Water Projects Coordinator, Southern Arizona

OFFICE LOCATION

Tucson, Arizona, USA

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

Based in Tucson, the Water Projects Coordinator, Southern Arizona is a member of the Arizona Water Program working to develop and leverage strong partner relations in high priority conservation areas in Arizona with indigenous groups, research organizations, governments, corporate business sector, community organizations, national affiliates of international conservation and development organizations, etc.

The Arizona Water Program implements a diverse set of projects ranging from surface water irrigation efficiency projects, integrated water management with rural communities and watershed condition improvements. The Water Program also supports collaborative efforts to engage local communities, tribal entities, state and federal agencies and landowners to implement projects, strategies and management actions that will enhance long-term water security for ecological resources and water users.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Based in our Tucson, Arizona office, the Water Projects Coordinator, Southern Arizona works closely with Water Program staff, other TNC conservation staff, key partner organizations, and community members to implement projects that benefit rivers and streams in Southern Arizona with a focus on the San Pedro River and Sonoita Creek watersheds. This position requires strong project management skills, a familiarity with dryland ecology and water resources, and a willingness to develop relationships various stakeholders across rural Arizona. This position will focus on efforts to assess and improve the resilience Southern Arizona river systems and the communities and ecosystems they support, including projects that reduce the impacts of groundwater pumping, increase aquifer recharge, mitigate flood impacts, and maintain or enhance habitat. The Projects Coordinator will work with TNC staff and partners to grow collective understanding of watershed conditions and the benefits of conservation efforts, while facilitating cross-watershed learning across Arizona.

Essential functions include but not limited to:

Southern Arizona Water Projects Coordination (85%): 

• • Collaborate on multi-disciplinary teams to assist in the development and implementation of projects that promote the resilience of ecosystems and communities across Southern Arizona, including in the Upper and Lower San Pedro River watersheds and the Sonoita Creek watershed. Projects and management strategies may involve water conservation and efficiency, aquifer recharge, flood mitigation, integrated land and water protection, and uplands management.
  • Coordinate annual San Pedro River Wet/Dry Mapping with support from Southern Arizona Water Projects Manager and other TNC staff.
    • Lead coordination with primary partners including US Bureau of Land Management.
    • Organize day-of logistics for 75+ participants including TNC staff and volunteers.
    • Engage and manage communications with volunteers, TNC staff, and landowners on project goals, processes, day-of logistics, permissions, and outcomes.
    • Utilize Microsoft and Esri programs to develop and maintain databases that facilitate event coordination, communication, and documentation of observations and lessons learned.
  • Identify and implement continual improvements in San Pedro River Wet/Dry Mapping processes, data management, and outcomes.
    • Work with TNC staff to assess current processes and identify and implement opportunities to streamline and modernize (e.g., evaluation of web-based platform for data collection).
    • Engage with communities, local organizations, and TNC conservation and science staff to identify and pursue opportunities for Wet/Dry Mapping to support regional science needs and local conservation goals.
  • Support the development and maintenance of diverse external relationships to accomplish program goals with stakeholders such as 1) staff and elected officials from towns, cities, and county governments, 2) state and federal agencies, 3) conservation non-profits, 4) farming and ranching organizations, and individual producers and 5) community groups and landowners.
  • TNC’s role within a project may include sourcing materials, developing community support for project, securing funding or other roles as needed based on project type and partner’s ability. This position will support implementation of high priority projects by:
    • Drafting grant proposals,
    • presenting internally and externally on project objectives and activities,
    • negotiating, drafting and managing contracts with qualified specialist to develop project design,
    • working internally to assist in the development of project specific budget,
    • and upholding TNC’s rules and responsibilities that are established for the project.
  • Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
  • Be prepared to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Support other Conservation Programs and Arizona Chapter Functions (15%)

• Participate in Arizona Chapter and Colorado River Program meetings and planning efforts.
• Support Southern Arizona Water Projects Manager in completion of planning documents, grant reporting and managing internal and external stakeholder processes.
• Offer lessons learned and support related projects in other geographies and by other TNC programs when capacity allows and needs are identified.
• Occasional travel within Arizona and in the U.S. with possible over-night stays.
• Participate in Water, Conservation, AZ Business Unit, Divisional, Regional and TNC-wide meetings, trainings, etc.
• Perform own employee administrative tasks in an accurate and timely manner, such as expense reports, timecards, performance self-evaluations, etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
• Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets. 
• Networks with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves. 
• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may supervise staff; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context. 
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Lift, push, pull, move 20 pounds on a regular basis.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• BA/BS degree in science-related field and 1 year of related experience in ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with natural systems, ecological land management principles, and/or water conservation or management.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
• Experience with current software technology such as the full suite of Microsoft applications: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; and databases.
• Valid driver’s license. 
• Youth qualified (completion of internal training within initial 30 days of employment; annually thereafter).                         

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 1 – 2 years related experience in water conservation or management.
• Familiarity with dryland ecology and water resources.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with a team.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
• Experience managing projects. 
• Experience working with diverse interests and stakeholders.
• Experience with in-field data collection software such as ArcGIS Field Maps.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience managing volunteers.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including; health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions.  Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, and flexibility needs of the people we employ.  Our employees also have the option of participating in our Nature Fridays program – if the employee participates, every other week they can condense their regular 5-day, 35-hour workweek into 4 days and have Friday off!

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 $39.600-$46,350 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; and internal equity. 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.

Job Family: Conservation

Internal Job Code: 450003

Salary Grade: 4