[PCA] JOB: Potomac Gorge CCI Habitat Restoration Manager (DC/MD)

[Plant Conservation]

The Nature Conservancy
Saving the Last Great Places

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Potomac Gorge CCI Habitat Restoration Manager
POSITION TITLE: Potomac Gorge CCI Habitat Restoration Manager
JOB NUMBER: 8026
RELATED POSITION TITLES: Preserve Manager

Highly motivated self-starter sought for intensive year to sixteen months
working and learning with the nation’s leading non-profit conservation
organization and the National Park Service in a nationally significant
conservation area in the DC metro region.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing field work to
protect and restore rare species and natural communities in the Potomac
Gorge project area, the 15-mile river corridor from Great Falls to
Washington DC, through control of invasive plants and abatement of threats
to rare groundwater invertebrate species.  Conducts field review of
ecological problems; does library and Web research, data gathering, and
literature review; and consults with experts and partners to implement
ecological management and restoration plans in collaboration with Federal,
County, and non-profit partners and volunteers. Implements restoration and
management plans including native and invasive species mapping and
monitoring, invasive plant species control, trail restoration, and other
field work in the project area.  Organizes, coordinates, recruits, and
leads 4,500-5,000 person-hours of volunteer work teams to advance
conservation goals in the project area. May also oversee individual
volunteers recruited to advance project goals through independent project
work.   Obtains necessary permissions and clearances to work on National
and county park land in the project area, and tracks project
accomplishments and volunteer involvement.  Supervised by the Potomac
Gorge Project Director, this is a one-year to 16-month National Park
Service award-funded position in the Washington DC metro region, from
approximately August 2004 – October 2005.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management or
related field and two years related work experience or related experience
in land management.
- Familiarity with general ecological principles, basic experimental
design, and field sampling techniques.  Ability to conduct and direct
ecological field work, with a broad grounding in the natural sciences and
familiarity with the biological systems, flora and fauna of the region.
- Skill using Geographic Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic
Information Systems (GIS), including ability to utilize data to create
appropriate maps.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and experience
supervising others, both volunteers and partners, in the completion of
tasks.
- Strong library and web research, analytical, and information gathering
skills.
- Ability to set and achieve objectives.  Strong organizational skills,
including attention to detail, with ability to plan, administer, and
record results of work team activities.
- Experience or ability to use and maintain ecological management tools
and equipment safely.
- Ability to perform physical work, sometimes in adverse conditions or
inclement weather.
- Ability to drive and to obtain related licenses or certifications such
as first aid, CPR, herbicide application, driver’s license.
- PC and Internet familiarity, including Microsoft Office suite.

COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:
- Ability to analyze situations with numerous variables, evaluate
alternatives, and identify solutions and course of action independently.
- Ability to develop objectives and work schedules, manage multiple
priorities, prioritize tasks, develop timelines, and complete tasks
independently within timeframes.
- Judgment to know when to consult with supervisor to develop plans for
resolution of unusual or complex problems.

DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:
- Makes day-to-day decisions affecting individual work and work of project
teams.
- Consults with supervisor in event of any unusual circumstance, problem
or question.

RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – FINANCIAL & SUPERVISORY:
- Plans and directs work groups, including other staff, volunteers, or
partners.  Ability to gain cooperation from volunteers and partners over
whom the individual has no direct authority.
- Works collaboratively with National and county park staff and obtains
necessary permissions to work on non-TNC lands.
- May purchase equipment and supplies as provided for in budget and in
consultation with supervisor.
- Maintains strong attention to detail and ability to plan, track, and
record results of work-team activities and volunteer hours logged.

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
- Ability to communicate work instructions to other project management
team members, including volunteers and partners.
- Ability to interact professionally with project area visitors, partners,
and volunteers, communicate information, and direct workdays.
- Ability to function productively as a leader or member of a work team.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
- Willingness to work long hours in both a field and office setting.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Ability to perform outdoor tasks requiring physical exertion in all
weather conditions and on difficult and sometimes hazardous terrain.
- Ability to work with physical exertion and/or strain to the point of
fatigue.  Work environment involves exposure to hazards where there is a
possibility of injury.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer