What We Can Achieve Together:
The Reconnected Rivers Program Associateisa key positionforthe growth ofThe Nature Conservancy’sReconnectedAppalachianRiversStrategy, servingboth the West Virginia Business Unit and the Appalachians Program.This positionrepresentsan opportunity to help accelerate freshwater restoration acrosstheAppalachiansby advancing projects that reconnect rivers, improve aquatic habitat and benefit communities.The Program Associate will work closely with other TNC staff, partner organizations and agencies,engineering firms,contractorsand community groups to restore connectivityto enableaquatic organism passage andenhanceflood resilience in high-priority streams and rivers.The Program Associate willadvance theobjectivesof the Appalachians Free Rivers Accelerator,a regional initiative that works with partners to accelerate dam removal and reconnect rivers throughout the Appalachians.
Two-year term position with a possibility to renew.
Early application is encouraged as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Work Location: This position will be based in West Virginia and working out of the Elkins office at least one day per week, with occasional travel throughout West Virginia and the region.
We’re Looking for You:
Based in West Virginia,50% of the Program Associate’s responsibilities willfocus on buildinga new Reconnected Rivers program fortheWest Virginia Business Unitbyworkingwith key partnerstoIdentify, envision, develop, oversee and support dam removal, culvert replacementandfloodplain restorationprojectsin priority landscapes.The other50%of the Program Associate’s responsibilities will focus on supportinga key initiative of the Appalachians Program—theFree Rivers Accelerator—byadvancingdam removal projects intwoorthreeadditionalAppalachian states.
Responsibilities and Scope:
West Virginia:
As part of the West Virginia Business Unit, the Program Associate will reportprimarilyto the Director of Conservation Programs and coordinate withConservation, Finance,Marketing/Communications,Operations,Development and Policystaffas needed.
Support, leadand/or manage projectswith partnersas they progress throughproject development andplanning,grant-writingand proposal development, contracting, projectdesign, permitting, construction,monitoringand evaluation.
Work with statewidenetworks,TNCBusiness Units, engineering firms and partners toidentifypriority projects, support early engineering and grant development, track projectprogressand help ensure successful completion of project deliverables.
Responsibilitiesfor both roles:
Manage external relationships, budgets, subcontractors, timelines and tracking progress and outcomes.
Be ready totravelas neededtoTNC and partner offices andproject siteswithin the area of workand tosafelyandoccasionally work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
What You’ll Bring:
BA/BS, law, or business degreeAND5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field,ORequivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
Proficiencyin GISand standard office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel),and Web Browsers.
Flexibility to adapt and change course as program requirements dictate.
Desired Qualifications:
Knowledge of freshwater conservation practice and conservation science.
Specialization in aquatic habitat restoration, freshwaterecologyand/or fisheries restoration.
Experience with dam removal and culvert replacement/aquatic organism passage projects.
Experience coordinating multipleandcomplex projects, setting realistic deadlines, managing timelinesand completing tasks independently.
Experience negotiating complex agreements.
Experience managing,coordinatingand tracking projects, budgets,contractsand subcontracts.
Experiencebuilding trust and workingeffectively and respectfully with a variety of partners in governmentagencies, indigenouscommunities, non-profitorganizations,local communities, businesses,landowners and the public.
Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Ability to travel and work in remote field conditions, including rugged terrain and variable weather.
Excellent written,verbaland visual communications skills.
Experiencedeveloping and implementing equitableconservation strategies with local communities and a variety of stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex ecological information for non-technical audiences, including landowners,partnersand donors.
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 $64,000-$68,500 annually. 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. 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.