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, corporate business sector, community organizations, national affiliates of international conservation and development organizations.
The Arizona Water Program implements a various set 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.
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.
Essential functions include but not limited to:
A. Southern Arizona Water Projects Coordination (85%):
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Develop and maintain various external relationships to accomplish program goals with stakeholders such as 1) staff and elected officials from towns, cities, and county governments, 2) state and federal agencies, 3) conservation non-profits, 4) farming and ranching organizations, and individual producers and 5) community groups and landowners.
Participate and contribute to internal and external watershed groups.
Lead and facilitate internal and external watershed groups, as needed.
4. Utilize ArcGIS to produce maps for internal and external uses.
5. TNC’s role within a project may include sourcing materials, developing community support for project, securing funding or other roles as needed based on project type and partner’s ability. This position will 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 budget.
Upholding TNC’s rules and responsibilities that are established for the project.
6. Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
7. Be prepared to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
B. Support other Conservation Programs and Arizona Chapter Functions (15%)
1. Participate in Arizona Chapter and Colorado River Program meetings and planning efforts.
2. Support Southern Arizona Water Projects Manager in completion of planning documents, grant reporting and managing internal and external stakeholder processes.
3. Offer lessons learned and support related projects in other geographies and by other TNC programs when capacity allows and needs are identified.
4. Occasional travel within Arizona and in the U.S. with possible over-night stays.
5. Participate in Water, Conservation, AZ Business Unit, Divisional, Regional and TNC-wide meetings, trainings.
6. Perform own employee administrative tasks in an accurate and timely manner, such as expense reports, timecards, and performance self-evaluations.
Responsibilites and Scope
May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
Networks with various groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may supervise staff; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
Lift, push, pull, move 20 pounds on a regular basis.
BA/BS degree in science-related field and 3 years of related experience in ecological land management or 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 valid driver's license.
Youth qualified (completion of internal training within initial 30 days of employment; annually thereafter).
3 years 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 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." 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 $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, 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.
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.”
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.
Air, water, food, shelter, income: nature sustains every aspect of our lives. That's why protecting and conserving nature isn't just a matter of common sense. It's the smartest investment we can make.
Since our founding in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has harnessed the power of nature to help solve our planet’s most challenging problems. And while the stakes are high, so is our resolve: to create a world where everyone thrives alongside nature for generations to come.
We do this by working hand in hand with communities around the world. By committing to a science-based, non-partisan approach that’s stood the test of time. And by bringing people together, from all walks of life, to find common ground in nature.
