Arkansas Agriculture Drainage Project Manager

Office Location:

Little Rock, Arkansas, United States

Hybrid

This position is based out of our Little Rock office and remote or hybrid options are available to candidates interested in living in the Arkansas Delta (eastern Arkansas). 

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. 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. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Arkansas Agriculture Drainage Project Manager (ADPM) is a termed two-year, grant funded position. The ADPM will develop and lead partnerships to advance nature-based solutions with agricultural drainage districts. The Arkansas Delta faces many challenges related to nutrient and soil loss, and flooding and this new program will help scale nature-based solutions in drainage ditches. They will lead the development of a spatially explicit roadmap for several drainage districts that develops system-scale solutions by identifying sediment sources causing water quality impairment and drainage ditch maintenance problems. This position will lead existing projects that remediate gullies and will complete two-stage ditch construction. This position will collaborate with farmers, local leaders in agriculture, government agencies, agribusiness, and researchers to confront these challenges and improve water quality in a farmer-centric way. The Agriculture Drainage Project Manager provides technical experience in the field of drainage ditch management and support to the Arkansas Business Unit in achieving the Conservancy’s 2030 Goals where both people and nature thrive.

We’re Looking for You:

The Agriculture Drainage Project Manager (ADPM) should be interested in conservation of agricultural systems. This position will require strong interpersonal skills to work with a diverse team of partners to develop and implement solutions for drainage management and conservation outcomes. Experience with hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, and conservation practice implementation are appreciated. Project management and grant writing skills are needed to secure funding for project implementation. There is sufficient opportunity in this position to develop and set the direction of new strategies and programs where TNC can help best advance drainage stability. This position will require up to 25% in-state travel and up to 50% daily travel (away from the office), a valid driver’s license, and compliance with The Nature Conservancy’s auto safety program. This position is based out of our Little Rock office and remote or hybrid options are available to candidates interested in living in the Arkansas Delta (eastern Arkansas). The salary is commensurate with experience and ranges from $64,000 – $70,000. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in environmental or agriculture engineering, conservation practice implementation, watershed management, agriculture or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of current trends and edge of field practices in conservation and agriculture
• Project management experience appreciated.
• Supervisory experience appreciated.
• Experience working in teams or partnerships.
• Experience negotiating.
• Understanding of East Arkansas drainage practices and issues appreciated.
• Knowledge of state and federal conservation incentive programs including Farm Bill programs

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $64,000 – $70,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.