Watershed Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Watershed Specialist is a critical link between VLT’s Ecology & Restoration Program and Conservation Program, accountable for delivering watershed protection and restoration outcomes throughout our portfolio. The Watershed Specialist also helps advance the pace, scale, and quality of restoration by helping to form, launch, and lead a Process-Based Restoration Network. This position evaluates, assesses, maps, communicates about, and recommends protections for ecologically significant features on land where VLT is involved. This position works statewide, advancing and tracking surface water planning through data management, remote and field mapping, and interfacing with VLT project directors, landowners, and partners. These new projects will support easement protection, riparian forest regeneration, instream restoration, and other efforts.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works with Land Conservation and Stewardship teams to provide timely and complete ecological reviews of current or potential easement projects (e.g., farmland, forestland, community, river corridor, and other easements). Evaluates each property’s natural features by reviewing best-available GIS data and, when appropriate, performing field assessments as needed.
• Prepares ecological reports and maps for project staff and indicates if features are eligible for special protection. Provides input and comment throughout the easement drafting process to ensure appropriate level of protection.
• Ensures conservation design on new easement projects fully incorporates surface water protections for streams and wetlands, including potential beaver habitat, in accordance with VLT policies.
• Plans for restoration of those stream and wetland features at or around the time of conservation, in collaboration with VLT colleagues, landowners, and external partners as necessary. Planning will include targeted farmland retirement for riparian and wetland areas, beaver coexistence planning and stream and wetland restoration.
• Advances restoration projects identified and developed through surface water planning process by engaging watershed planting partners, VLT restoration program staff, or others who will ultimately lead those projects. Restoration on most new farmland projects includes riparian plantings and instream wood addition. More complex projects may include stream and wetland crossings, manmade dam removals, or wetland restoration.
• Collaborates with Program Directors and external partners to launch and coordinate a Vermont Process-Based Restoration Network, following the models of similar networks in Vermont and beyond. Schedules network meetings and events, manages network communications, maintains resource library, coordinates speakers and guests, facilitates meetings.
• Builds and maintains relationships with landowners and partners throughout the state in support of our ‘Inviting Beavers Back’ strategy and associated restoration goals.
• Participates in staff meetings, team planning for restoration program and cross-program collaborations and initiatives, and other gatherings as appropriate.
• Performs special projects and other related duties as requested, directed, or as the situation dictates.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $67,200.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Montpelier, VT 05602

Salary : $67,200