Nonprofit OPT Jobs in North Carolina

INTRODUCTION

The NC Mountains Freshwater Restoration Specialist will implement aquatic restoration projects in collaboration with the US Forest Service to support ecosystem recovery from Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. Work will be focused on identifying, implementing, and assessing stream and wetland restoration projects, including dam removals, undersized and damaged culvert replacements, instream habitat improvements, streambank stability enhancements, wetland restoration, floodplain reconnection, and riparian restoration. TNC’s goals for freshwater work in this region are to increase the resilience and connectivity of mountain streams, conserve and increase the quality of aquatic habitat critical to support the aquatic biodiversity of western NC, and to increase resilience of downstream human communities to climate change impacts including flooding. The projects will be carried out in close collaboration with federal, state, non-profit, and tribal partners.

The NC Mountains Freshwater Restoration Specialist will report to the NC Mountains Freshwater Recovery Director. They will work closely as part of a local 5-person freshwater team, as well as a larger set of freshwater practitioners working across the six-state Southern Appalachian region in coordination with TNC’s Southern Appalachian Whole System. They will work with an existing Freshwater Restoration Specialist to supervise a team of field technicians. They will be responsible for working with partners to evaluate and prioritize potential projects in selected NC watersheds and implementing restoration projects from conceptual design through completion. The Restoration Specialist should be able to review restoration designs, oversee construction work, ensure permitting requirements are met, and have a strong knowledge of aquatic restoration approaches, hydrology concepts, and aquatic ecology.

The work includes writing watershed restoration action plans for priority watersheds on the National Forest that will identify projects to be implemented by TNC and other partners. The Restoration Specialist will coordinate with the US Forest Service and other partners working across the Forest on Hurricane Helene recovery. They may assist staff in grant proposal writing, administration, and reporting.

They will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. The position is based out of TNC’s office in Asheville with hybrid work options available. It is a full-time, three-year term position subject to renewal based on available funding.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the NC Mountain Freshwater Restoration Specialist! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management, including freshwater ecology or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of aquatic restoration techniques.
• Experience with on-the-ground project implementation.
• Demonstrated project management skills including contracting for services, restoration/construction oversight, project and grant reporting.
• Experience working with a variety of partners, including collaboration, negotiation, and relationship building.
• Experience with field work, ideally in stream and wetland ecosystems.
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS and basic map making skills.
• Must have valid driver's license and be willing to travel to project sites.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management and freshwater ecology, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience leading restoration projects (ideally aquatic barrier removal projects).
• Experience working with government agencies, particularly US Forest Service.
• Knowledge of Southern Appalachians freshwater ecology, hydrology, and aquatic biota.
• Experience contributing to watershed plans and project prioritization.
• Familiarity with federal and North Carolina state laws and regulations as they pertain to instream and riparian restoration work.
• Knowledge of techniques used to monitor restoration efficacy and ability to reliably collect and manage data.
• Experience reviewing engineering design plans for stream and wetland restoration projects.
• Experience with grant applications, grant writing, and reporting.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

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 $59,000–$64,000. 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.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports 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.