Sustainable Water Program Manager

Your Position With TNC:

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Oregon works to create a world where people and nature thrive. The Sustainable Water Project Manager develops, manages, and implements conservation projects across Oregon. The Project Manager will collaborate with teammates to lead and complete projects related to water scarcity, drought resilience, and water management in a changing climate. This position will report to the Sustainable Water Program Director within TNC Oregon. They will work closely with other conservation teams and functions, potentially including TNC Oregon’s Science, Philanthropy, and Government Relations teams. This position may be located anywhere in Oregon, with a preference for Bend, OR, and the position will require frequent travel (~20% of time) to project sites and meetings.

Essential Functions:

The Sustainable Water Project Manager will work with colleagues and partners on projects to benefit climate adaptation for Oregon’s communities, rivers, and aquifers. The Sustainable Water Project Manager will lead conservation projects through a full lifecycle including methods development, funding acquisition, project implementation, product completion, and dissemination of results. They will build and maintain partnerships with other organizations, Tribes, agencies, and communities that are working towards a sustainable water future. They will provide support for related projects within TNC Oregon’s Sustainable Water Program and may interface with community-based collaboratives. The Sustainable Water Project Manager will design monitoring approaches, perform fieldwork for data collection, and complete projects that protect and restore freshwater function and biodiversity.

Responsibilities and Scope:

• Geographic scope is primarily Oregon but includes collaboration with neighboring states and potential opportunities to collaborate regionally (e.g., Columbia River Basin).

• Advance Sustainable Water programmatic efforts in Oregon, including projects related to conserving climate-resilient habitat, nature-based solutions for aquifer recharge, climate-smart water management, groundwater-dependent ecosystems, and drought vulnerability.

• Support organizational efforts on TNC Western US and Canada Divisional Priorities, potentially including projects within the Columbia River Basin, Sagebrush Sea, or Emerald Edge.

• Manage multidisciplinary project teams to complete deliverables while meeting deadlines.

• Collaborate with partners, including Tribal governments and indigenous partners, state or federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community groups to advance Sustainable Water priorities.

• Represent The Nature Conservancy in partnerships and collaborative groups. When working with Tribal partners, ensure that interactions are managed according to TNC’s Indigenous Right Relations guidance, including Free, Prior and Informed Consent.

• Effectively communicate project results, lessons-learned, and key messages to a variety of audiences ranging from community members and elected officials to technical experts.

• Work within and/or manage a budget to complete projects, potentially including budget development, contract development and management, contractor oversight, financial administration, and legal compliance.

• Participate in public and private fundraising strategies, including leading or collaborating on proposal writing for public grants.

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

• May involve domestic travel of 20% or more.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS, law or business degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management, conservation, environmental science, hydrology, water management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience independently leading projects in an unstructured environment.

• Experience communicating technical information to diverse audiences both in writing and verbally.

• Experience collaborating with Tribes, non-profit partners, government agencies, and/or community groups.

• Experience implementing field projects, preferably related to habitat restoration, conservation, water management, and/or hydrology.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, water management, and natural resources, especially in the Pacific Northwest.

• Critical analytical thinking and excellent English writing skills are essential.

• Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.

• Possesses strong interpersonal skills and political savvy.  Must be a team player.

• Independently driven and demonstrated ability to complete tasks within project timelines.

• Understanding of water policy or Western water law is beneficial.

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 the Auto Safety information page. 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 $71,000-83,400. 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.

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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One 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. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

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 and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may 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 equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.