Ecological Monitoring Lead

Arkansas, USA

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 Monitoring Lead leads and coordinates monitoring program efforts across Arkansas on TNC preserves, state natural areas, and federally managed lands. The Monitoring Lead supports the Arkansas Field Office (ARFO) Monitoring and Adaptive Management Program by coordinating and conducting vegetation (and similar) monitoring, data analysis, and writing technical reports; while also implementing ecological restoration projects and conducting measures of conservation success. The Monitoring Lead assists with informing stewardship activities and needs on TNC preserves across Arkansas and may assist the prescribed burn program in conducting controlled burns and other land management tasks.

The Monitoring Lead provides technical assistance and support to the Arkansas business unit and plans and coordinates a variety of monitoring efforts and stewardship needs, with an emphasis on plant community monitoring. The Monitoring Lead addresses critical threats to natural systems and individual species, fosters cross-site learning among conservation community, and supplies conservation planning teams with site or landscape-level information relevant to the planning process. The Monitoring Lead implements monitoring programs and employs a variety of strategies to secure public and private funding for TNC conservation priorities through grant writing and management. The Monitoring Lead coordinates community support, helps ensure the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, and coordinates multiple projects, sets deadlines, and manages project completion. This role is suited to a well-organized individual, capable of overseeing accurate and efficient data collection and management, and with a high proficiency in technical writing. If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Ecological Monitoring Lead! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Arkansas, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

This position works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years’ experience in botany, ecology, biology or other natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with ecological monitoring methods and monitoring design.
• Experience using SAS or R software to manage and analyze datasets of varying sizes and levels of complexity.
• Experience leading staff or volunteers.
• Experience using Field Maps and Survey123 software or other similar data collection and visualization software.
• Experience using ESRI software (ArcMap, ArcGIS online, or ArcPro) for working with spatial datasets and making basic maps for use in the field.
• Ability to communicate scientific data to a technical audience.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Proficiency using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Ability to communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Must have valid driver's license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1 year experience in botanical work such as plant community monitoring or botanical surveys.
• Experience identifying plants of the southeastern United States and identifying vascular plants to species with dichotomous keys.
• Experience reading and writing basic SAS or R coding language.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• Ability to become qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2). Training provided, including introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2.
• Ability to operate various types of machinery and equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

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 generally within the range of $54,000 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 56479, 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.

Our recruiting process is a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

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.