River Basin. The other half will be allocated toward enhancing water quality and quantity in the Upper Ocmulgee Basin above Lloyd Shoals Dam. This position is expected to work closely with the Freshwater, Policy, and Executive directors to assist the nonprofit, governing, and community partners with initiatives and projects within the Lake Jackson, Alcovy River, South River, Tussahaw Creek, and Yellow River watersheds. These projects may include on the ground restoration activities such as riparian restoration, nature-based solutions for infrastructure improvements, and establishing and implementing community engagement plans that ensure participation of a diversity of social and local government groups to increase support for aquatic restoration goals. The Urban Freshwater Specialist may review contractor deliverables including condition/environmental assessments, hydrology models, and restoration designs, ensure permitting requirements are met, oversee monitoring and construction, develop communication materials for a variety of audiences, liaise with non-profits, government, and community partners, participate in public input meetings, and assist with writing of watershed planning documents and grant proposals.

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 Urban Freshwater Specialist! Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in Georgia’s Altamaha-Ocmulgee-Oconee River Basin from headwaters to coast, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!
We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated, and self-motivated worker capable of being productive when working independently and willing to work flexible hours and with some overnight travel. It may be necessary to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult/hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. This position is full-time and salaried with a term of 3 years. Term extension is dependent on funding. It is home office based within the Ocmulgee headwaters (metro-Atlanta, GA) with the option to also work from our main office in downtown Atlanta. Sound fun? Apply today!

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in urban freshwater science or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with a variety of partners, including collaboration, negotiation, and relationship building.
• Experience with communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, web browsers, etc. and virtual meeting applications such as Zoom, Teams, and Google Meets.
• Experience managing and executing complex projects.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-5 years’ experience in freshwater science, similar field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Experience with Atlanta metro and communities.
• Knowledge of urban freshwater conservation challenges, science, and restoration techniques with a focus on stormwater and wastewater management and policies.
• Experience with environmental equity and urban freshwater governance.
• Knowledge of permitting requirements for aquatic restoration projects.
• Experience with federal, state, and local regulatory processes for impacted urban streams.
• Experience with aquatic field work and/or habitat restoration.
• Experience with municipal government outreach.
• Experience with preparation, application, and management of grants.
• Knowledge of federal and state incentive programs (i.e., BRIC and other FEMA grants, EPA 319 funding, GAEPD  Seed Grants, 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.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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."  Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers. 

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 $54,100-$59,755 for annual base salary. 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, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.  Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people 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.

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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.