Water Projects Coordinator, Southern AZ

The Southern Arizona Water Projects Coordinator is a member of the Arizona Water Program, working to develop and leverage strong partner relations in high-priority conservation areas in Arizona with indigenous communities, research organizations, governments, the corporate business sector, community organizations, and national affiliates of international conservation and development organizations. The Arizona Water Program implements a variety of projects ranging from surface water irrigation efficiency projects, integrated water management with rural communities, and watershed condition improvements. The Water Program also supports collaborative efforts to engage local communities, tribal entities, state and federal agencies, and landowners to implement projects, strategies, and management actions that will enhance long-term water security for ecological resources and water users.

About the Role

The Water Projects Coordinator, Southern Arizona works closely with Water Program staff, other TNC conservation staff, key partner organizations, and community members to implement projects that benefit freshwater ecosystems in Southern Arizona with a focus on the San Pedro River and Sonoita Creek watersheds. This position requires strong project management skills, a familiarity with dryland ecology and water resources, and a willingness to develop relationships with various stakeholders across rural Arizona.

This position will focus on efforts to assess and improve the resilience of Southern Arizona river systems and the communities and ecosystems they support, including projects that reduce the impacts of groundwater pumping, increase aquifer recharge, mitigate flood impacts, and maintain or enhance habitat. The Projects Coordinator will work with TNC staff and partners to grow collective understanding of watershed conditions and the benefits of conservation efforts, while facilitating cross-watershed learning across Arizona.

Location: Tucson, Sierra Vista, or other location within reasonable daily commuting proximity of the San Pedro River.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on multi-disciplinary teams to assist in the development and implementation of projects that promote the resilience of ecosystems and communities across Southern Arizona, including in the Upper and Lower San Pedro River watersheds and the Sonoita Creek watershed. Projects and management strategies may involve water conservation and efficiency, process-based restoration, aquifer recharge, flood mitigation, and other integrated land and water management strategies for the protection of freshwater ecosystems.
• Project management activities may include:
  • Oversight of grantees and contractors on project status and needs.
  • Field visits with grantees, contractors, and other partners to facilitate project design and implementation.
  • Project monitoring and data management.
• Plan, organize, and participate in annual San Pedro River citizen science events such as Wet/Dry Mapping and BioBlitz with limited strategic support from Southern Arizona Water Projects Manager and other TNC staff.
• Lead coordination with partners including US Bureau of Land Management, private landowners, and watershed groups.
• Lead planning and organization of day-of logistics for participants including TNC staff and volunteers.
• Lead volunteer training events and manage all advance and day-of volunteer support.
• Engage and manage communications with volunteers, TNC staff, and landowners on project goals, processes, day-of logistics, permissions, and outcomes.
• Utilize Microsoft and Esri programs to develop and maintain databases that facilitate event coordination, communication, and documentation of observations and lessons learned.
• Present on the project to stakeholders at multiple in-person and virtual meetings per year.
• Develop and maintain various external relationships to accomplish program goals with stakeholders such as:
  • Staff and elected officials from towns, cities, and county governments.
  • State and federal agencies.
  • Conservation non-profits.
  • Farming and ranching organizations, and individual producers.
  • Community groups and landowners.
• Participate and contribute to internal and external watershed groups.
• Lead and facilitate internal and external watershed groups, as needed.
• Utilize ArcGIS to produce maps for internal and external uses.
• Support implementation of high priority projects by:
  • Drafting grant proposals.
  • Presenting internally and externally on project objectives and activities.
  • Negotiating, drafting, and managing contracts with qualified specialists to develop project design.
  • Working internally to assist in the development of project-specific budgets.
  • Upholding TNC’s rules and responsibilities that are established for the project.
• Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Be prepared to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Support other Conservation Programs and Arizona Chapter Functions (15%):
  • Participate in Arizona Chapter and Colorado River Program meetings and planning efforts.
  • Support Southern Arizona Water Projects Manager in completion of planning documents, grant reporting, and managing internal and external stakeholder processes.
  • Offer lessons learned and support related projects in other geographies and by other TNC programs when capacity allows and needs are identified.
  • Occasional travel within Arizona and in the U.S. with possible overnight stays.
  • Participate in Water, Conservation, AZ Business Unit, Divisional, Regional, and TNC-wide meetings, trainings.
  • Perform own employee administrative tasks in an accurate and timely manner, such as expense reports, timecards, and performance self-evaluations.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree in a science-related field and 3 years of related experience in ecological land management or a similar field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with natural systems, ecological land management principles, and/or water conservation or management.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
• Experience with current software technology such as the full suite of Microsoft applications: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; and databases.
• Must have a valid driver's license. Youth qualified (completion of internal training within initial 30 days of employment; annually thereafter).

Desired Qualifications

• 3 years of related experience in water conservation or management.
• Familiarity with dryland ecology and water resources.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with a team.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation/conservation or a similar field.
• Experience managing projects.
• Experience working with various interests and stakeholders.
• Experience with ArcGIS.
• Experience with in-field data collection software such as ArcGIS Field Maps.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience managing volunteers.

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." 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.

Pay

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $53,000 – $57,000. 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 the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

Benefits

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, an employee assistance program, and other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.