Water Projects Coordinator, Northern Arizona

The Nature Conservancy; Hyde Park Township (IL); Remote; USD 50,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an established environmental organization as a Water Projects Coordinator, where you will lead impactful conservation initiatives in Arizona. This role offers the chance to work on diverse projects aimed at enhancing water security and ecological health, while fostering relationships with key stakeholders. If you're passionate about making a difference in environmental conservation and enjoy collaborative teamwork, this position is perfect for you. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this organization values your unique contributions and offers a supportive work environment. Apply today to be part of a mission-driven team focused on sustainable solutions.

Benefits

Health Care Benefits

401(k) Plan with 8% Employer Match

Parental Leave

Accrued Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Disability Coverage

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management required.
• Strong project management skills and knowledge of water management essential.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to implement water conservation projects.
• Manage relationships with stakeholders and negotiate contracts.

Skills

Project Management

Water Management

Relationship Building

Communication Skills

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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Water Projects Coordinator, Northern Arizona

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground 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 and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

Arizona based (preferably in the Verde watershed-Flagstaff, Prescott, Verde Valley; will consider northern Phoenix) and remote from employee's home office, the Water Projects Coordinator, Northern Arizona, is a member of the Arizona Water Program working to develop and leverage strong partner relations in high priority conservation areas in Arizona with surface and groundwater users, indigenous groups, research organizations, governments, corporate business sector, community organizations, national affiliates of international conservation and development organizations, etc.

The Arizona Water Program implements a diverse set of projects ranging from surface water irrigation efficiency projects, river systems restoration, and watershed condition improvements. The Water Program also supports collaborative efforts to engage local communities, tribal entities, state and federal agencies and landowners to implement projects, strategies and management actions that will enhance long-term water security for ecological resources and water users.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Water Projects Coordinator, Northern Arizona! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Arizona, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead our Chapter and work within our Division. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

The Water Projects Coordinator, Northern Arizona, works as part of a cross functional team to implement projects that benefit rivers and streams in Northern Arizona with a focus on the Verde River Watershed. This position requires strong project management skills, a knowledge of water management in agricultural communities and a willingness to develop relationships within the community. This position will focus on supporting and implementing projects that reduce the impacts of surface water diversions, groundwater pumping and increase aquifer recharge. Project partners include local communities, state and federal land managers and water providers.

Essential Functions: Duties are anticipated in the percentages below and may fluctuate based on business needs; include but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary team to assist in the development and implementation of projects and policy objectives with water stakeholders to reduce and mitigate the impacts of climate change, water diversion, and groundwater on freshwater ecosystems with an emphasis on the Verde River.
• Support the development and maintenance of diverse external relationships to accomplish program goals with stakeholders such as agricultural water users, state and federal agencies, conservation non-profits, individual producers and community groups and landowners.
• TNC’s role within a project may include sourcing materials, developing community support for project, securing funding or other roles as needed based on project type and partner’s ability.
• Negotiating, drafting and managing contracts with qualified specialists to develop project design.
• Working internally to assist in the development of project specific budget.
• Upholding TNC’s rules and responsibilities that are established for the project.
• Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Support and manage infrastructure projects with guidance, collaborating closely with engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Manage federal process to complete projects, this includes necessary NEPA process working with NRCS, Forest Service, and BOR.
• Support other Conservation Programs and AZ Chapter Functions (15%).
• Participate in Arizona Chapter and Colorado River Program meetings and planning efforts.
• Support Water Project Managers in completion of planning documents, grant reporting and managing internal and external stakeholder processes.
• Support projects similar to Verde River Agricultural Projects in other geographies when capacity allows, and needs are identified.
• Occasional travel within Arizona and in the U.S. with possible over-night stays.
• Participate in Water, Conservation, AZ Business Unit, Divisional, Regional and TNC-wide meetings, trainings, etc.
• Perform own employee administrative tasks in an accurate and timely manner, such as expense reports, timecards, performance self-evaluations, etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Position will execute all duties within the Conservancy’s Policies, Standard Operating Procedures, business practices, processes and guidelines and Business Unit (BU) practices.
• Occasionally requires travel including overnight throughout Arizona for meetings, staff retreat, etc. and occasionally in U.S. for meetings, trainings, retreats, etc.
• Occasionally requires working long hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Work is diverse and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
• May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
• Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
• Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may supervise staff; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Lift, push, pull, move 25 pounds on a regular basis.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience:
  • Managing staff or volunteers, if applicable.
  • Relationship building -- working closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
  • Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
  • Communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Training others.
• Youth qualified (completion of internal training within initial 30 days of employment; annually thereafter).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
• 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition.
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
• Experience in a metrics driven environment.
• Experience or knowledge related to agriculture, water conservation, fisheries/aquatic ecosystems, and infrastructure construction management.
• A strong willingness to learn, take initiative, and develop project management skills.

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $50,100-$53,382 for annual base salary. 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, experience and internal equity.

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 of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. 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 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.

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 [e-mail] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.