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.”

The Freshwater Programs Associate supports priority restoration and conservation projects for Maine and Appalachians freshwater programs. They assist Maine and regional staff in plans and methods for large-scale projects, providing technical leadership and support. They address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, foster cross-site learning among an international conservation community, and implement a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC priorities.

This position is a two-year term position, based out of the Brunswick, ME office with flexibility to work remotely 2-3 days/week.

The Freshwater Programs Associate advances the priorities and successes of TNC Freshwater Program in Maine while simultaneously supporting TNC’s collective scaling-up of river and stream restoration projects within the broader Appalachian region, stretching from Alabama through Maine. They support aquatic, nature-based climate solutions by leveraging strategic partnerships, collaborations, decision-support technologies, and funding in priority communities and watersheds statewide. They also support TNC staff in implementing and scaling river restoration through project management support of Appalachian initiatives. This position will report to the TNC's Maine Freshwater Program Director and will have the opportunity to work closely with staff in our Appalachian teams. This is an exceptional 2-year opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Freshwater Programs Associate provides technical leadership and support to The Nature Conservancy by supporting the development and implementation of river restoration projects and strategies in Maine and across the larger Appalachian region. Projects and strategies will primarily focus on addressing barriers to aquatic organism passage (AOP) and flood-risk and resilience; including road-stream crossings, tributary and main-stem dams, and may also include floodplain restoration. The Freshwater Programs Associate will employ a full range of project management, organization and coordination expertise to priority projects and strategies. They will actively engage and coordinate with TNC staff from multiple states, as well as a broad range of public and private partners, including NGOs, federal and state agencies, tribal nations, municipalities, and private landowners towards more significant restoration implementation. The Freshwater Programs Associate will assist in tracking and securing public and private funding, managing complex multi-state projects, garnering public support from local communities for restoration projects, supporting development of engaging communications materials, and fostering learning within the state, region, and broader conservation community.

RESPONSIBILITIES
 Oversee and support project management, including managing partner relationships, budgets, subcontractors, timelines, and concurrent project implementation - of selected current/ongoing aquatic connectivity projects in Maine.
 Oversee, track and support project and data management of the Reconnecting Appalachian Rivers initiative, including a small grants program; p rovide project management support to Appalachian freshwater teams and initiatives, as needed.
 Ensure financial responsibility which includes working within and managing a complex budget to complete projects.
 This employee may be required to negotiate, draft, and manage contracts for engineering design, project construction and managing contractors to obtain project completion.
 Engage in learning, practicing, and sharing principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and using these principles in communication and decision-making.
 Focus communications and information sharing between Maine and Appalachians staff.

• BA/BS, law, or business degree AND 5 years’ experience in project management, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
• Flexibility to adapt and change course frequently as program requirements dictate.

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.

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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $69,500 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.

To apply for job ID 54763, submit your materials 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.