Northwest Georgia Freshwater Restoration Specialist

Final date to receive applications:
The position is open until filled; early application is encouraged.

The Northwest Georgia Freshwater Restoration Specialist will help The Nature Conservancy in Georgia maximize its contribution towards the organization’s 2030 Goals. These goals for freshwater work are to increase the resilience of streams and rivers, conserve and increase the quality of habitat critical to maintaining aquatic biodiversity, engage communities facing disproportionate watershed impacts, and increase resilience of human communities to climate change impacts.

Conservation projects will be carried out under supervision of the Upper Coosa River Program Director and in close collaboration with TNC’s Freshwater Director, in addition to resource agency, non-profit, governing, and community partners.

This position is expected to work closely with resource agencies, landowners, and the locally active nonprofit, governing, and community-based organizations to implement initiatives.

Work will focus on assisting the U.S. Forest Service with conservation planning and implementation within and surrounding the Conasauga and Blue Ridge Ranger Districts of the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Specifically, the work will focus on enhancing water quality and quantity and implementing aquatic restoration projects including barrier removals (fish passage constructs, dam removals, undersized culvert replacements), instream habitat improvements, and bank stability and riparian enhancements in the Upper Coosa River Basin with a focus on the Conasauga, Coosawattee, and Etowah watersheds.

The Freshwater Restoration Specialist will review contractor deliverables including condition/environmental assessments, hydrological models, and restoration designs; ensure permitting requirements are met; oversee monitoring and construction; develop communication materials for a variety of audiences; participate in public input meetings; assist with writing of environmental regulatory documents, watershed planning documents, grant proposals, and reports; and supervise seasonal staff.

Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context. Supervises seasonal field staff with responsibility for overseeing daily work, performance management, training and development. Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Coordinates multiple projects, sets deadlines, and manages completion.

This is a hybrid position requiring 2-3 days in-person attendance at our Rome, GA office. Candidates must be willing and able to reside within a one-hour commuting distance of the Rome office.

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Northwest Georgia Freshwater Restoration Specialist! Funding for this position is currently secured for a 10-year period, offering the opportunity to contribute to sustained conservation outcomes over the long term.

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years' experience in freshwater science or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Experience working with a variety of partners, including collaboration, negotiation, and relationship building.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, web browsers, and virtual meeting applications such as Zoom,…