Watershed Science and Restoration Programs Director

~ Harpeth Conservancy is a science-based conservation organization dedicated to clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers across Tennessee. For nearly 20 years, the 501(c) (3) not-for-profit has worked to monitor, restore and protect the State Scenic Harpeth River and its tributaries. ~

Founded in 1999 as the Harpeth River Watershed Association (HRWA), Harpeth Conservancy’s mission is to restore and protect clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee by employing scientific expertise and collaborative relationships to develop, promote and support broad community stewardship and action.  Harpeth Conservancy works with landowners, businesses, community, local, state, and federal decision makers and others to foster solutions that reduce pollution and maintain healthy areas. 

Position Overview

The Watershed Science and Restoration Programs Director will develop and manage the watershed assessment program and river restoration programs, education efforts, projects related to watershed management and implementation, and field studies. This involves developing approaches that improve water quality, aquatic ecology, and overall watershed health. 

Responsibilities

• Coordinating with expert organizational advisors to provide strategic direction for our science based programs related to improving water quality and aquatic ecology and shape land use and management
• Identify and implement restoration priorities based on water quality assessments with an eye toward demonstration projects
• Supervise and train restoration/water quality staff, interns, or volunteers
• Establish and maintain relationships with county, state, and federal agencies, outside experts, community groups, and citizens
• Plan and supervise both youth and adult environmental education efforts
• Manage budgeting, grant writing, reporting, and communicating with funders and collaborative partners
• Represent Harpeth Conservancy on relevant committees and at various conferences

Qualifications

• MS in aquatic ecology, natural resource management, hydrology, environmental engineering, or other relevant field
• 5 years related experience that includes project management, grant writing and management, fundraising, managing collaborative projects
• Knowledge and experience with water quality issues, natural river ecology, land use management, water quality monitoring and data analysis, GIS software
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, regulations, and permitting
• Excellent people skills to relate to landowners, business, government and elected officials; work with and coordinate a wide range of people, work as part of a team and in coalitions, and work independently
• Ability to be self-directed and driven to achieve initiatives on schedule
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for a variety of audiences, and publications record on scientific and/or watershed, water quality, wildlife conservation policy related issues
• Working relationships with local, state, and federal government entities in the region is strongly welcomed

Compensation

• Full-time position with pay commensurate with experience
• Harpeth Conservancy benefits include health care and generous paid-time-off

Additional Information

Over the past 15 years, the organization has broadened both the scope and geographic reach of its work as it applied lessons learned on the Harpeth to rivers and streams across the state. In response to this evolution, the board of directors voted in 2017 to change the name to Harpeth Conservancy.

Supported by a broad network of volunteers, donors, and professional staff, Harpeth Conservancy has expertise in a range of disciplines including water quality science, environmental and conservation law and policy, sustainable land use planning, agricultural best management practices, volunteer and community engagement, and others.

The organization engages in land development decisions, promotes smart growth and agricultural management practices, designs stream restoration plans, assesses sewer and drinking water challenges, conducts river studies, ensures pollution threats are removed, promotes recreation and public education, and serves as a catalyst for effective statewide conservation policies.

Harpeth Conservancy uses its expertise, applied science and relationships with landowners, businesses, residents and policy decision-makers to develop solutions inclusive of the people who live and work here.

By seeking water quality solutions developed with diverse stakeholders, Harpeth Conservancy builds broad stewardship and shared responsibility for streams and rivers that are vital for the state’s economic well-being and quality of life.