Water Program Policy Specialist, Arizona

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
The AZ Water Program Policy Specialist (WPPS) is a member of the Arizona Water Program working to develop and leverage strong partner relationships 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 AZ WPPS 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.

Budgeted Salary: $70,900 – $86,000

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU
Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

The AZ Water Program Policy Specialist works closely with Arizona Water Program staff, Arizona External Affairs staff and other Conservancy professionals support implement water policy that increases water security for natural resources and people. This is accomplished through identification of policy needs and collaborative development of potential solutions. Policy Specialist will provide specialized guidance in forming, maintaining, developing existing partnerships with scientific/research institutions, governments, community groups, indigenous organizations, NGOs.

Duties are anticipated in the percentages below, and may fluctuate based on the business need:

A. Support Local and Regional Policy (approx. 50% of time)
1. Support water project work in Northern and Southern Arizona.
2. Engage with diverse groups of stakeholders including agricultural water users, elected officials, tribal governments, municipal and county employees, and state and federal agency employees. This may be through meetings that are convened and managed by Specialist, participation in meetings managed by others or through one-on-one meetings.
3. Provide direction and support in relationship management at the regional scale.
4. Provide policy guidance for project implementation based on direct knowledge or by seeking input from professional sources.
5. Develop tools such as policy statements and written reports for TNC or in collaboration with one or more partner or stakeholder.
6. Initiate, negotiate and formalize, with support from Water Program and other TNC staff as needed, formal agreements such as Memorandums of Understanding.

B. Support Statewide Policy (approx. 40% of time)
1. Develop and update annual water policy agenda for Arizona Water Program of The Nature Conservancy.
2. Manage relationships with state and federal based conservation and other interest groups that influence water policy.
3. Supports cross-cutting communication and coordination within TNC and with partners by convening in multi-party stakeholder meeting, attending meetings and direct communications. Document agreements through written meeting reports or other forms as appropriate.
4. Position supports fundraising for overall functional initiatives and/or specific projects, by providing input for proposal writing, negotiating with bilateral and multilateral agencies and corporate business sector, and cultivating donors, as needed.

C. Other (approx. 10% of time)

1. Participates in Water Program, Conservation, AZ Chapter, Division, Regional, and TNC meetings, trainings, retreats, etc.
2. Works according to TNC’s and Arizona’s established SOPs and business processes.
3. Completes administrative tasks such as expense reports, timecards, performance self-evaluations, etc. accurately and in a timely manner.
4. Other duties as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
1. Support program objectives by working in a complex matrix organization environment and works collaboratively within a cross-functional interdisciplinary team.
2. Develop water policy agenda with input from AZ Water Program staff, External Affairs and other TNC professionals.
3. Document and formalize agreements through development of memorandum of understanding, shared policy statements and written reports.
4. Support regional collaborations in key project areas to improve long-term water management to benefit communities and ecological resources.
5. Manage contractors to develop scientific, legal or strategic documents to support conservation initiatives resulting from or in support of stakeholder engagement processes.
6. Provide policy guidance for project implementation including NEPA requirements and water quality permitting requirements through direct knowledge or by coordinating with professional sources to apply knowledge of conservation practices.
7. Develop relationships and works effectively with indigenous communities, corporate, government, and non-governmental organization partners.
8. Participates in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements in collaboration with conservation practitioners.
9. May supervise administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development. Responsibility and accountability for meeting departmental strategic goals and objectives.
10. Makes strategic decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
11. Responsibility and accountability for meeting departmental strategic goals and objectives.
12. Occasional travel including overnight throughout Arizona for meetings, staff retreat, etc. and occasionally in U.S. for trainings, retreats, etc.
13. Occasionally work long hours, weekends, or holidays.
14. Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
15. Occasionally lift, carry, push, pull 25 pounds.
16. Other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING
Bachelor’s degree and 4 years’ experience in the functional field, or equivalent such as advanced degrees in legal or policy fields.
Experience:
In water policy related to surface water, groundwater, water quality and/or NEPA clearances.
Working with diverse stakeholders and engaging groups of stakeholders to develop consensus around sensitive issues.
Designing, implementing and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
Negotiating with other agencies, companies, private parties or related entities.
Working with computers and related software, such as Windows, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel and Word), “Box”, web browsers and internet research.
Basic understanding of Arizona water law and Colorado River water management.
Communications experience including preparing and presenting project proposals and developing written communications.
Valid driver’s license.
Youth certified (completes TNC training within initial 30 days of employment; annually thereafter).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
Master’s degree preferred.
Working knowledge of current trends in relevant discipline.
Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.
Understanding of and relevant experience in the culture of the country/region.
Demonstrated knowledge of the functional needs and practices of the pertinent region.
Supervisory experience, including setting objectives, managing performance and career development coaching.
Ability to make sound decisions based on analysis, consultation with others, experience, and judgment.

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, well-being, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

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 cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

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.

NEXT STEPS
To apply for this position, Job ID 55572, 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.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

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: relationship manager, stakeholder management, strategy, water policy, water policy agenda