Water Projects Coordinator, Northern Arizona

Overview

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
Arizona based (preferably in the Verde watershed; Verde Valley, Prescott, Flagstaff. Will consider Northern Phoenix) and remote from employee’s home office, the Water Projects Coordinator, Northern 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 surface and groundwater users, 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, river systems restoration, 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.

Salary Range: $48,600 – 51,824

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU
If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Water Projects Coordinator, Northern Arizona! Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Arizona, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!
We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead our Chapter and work within our Division. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!
The Water Projects Coordinator, Northern Arizona, works as part of a cross functional team to implement projects that benefit rivers and streams in Northern Arizona with a focus on the Verde River Watershed. This position requires strong project management skills, a knowledge of water management in agricultural communities and a willingness to develop relationships within the community. This position will focus on supporting and implementing projects that reduce the impacts of surface water diversions, groundwater pumping and increase aquifer recharge. Project partners include local communities, state and federal land managers and water providers.

Essential Functions: Duties are anticipated in the percentages below and may fluctuate based on business needs; include but are not limited to:

A. Verde Agricultural Project Coordination (85%):
1. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary team to assist in the development and implementation of projects and policy objectives with water stakeholders to reduce and mitigate the impacts of climate change, water diversion, and groundwater on freshwater ecosystems with an emphasis on the Verde River. Project types include fish passage, irrigation efficiency improvement, resilient food systems, agricultural market intervention, and land and water planning efforts.
2. Support the development and maintenance of diverse external relationships to accomplish program goals with stakeholders such as 1) agricultural water users, 2) state and federal agencies, 3) conservation non-profits, 4) individual producers and 5) community groups and landowners.
3. 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:
i. Negotiating, drafting and managing contracts with qualified specialist to develop project design,
ii. Working internally to assist in the development of project specific budget, and
iii. Upholding TNC’s rules and responsibilities that are established for the project.
4. Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
5. Support and manage infrastructure projects with guidance, collaborating closely with engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
6. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
7. Manage federal process to complete projects, this includes necessary NEPA process working with NRCS, Forest Service, and BOR.

B. Support other Conservation Programs and AZ Chapter Functions (15%)
1. Participate in Arizona Chapter and Colorado River Program meetings and planning efforts.
2. Support Water Project Managers in completion of planning documents, grant reporting and managing internal and external stakeholder processes.
3. Support projects similar to Verde River Agricultural Projects in other geographies when capacity allows, and needs are identified.
4. Occasional travel within Arizona and in the U.S. with possible over-night stays.
5. Participate in Water, Conservation, AZ Business Unit, Divisional, Regional and TNC-wide meetings, trainings, etc.
6. Perform own employee administrative tasks in an accurate and timely manner, such as expense reports, timecards, performance self-evaluations, etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
• Position will execute all duties within the Conservancy’s Policies, Standard Operating Procedures, business practices, processes and guidelines and Business Unit (BU) practices.
• Occasionally requires travel including overnight throughout Arizona for meetings, staff retreat, etc. and occasionally in U.S. for meetings, trainings, retreats, etc.
• Occasionally requires working long hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Work is diverse and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
• 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 landowners, 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 25 pounds on a regular basis.
• Valid driver’s license
• Other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING
• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience:
o Managing staff or volunteers, if applicable.
o Relationship building — working closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
o Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
o Communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
o Working with computers and related software, such as Windows, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel and Word), “Box”, web browsers and internet research.
o Training others.
• Youth qualified (completion of internal training within initial 30 days of employment; annually thereafter).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Project management experience.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
• 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition.
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles
• Experience in a metrics driven environment.
• Experience or knowledge related to agriculture, water conservation, fisheries/aquatic ecosystems, and infrastructure construction management.
• A strong willingness to learn, take initiative, and develop project management skills.

NEXT STEPS
To apply for this position, Job ID 55991, submit your current resume and cover letter online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.

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TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.

Tagged as: collaboration, project coordination, project management, water program