Boone River Project Director – Webster City, Iowa
Organization: The Nature Conservancy
Position Title: Boone River Project Director
Location: Webster City, Iowa
Hours & Compensation: Full-time. Competitive compensation.
Application Deadline: July 5, 2013.
Posted On: May 31, 2013.
Organization Overview:
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.
Description:
The Boone River Project Director has responsibility for implementing an integrated freshwater conservation program in the agriculturally dominated Boone river watershed in north central Iowa. On-the-ground work in the Boone River watershed includes integration of best management practices on farmland to improve water quality and environmental flows and restoration of stream habitat including oxbow and wetland restoration projects. These projects and practices are implemented in collaboration with farmers, government and non-governmental partners including the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). The Boone River Project Director will direct all aspects of science, conservation, stewardship and community relations in the Boone River watershed. S/he serves as the principal contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations and the academic community. This position will be supervised by the Iowa Freshwater Conservation Manager and will be based in Webster City in Central Iowa.
Responsibilities:
- Manage partnerships in the Boone to guide/focus watershed activities toward achieving TNC priorities as well as watershed-wide goals common to all partners and stakeholders in the Boone
- Develop and maintain key partnerships with public and private organizations, including nRCS, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, ISA, US Geological Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as agricultural leaders and agribusiness, to support and improve freshwater conservation and to widely communication solutions and best practices
- Develop working relationships with producers to get conservation practices on the ground through making initial contacts to developing contracts to assisting with implementing practices
- Define conservation priorities and facilitate actions identified in the Conservation Action Plans for the Boone River
- Develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address the natural system needs
- Gather and synthesize freshwater data to test the effectiveness of BMPs (environmental, agronomic, and economic benefits) ad to direct the implementation of conservation actions
- Perform fieldwork, including ecosystem assessment, oxbow monitoring, gathering water quality samples, and evaluating soil quality improvement over time
- Work to promote and support federal and state programs such as the Mississippi River Basin Initiative and local 319 non-point source management projects
- Plan and provide outreach events such as workshops and field days and outreach materials such as newsletters, brochures, press release and other materials to watershed stakeholders
- Write and manage grants and work with Philanthropy and Operating Unit leadership to raise funds for projects
- Manage project budget and write project reports
Qualifications:
Basic:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, water resources, natural resources management or related field, and 5 years of experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience in partnership development (landowners, other organizations, government agencies, community leaders, scientists, etc.)
- Experience or training regarding current trends in freshwater conservation, watershed planning, environmental flows, and sediment/nutrient issues. Experience in applying this knowledge to define and achieve conservation priorities.
- Experience with biological and water quality monitoring and monitoring design.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including heavy workloads, and managing budget/finances under deadlines.
- Experience in written and verbal communication.
- Grant writing experience.
- Knowledge of agricultural practices.
- Excellent communication skills, including public speaking.
- Strong computer skills and knowledge of common applications (e.g. Work, Excel, browsers).Experience with GIS ArcView and data management.
- Experience working and communicating effectively with a diverse group of people, including scientists, other staff, the public, etc.
- Experience performing physical, natural resources management work
- Valid driver’s license.
Preferred:
- Knowledge of Midwestern agricultural systems and drainage management regulation in Iowa.
- Self-motivated, self-directed, and able to work with minimal supervision.
- Experience forming partnerships and working cooperatively with civic leaders, farmers, public agencies, private companies, non-profit organizations, and agricultural producers. Politically savvy.
- Successful leadership experience, particularly in complex and challenging situations.
- Ability to work with influential officials, especially governmental and local leaders, to improve Conservancy programs/ outcomes.
- Maintain a valid driver’s license, be insurable under TNC policy, and comply with TNC Auto Safety Program.
- Conflict resolution skills.
- Commitment to natural resource conservation.
How to Apply:
To apply to position number 41169, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 5, 2013. Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.
You must click “submit” to apply for the position. You may select “save for later” if you prefer to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited.
If you are experiencing technical issues, please refer to our applicantuser guideor contact[email protected].
Contact Information:
The Nature Conservancy, http://www.nature.org
Boone River Watershed Office: 1921 Superior Street, Webster City, IA 50595
