What are the responsibilities and job description for the Verde River Projects Technician position at The Nature Conservancy?
OFFICE LOCATION
Verde Valley, Arizona, USA
Remote in Verde Valley, AZ USA area
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 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’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.”
YOUR POSITION WITH TNC
Working from home office along the Verde Valley, AZ area, the Projects Technician collects streamflow data in compliance with the Verde River Streamflow Monitoring Protocol during the summer months. Position uploads data into a database for long-term storage and analysis. Technician oversees and maintains network of flow gaging stations with support from Project Mangers and contractors. Technician coordinates GIS data for the Verde River Program and produces high quality maps for use in project analysis, reports and proposals. This position provides support to project managers to implement projects related to surface water, rural communities and stakeholder engagement.
- Verde River Flow Monitoring (50%)
- Travel to and collect streamflow data from remote areas on the Verde River, its tributaries and ditches in compliance with Verde River Monitoring Protocol. This requires conducting fieldwork in flowing water for up to an hour at a time to collected water depth and velocity utilizing a SonTek FlowTracker2.
- Download streamflow measurements from SonTek Flow Tracker2 and transfer data into the Verde River Flow Database currently in MS Access.
- Ensure all location data is updated and accurate in the GIS flow monitoring points database.
- Provide data to scientific consultants annually to complete the Verde River Streamflow Monitoring Report.
- Work with contractor to manage and maintain telemetry network with support from Verde River Project Managers.
- Resolve routine issues independently.
- May supervise a small staff of interns and/or volunteers on a project basis.
- Ensure integrity of both data collection and management relating to conservation projects and project statistics.
- Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including scientists, preserve staff and others, providing and obtaining needed information.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Verde Surface Water Projects Management (25%)
- Work with Verde River Project Manager (Ag Projects) to assist in development and implementation of projects. Project types include fish passage, agricultural water use efficiency, low water use crop conversion, and market interventions.
- Update and maintain project benefits tracking sheet in Excel to ensure that project benefits are quantified and reported consistently.
- Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- General Support for Verde River Program and AZ Chapter Functions (25%)
- Participate in Arizona Chapter and Colorado River Program meetings and planning efforts.
- Maintain GIS database and produce maps for grant reports, project proposals and other program purposes.
- Provide support for meetings, trainings and other functions of the Verde River Program. This may include establishing meeting times, physical set up for meetings and supporting kayaking tours.
- Occasional travel within Arizona and in the U.S. (both with possible over-night stays).
- Timely and accurate completion of administrative functions such as performance reviews, expense reports, and timecards.
- Lift, push, pull, and move a minimum of 25 pounds.
- Other duties as required.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- May supervise a small staff, interns and/or volunteers.
- May negotiate and contract with vendors.
- May help develop work plans and project budgets.
- Ensures integrity of both data collection and management relating to conservation projects and project statistics.
- Works under minimal supervision making independent decisions based on experience and judgment.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- BA/BS or Associates degree in related field and 2 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing, maintaining and populating databases and manual files.
- Experience with producing maps and/or other graphic products and reports and operating GIS software.
- Experience analyzing, building, populating and producing reports from databases.
- Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and web browsers.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Youth certified (within initial 30 days of employment: yearly thereafter).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 2-3 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong interest in river conservation in the Colorado River Basin.
- Background in completing hydrological fieldwork.
- Background in using ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online
- Familiarity with legal real estate documents.
- Ability to perform administrative duties emphasizing detail-oriented and numerical tasks including data entry.
- Database and computer spatial or tabular based management skills including managing, maintaining and populating databases.
- Building, populating and producing reports from databases.
- Managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
- Ability to manipulate, analyze and interpret data.
- Managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
- Managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Training experience.
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 to include 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 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!
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.
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.
APPLY NOW
To apply for job ID 51590, 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.
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.
Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption.
