Ecological Monitoring Lead

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 Monitoring Lead leads and coordinates monitoring program efforts across Arkansas on TNC preserves, state natural areas, and federally managed lands. The Monitoring Lead supports the Arkansas Field Office (ARFO) Monitoring and Adaptive Management Program by coordinating and conducting vegetation (and similar) monitoring, data analysis, and writing technical reports; while also implementing ecological restoration projects and conducting measures of conservation success. The Monitoring Lead assists with informing stewardship activities and needs on TNC preserves across Arkansas and may assist the prescribed burn program in conducting controlled burns and other land management tasks.

We’re Looking for You:

The Monitoring Lead provides technical assistance and support to the Arkansas business unit and plans and coordinates a variety of monitoring efforts and stewardship needs, with an emphasis on plant community monitoring. The Monitoring Lead addresses critical threats to natural systems and individual species, fosters cross-site learning among conservation community, and supplies conservation planning teams with site or landscape-level information relevant to the planning process. The Monitoring Lead implements monitoring programs and employs a variety of strategies to secure public and private funding for TNC conservation priorities through grant writing and management. The Monitoring Lead coordinates community support, helps ensure the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, and coordinates multiple projects, sets deadlines, and manages project completion. This role is suited to a well-organized individual, capable of overseeing accurate and efficient data collection and management, and with a high proficiency in technical writing. If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Ecological Monitoring Lead! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Arkansas, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

This position works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

What You’ll Bring:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years’ experience in botany, ecology, biology or other natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with ecological monitoring methods and monitoring design.
• Experience using SAS or R software to manage and analyze datasets of varying sizes and levels of complexity.
• Experience leading staff or volunteers.
• Experience using Field Maps and Survey123 software or other similar data collection and visualization software.
• Experience using ESRI software (ArcMap, ArcGIS online, or ArcPro) for working with spatial datasets and making basic maps for use in the field.
• Ability to communicate scientific data to a technical audience.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Proficiency using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Ability to communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Must have valid driver’s license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1 year experience in botanical work such as plant community monitoring or botanical surveys.
• Experience identifying plants of the southeastern United States and identifying vascular plants to species with dichotomous keys.
• Experience reading and writing basic SAS or R coding language.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• Ability to become qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2). Training provided, including introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2.
• Ability to operate various types of machinery and equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

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!