Water Program Specialist
The Nature Conservancy
175 reviews
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Full-time
The Nature Conservancy
175 reviews
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Job details
Job Type
Full-time
Full Job Description OFFICE LOCATION
The position location is flexible within Texas with a preference for the North Texas/DFW region.
A LITTLE ABOUT US
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. 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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.
In addition to the minimum requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply.
All TNC staff based in the U.S. or a U.S. Territory are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of receiving one of the vaccines approved in the U.S. (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson) shall be condition of employment and must be provided prior to starting work. TNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and reasonable accommodations for candidates who cannot be vaccinated due to a valid medical or religious reason, or claim an exemption under applicable state law will be considered.
YOUR POSITION WITH TNC
To meet the growing demand for food and water, The Nature Conservancy is collaborating with farmers, ranchers, government agencies, agribusinesses, food supply chain businesses, and others to foster sustainable use of water by agricultural, industry, and municipalities while safeguarding lands and waters. In Texas, the Water Program Specialist will work to advance the Texas Chapter of The Nature Conservancy’s Water program initiatives across the state to help build resilient water supply for both nature and people.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Water Program Specialist will advance TNC-Texas freshwater conservation and protection strategies by planning, managing, and implementing projects to incentivize sustainable use of water in Texas. This will include facilitating conservation agreements and advancing the adoption of agricultural practices that achieve TNC’s conservation objectives related to soil health, water quantity, water quality, habitat, and climate resilience. They will conduct outreach to agricultural producers and water users to assess conservation opportunities, facilitate agreements and implement and monitor projects. This position will organize, manage, and lead meetings, trainings, and outreach events, including the establishment of materials for collaboration among water users including farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, government agencies, conservation groups and scientists. They will assist with water and land transactions that achieve the flow restoration and conservation goals of TNC. They will address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, foster cross-site learning among partners, and implement collaborative solutions within the agricultural community to achieve conservation outcomes. The position location is flexible within Texas with a preference for the North Texas/DFW region. They will report to the Water and Agriculture Program Director.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
• Coordinate and implement conservation priorities of the TNC-Texas Water Program by advancing conservation agreements with rural landowners, water users and agricultural producers.
• Develop relationships with water users and members of the agriculture sector in Texas and develop partnerships to promote and increase the adoption of sustainable practices, including water conservation, soil health and nutrient load reduction management.
• Implement and direct multiple complex projects, setting and meeting deadlines, and ensuring program accountability.
• Work closely with other programs throughout TNC-Texas to meet program and chapter objectives.
• Facilitate meetings, trainings, and outreach events.
• Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Under minimal supervision, makes 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.
• Will require frequent travel within Texas.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with knowledge of agriculture and rangeland techniques and practices.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Must have valid driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build productive relationships with landowners, farmers, ranchers, and water users.
• Familiarity with federal and state farm & ranch support programs, particularly those being used to incentivize improvements in conservation.
• Knowledge of current trends, practices in water use, agricultural conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
• Ability to reach agreements with farmers and ranchers to collaborate with the Nature Conservancy to advance conservation practices.
• 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.
AUTO SAFETY POLICY
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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.
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.
APPLY NOW
To apply for job ID 50906, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
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.
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.