Watershed Restoration Engineer

Watershed Restoration Engineer

The Watershed Restoration Engineer will work collaboratively with technical specialists from TNC, the USFS, other agencies, NGOs, and private consultants including hydrologists, biologists, engineers, recreation managers, and others as necessary. This position coordinates with key partners and external relations with respect to aquatic restoration programs. They may also serve as the project liaison with city, county, state, and federal agencies. They will serve as Technical Monitor on project implementation - administering and evaluating contractor efforts and assessing technical progress in relation to the established schedule and specifications.

Assures contractor performance complies with the plans and specifications required in the contract. Consults with contractor personnel to resolve difficult and complex, unforeseen problems and latent conditions that develop during the project. They will provide oversight of third-party project preparation and implementation, as well as administration of A & E contracts. They may advise conservation teams on designing and conducting experiments.

They may lead a program or project relative to conservation planning, research and stewardship. They collaborate with other scientists and institutions to enhance Conservancy practices.

The Watershed Restoration Engineer provides technical and scientific support and leadership as a subject matter resource (SMR). The position will provide technical support to a multi-agency watershed restoration in partnership with the George Washington – Jefferson National Forest. They will perform project development and implementation activities including watershed analysis, stream and road-stream crossing assessment, survey, design, and preparation of construction drawings and contracts.

The project portfolio will focus significantly on road-stream crossing restoration for Aquatic Organism Passage using U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Stream Simulation Design methodology. Other project work is expected to include channel and floodplain restoration through large wood augmentation, natural channel design techniques, dam removal, road realignment, and more.

This position will be based out of the Alleghany Highlands Program office in Lexington Virginia with the expectation that the staff would report to the office one to two days per week and reside somewhere in or near western Virginia where the office and field work are located.

• Master's Degree in science related field and 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Registered Professional Engineer with 5 years relevant experience strongly preferred.
• Experience manipulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical or environmental data.
• Experience leading or participating on cross functional teams.
• Experience managing complex projects including the financial aspect and coordinating the work of peers and partners.
• Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Must have valid driver's license and good driving record.

• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience and proficiency with Site Survey (to include Robotic Total Station and less advanced methodologies), Drafting (AutoCAD Civil 3d or similar), Hydraulic Modeling, and watershed analysis.
• Knowledge of Road Design Principles.
• Experience with stream restoration design and implementation.
• Strong knowledge of common software applications.
• Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.
• Proven negotiation skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Training experience.

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…