Healthy Rivers and Springs Project Associate, California

Petaluma, California, USA.

This position will conduct business travel to Navarro watershed project sites (in Mendocino county) up to 2 - 3 times per month. Location can be based out of a home/remote office, or any of the following TNC CA offices: Fort Bragg, Sacramento, San Francisco, or Walnut Creek.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative 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; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world.

The California Chapter is TNC’s largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast.

The California Chapter believes that we are most effective when we are embedded in our state’s communities, politics, media, and environmental issues. For this reason, and to reduce our carbon footprint when meeting in person, all staff live in California, including those in a home office.

Finally, we are passionate about the middle ground in American politics and life. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its “big tent” approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We ask all employees to embrace this critical strategic position of our organization.

California’s rivers are at the heart of what makes it a unique and special place where farms, communities and nature can thrive together. TNC has been working for decades to protect and restore rivers and watersheds across the state. But the urgency of our work is increasing as climate change supercharges drought cycles and our salmon and other iconic freshwater species continue a pattern of severe decline. The goal of the Water Program’s Healthy Rivers Project is to ensure that California rivers have the water and freshwater habitats necessary to support fish, wildlife, and sustainable human water use.

The Nature Conservancy’s decades of experience advancing streamflow science, water policy and river restoration enables us to understand what it takes to restore and protect freshwater biodiversity in highly altered watersheds. The Healthy Rivers project is taking advantage of public funding and regulatory pressures to expand our work to new watersheds, increase the use of our science, and advance policies that can benefit the health of rivers across the state. To achieve these goals, the Project Associate will play a critical role as part of our team working with local partners to implement restoration projects in North Coast rivers and lead collaboration with conservation partners to increase the pace and scale of river restoration efforts in priority watersheds.

Are you looking the opportunity to join The Nature Conservancy’s team of experts and work with conservation leaders to help save California’s rivers and salmon? The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Project Associate to foster effective partnerships, support water policy initiatives and lead implementation of river restoration projects on coastal rivers in Northern California.

The Project Associate will provide high-level project management and support, working closely with Water Program staff and will report to the Healthy Rivers Project Director. The Project Associate will work closely with Resource Conservation Districts, agencies, conservation partnerships including Trout Unlimited and California Trout to develop, administer and implement streamflow and salmon habitat restoration projects. They will lead outreach and communications efforts related to our California Environmental Water Network of restoration and water management practioners. The Project Associate will also conduct issue research and efforts to advance policy reforms and legislation and support grant writing and administration of reporting requirements.

The Project Associate manages projects independently, as well as tracks the progress of projects led by others. They will excel at restoration project management, be highly organized, with strong written and verbal communication skills for working with diverse stakeholders. They will manage specific projects, conduct research, synthesize, and organize material accordingly. They will administer contracts, develop presentations, manage an internet-based file sharing system and program calendars. The Project Associate also aides with the scheduling and facilitation of meetings, budgeting processes, and other strategic program activities. The Project Associate will take the initiative to solve problems as they arise, seeking input and equitable solutions from their supervisor and team.

• Minimum of BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in habitat restoration project management or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience leading or participating effectively in coalitions or stakeholder groups to achieve conservation goals.
• Experience managing and tracking multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers
• Willingness to travel overnight to Navarro River Watershed

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of conservation science, riverine ecosystem and fisheries restoration, and California water policy issues.
• Experience developing, administering, and implementing habitat restoration projects.
• Experience working with California Resource Conservation Districts, local landowners, agencies, and conservation groups to develop and implement restoration projects.
• Experience building and managing conservation partnerships, coalitions, or networks with diverse partner organizations to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong desire to advance science, policies, and projects to restore rivers and salmon runs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience with contract management and review.
• Experience writing and reporting on private and/or public grants.
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance.

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $64,500 - 84,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and whose state of employment is California. 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.

To apply for job ID 54205, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 8:59 PM PST on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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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.

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 with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.