The Reconnected Rivers Program Associate is a key position for the growth of The Nature Conservancy’s Reconnected Appalachian Rivers Strategy, serving both the West Virginia Business Unit and the Appalachians Program. This position represents an opportunity to help accelerate freshwater restoration across the Appalachians by 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, contractors and community groups to restore connectivity to enable aquatic organism passage and enhance flood resilience in high-priority streams and rivers. The Program Associate will advance the objectives of 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.
Based in West Virginia, 50% of the Program Associate’s responsibilities will focus on building a new Reconnected Rivers program for the West Virginia Business Unit by working with key partners to Identify, envision, develop, oversee and support dam removal, culvert replacement and floodplain restoration projects in priority landscapes. The other 50% of the Program Associate’s responsibilities will focus on supporting a key initiative of the Appalachians Program—the Free Rivers Accelerator—by advancing dam removal projects in two or three additional Appalachian states.
Responsibilities and Scope:
West Virginia:
As part of the West Virginia Business Unit, the Program Associate will report primarily to the Director of Conservation Programs and coordinate with Conservation, Finance, Marketing/Communications, Operations, Development and Policy staff as needed.
Serve as a member of West Virginia’s Conservation Team, contributing river conservation skills and expertise to support the team’s work to protect, manage and restore critical lands and waters.
Support, lead and/or manage projects with partners as they progress through project development and planning, grant-writing and proposal development, contracting, project design, permitting, construction, monitoring and evaluation.
Appalachians Program:
Within the Appalachians Program, the Program Associate will report secondarily to the Director of the Appalachians Free Rivers Accelerator and coordinate with relevant Appalachians staff and supported Business Units.
Work with statewide networks, TNC Business Units, engineering firms and partners to identify priority projects, support early engineering and grant development, track project progress and help ensure successful completion of project deliverables.
Help identify and advance a portfolio of priority dam removal projects in approximately two or three states.
Responsibilities for both roles:
Build trusted relationships with partners and serve as a collaborative problem-solver across organizations and interests.
Manage external relationships, budgets, subcontractors, timelines and tracking progress and outcomes.
Work within and manage complex budgets to complete projects.
Be ready to travel as needed to TNC and partner offices and project sites within the area of work and to safely and occasionally work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
Focus communications and information sharing between West Virginia and Appalachians staff.
The Program Associate may be required to negotiate, draft and manage contracts for engineering design, project construction and manage contractors to obtain project completion.
BA/BS, law, or business degree AND 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
Proficiency in GIS and standard office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel), and Web Browsers.
Flexibility to adapt and change course as program requirements dictate.
Knowledge of freshwater conservation practice and conservation science.
Specialization in aquatic habitat restoration, freshwater ecology and/or fisheries restoration.
Experience with dam removal and culvert replacement/aquatic organism passage projects.
Experience coordinating multiple and complex projects, setting realistic deadlines, managing timelines and completing tasks independently.
Experience negotiating complex agreements.
Experience managing, coordinating and tracking projects, budgets, contracts and subcontracts.
Experience building trust and working effectively and respectfully with a variety of partners in government agencies, indigenous communities, non-profit organizations, 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, verbal and visual communications skills.
Experience developing and implementing equitable conservation strategies with local communities and a variety of stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex ecological information for non-technical audiences, including landowners, partners and 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.
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.
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.”
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.
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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.
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