Verde River Projects Technician, Arizona

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The Verde River Projects Technician (VRPT) provides technical assistance to Verde River Program staff in implementation of the Verde River Streamflow Monitoring Protocol.  This consists of streamflow data collection during summer months in the Verde River, its tributaries, and irrigation ditches.  Additionally, the Projects Technician will support Verde River Project Managers in the development and implementation of projects throughout the year.  This is a full-time, year-round position.  

SALARY INFORMATION
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $41,100-$42,880 for annual base salary ($22.58-$23.56/hour). 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, experience and internal equity.  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.

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!
Remote from home office in the Verde River area, Prescott, Flagstaff (will consider northern Phoenix), 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.
Duties are anticipated in the percentages below, and may fluctuate based on the business needs:

A. Verde River Flow Monitoring (50%)
    1.  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. 
    2.  Download streamflow measurements from SonTek Flow Tracker2 and transfer data into the Verde River Flow Database currently in MS Access.
    3.  Ensure all location data is updated and accurate in the GIS flow monitoring points database.
    4.  Provide data to scientific consultants annually to complete the Verde River Streamflow Monitoring Report.
    5.  Work with contractor to manage and maintain telemetry network with support from Verde River Project Managers.
    6.  Resolve routine issues independently.
    7.  May supervise interns and/or volunteers on a project basis.   
    8.  Ensure integrity of both data collection and management relating to conservation projects and project statistics. 
    9.  Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including scientists, preserve staff and others, providing and obtaining needed information.   
    10. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

B. Verde Surface Water Projects Management (25%)
    1.  Work with water projects manager to assist in development and implementation of projects. 
    2.  Update and maintain project benefits tracking sheet in Excel to ensure that project benefits are quantified and reported consistently.
    3.  Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.

C. General Support for Verde River Program and AZ Chapter Functions (25%)
    1.  Participate in Arizona Chapter and Colorado River Program meetings and planning efforts.
    2.  Maintain GIS database and produce maps for grant reports, project proposals and other program purposes.  
    3.  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.
    4.  Occasional travel within Arizona and in the U.S. (both with possible over-night stays).
    5.  Timely and accurate completion of administrative functions such as performance check-ins, expense reports, and timecards.  
    6.  Lift, push, pull, and move a minimum of 25 pounds.
    7.  Assist with the management of contracts.
    8.  Other duties as required.  

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

    • Position will execute all duties within the Conservancy’s Policies, Standard Operating Procedures, business practices, processes and guidelines and Business Unit (BU) practices. 
    • 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.               
    • Work is diverse and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
    • May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
    • Occasionally requires travel including overnight throughout Arizona for meetings, staff retreat, etc. and occasionally in U.S. for meetings, trainings, retreats, etc.
    • Occasionally requires working long hours, weekends, and holidays.
    • Valid driver’s license. 
    • Other duties as assigned.  

WHAT YOU'LL BRING
     • Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
     • Experience:
        o  Managing staff or volunteers, if applicable.  
        o  Relationship building -- working closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists. 
        o  Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
        o  Communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
        o  Working with computers and related software, such as Windows, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel and Word), “Box”, web browsers and internet research. 
        o  Training others.                   
     • Youth qualified (completion of internal training within initial 30 days of employment; annually thereafter).                        

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
     • Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. 
     • Project management experience.  
     • Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field. 
     • 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.  
     • Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
     • Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition.
     • Knowledge of ecological land management principles
     • Experience in a metrics driven environment.
     • Experience or knowledge related to agriculture, water conservation, fisheries/aquatic ecosystems, and infrastructure construction management.
     • A strong willingness to learn, take initiative, and develop project management skills.

NEXT STEPS
To apply for this position, Job ID 56031, 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.