Overview

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:

Growing awareness of water quality issues is driving new opportunities for targeted conservation throughout the region that will benefit nature and human wellbeing. The Restoration Ecologist works with TNC’s Natural Infrastructure team to develop, manage, influence, and advance science-based wetland and stream restoration projects through diverse partnerships that contribute to goals to restore areas most impacted by nutrient enrichment primarily within the western Lake Erie watershed. The Restoration Ecologist manages implementation of multiple restoration projects. They report to the team’s Senior Restoration Ecologist and will find a culture that supports conservation achievement and personal development, celebrates innovation, values collaboration, and seeks lasting conservation results. This position is partially grant funded with funding secured through June 2026. The Restoration Ecologist will collaborate with program staff and partners to secure additional funding for this position and TNC strategies.

The Restoration Ecologist implements and tracks activities to communicate TNC’s Natural Infrastructure conservation outcomes and goals and contributes to the strategic direction of the Natural Infrastructure team. The Restoration Ecologist develops contract work scopes, oversees contractors, and manages the restoration of wetlands across northern Ohio. Frequent day travel to field sites throughout Ohio is required. This position will be remote based in Northwest Ohio.

Manage planning and implementation process for multiple restoration projects, including:

  • Manage contracts, including developing restoration concept plans and reviewing engineered plans, scopes of work, requests for proposals, and budgets. May write and manage large public grants.
  • Negotiate contracts and oversee vendors.
  • Perform ecological assessments.
  • Ensure project compliance with internal and external regulations and policies.
  • Oversee post-restoration management of project sites.
  • Assist other Restoration Ecologists on Natural Infrastructure Restoration projects.
  • Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
  • Collaboratively engage and cooperate with TNC staff, as well as diverse external partners.
  • May supervise staff/volunteers.
  • Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.

 

We’re Looking for You:

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join The Nature Conservancy. Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Ohio, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks! Come join TNC and apply today!

 

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 with current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
  • Experience working independently to manage and prioritize tasks from multiple projects and contacts and meet deadlines.
  • Experience with communication, collaboration, and relationship building to grow and steward existing network of diverse partners.
  • Experience with written and verbal communication of conservation principles with technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Experience using common software applications such as Microsoft Office suite, Zoom, Teams.
  • Experience incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion into projects and/or teams.
  • Valid driver’s license.

    DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s degree and/or experience with ecological restoration, hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, aquatic ecology, or water quality.
  • Ability to apply science in decision-making.
  • Proficiency with GIS software, particularly ESRI products.
  • Experience with habitat/land/plant management, wetland and stream delineations and assessments, and restoration design.
  • Experience with grant writing and preparing scopes of work for stream and wetland restoration.
  • Experience with contract preparation and management, contractor oversight, budget management, and permitting processes.
  • Experience developing and implementing monitoring protocols to evaluate project performance and success criteria.
  • Demonstrated understanding of ecological processes influencing coastal, wetland, and stream ecosystems in Ohio and beyond.

 

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 $56,240 – $59,755 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.