Utah Riparian Restoration Project Manager

The Nature Conservancy; Moab (UT); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Utah is seeking a Utah Riparian Restoration Project Manager to lead large-scale restoration efforts across southern Utah, partnering with BLM and local organizations to improve watershed health and drought resilience.

You will plan, design, implement and monitor riparian and wet meadow restoration projects, coordinate field crews and contractors, secure permits, and translate ecological science into on-the-ground conservation outcomes while building lasting partnerships.

Qualifications

• BA/BS, law or business degree required.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement riparian and wet meadow restoration projects in southern Utah.
• Coordinate field crews and contractors and oversee permit processes.
• Develop restoration plans with BLM and partners; monitor outcomes.
• Translate ecological science into practical conservation actions while building partnerships.

Skills

Negotiation

Public communication

Restoration design

Microsoft Office

Education

BA/BS, law or business degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Web Browsers

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together

The Utah Riparian Restoration Project Manager plays a vital role in restoring important riparian and wet meadow ecosystems throughout southern Utah. Working closely with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), local partners, and conservation organizations, you will lead large-scale watershed restoration projects that improve ecosystem health, increase drought resilience, and deliver lasting benefits for public lands.

We’re Looking For You

As the Utah Riparian Restoration Project Manager, you will help advance The Nature Conservancy's conservation goals by planning and implementing impactful riparian and wet meadow restoration projects as part of a six-state partnership between TNC and the BLM. From watershed assessment and project design to implementation and monitoring, you will guide complex, science-based restoration efforts to address Utah’s high-priority riparian restoration needs.

In partnership with federal agencies, local partners, and conservation organizations, you will develop restoration plans, secure permits and environmental clearances, oversee project implementation in the field, and coordinate field crews and contractors. You'll have the opportunity to translate ecological science into on-the-ground conservation outcomes while building strong partnerships that advance long-term stewardship and restoration of public lands.

You will also collaborate with restoration practitioners across the West through an active TNC Community of Practice, sharing lessons learned, solving complex challenges, and advancing innovative approaches to watershed restoration. In addition, you'll help deliver trainings and foster partnerships that build local capacity and durable restoration outcomes.

This is a unique opportunity for a motivated and collaborative conservation professional to lead meaningful restoration work on iconic western landscapes while contributing to the mission of the world's leading conservation organization.

This role will involve travel from 25-50%. Most of this will be day travel meeting with partners and visiting project sites. There will be a couple of longer, overnight stays as well. This is a hybrid role, and you will work in the Moab office 2-3 days/week.

What You’ll Bring

• 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 negotiating complex agreements.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
• Experience designing and implementing restoration projects.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
• Experience working with federal land management agencies, especially Bureau of Land Management in the Intermountain West.
• Experience implementing scientific monitoring protocols, specifically the BLM’s riparian, rangeland, and stream assessment, inventory, and monitoring procedures.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and riparian restoration or ecology.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences
• Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience in training, curriculum design, or workplan or strategy development.
• Experience working with community-based or collaborative settings to create shared outcomes for various populations.
• Experience designing and implementing low-tech and process-based restoration projects, especially riparian or aquatic restoration.
• Writing grants to help landowners and land managers implement restoration projects.
• Experience working in remote locations with reliable internet and minimal supervision.

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 $65,000-70,000. 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. 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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner.

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.