NC Mountains Freshwater Restoration Specialist

What We Can Achieve Together

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 focus on identifying, implementing, and assessing stream and wetland restoration projects, including dam removals, undersized and damaged culvert replacements, instream habitat improvements, stream bank stability enhancements, wetland restoration, floodplain reconnection, and riparian restoration.

The goal is to increase the resilience and connectivity of mountain streams, conserve aquatic habitat, and enhance downstream community resilience to climate‑change impacts such as flooding.

• Evaluate and prioritize restoration projects in selected NC watersheds and manage projects from conceptual design through completion.
• Review restoration designs, oversee construction work, and ensure that permitting requirements are met.
• Write watershed restoration action plans for priority watersheds on the National Forest, identifying projects for TNC and partners.
• Coordinate with the US Forest Service and other partners on the Forest’s Hurricane Helene recovery.
• Assist staff in grant proposal writing, administration, and reporting.
• Manage a team of field technicians and collaborate with a 5‑person freshwater team across the Southern Appalachian region.
• Operate in variable weather, remote locations, difficult terrain, and physically demanding circumstances.
• Travel to project sites as needed and maintain valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience in natural resource management, freshwater ecology, or a related field (or equivalent education and experience).
• Knowledge of aquatic restoration techniques and on‑the‑ground project implementation.
• Demonstrated project‑management skills including contracting, construction oversight, and grant reporting.
• Experience working with diverse partners, collaborating, negotiating, and building relationships.
• Field experience in stream and wetland ecosystems.
• Strong communication skills in written, spoken, and graphical formats, in English and other languages as needed.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, web browsers, and working knowledge of ArcGIS and basic map‑making skills.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to project sites.

• 3‑5 years of experience in natural resource management and freshwater ecology.
• Experience leading restoration projects, ideally aquatic barrier removal.
• Experience working with government agencies, especially the US Forest Service.
• Knowledge of Southern Appalachian freshwater ecology, hydrology, and biota.
• Experience contributing to watershed plans and project prioritization.
• Familiarity with federal and North Carolina state laws and regulations for instream and riparian restoration.
• Knowledge of monitoring techniques and ability to collect and manage data.
• Experience reviewing engineering design plans for stream and wetland restoration projects.
• Experience with grant applications, writing, and reporting.
• Knowledge of current conservation, land‑management, and natural‑resource practices.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Multi‑lingual skills and cross‑cultural experience appreciated.

Vehicle Safety Program – The 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.”

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $59,000–$64,000 (USA). Salary within the range is based on location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

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, and other work‑well‑being benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employment
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 cultures. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, and other protected class status.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of TNC’s background screening process.