Freshwater Programs Associate (2-year Term)

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; provide 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.

REQUIREMENTS

• BA/BS, law, or business degree AND 5 ears’ 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.