A LITTLE ABOUT US

Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organisation dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 76 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature press on Twitter.

TNC are world leaders in terrestrial forest and marine ecosystem restoration, leading the successful recovery of millions of hectares of forests, prairies, seagrass meadows and reefs. In Australia, TNC have demonstrated capacity in recovering near extinct marine ecosystems, having developed the strategy and led Australia’s national recovery efforts for shellfish reef ecosystems. In a little over six years, TNC have established 20 large-scale reef restoration projects around the nation, harnessing public support and strengthening research and community collaboration.

The Nature Conservancy first commenced operations in Australia in 2002. Since that time TNC Australia has grown significantly and now conducts projects in all Australian states and territories. Our work focuses on four conservation strategies – Outback (including our work with many Indigenous Traditional Owner groups, supporting their efforts to manage their country for its cultural and conservation values); Oceans (including our nation-wide critically endangered shellfish reef building program in the bays and estuaries of southern Australia, from Perth to Noosa); Nature and Agricultural Landscapes (including innovative water funds and property management in the Southern Murray-Darling Basin); and Protection (working with partners, including governments, to achieve protection, restoration and improved management of 30% of our oceans and 30% of our lands by 2030). To learn more about our work in Australia visit www.natureaustralia.org.au or follow us on facebook.com/TNCAustralia.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

TNC are applying this successful model to support and lead the recovery of Giant Kelp ecosystems. We are looking for a person who is passionate about leading change and delivering projects that result in tangible and lasting outcomes for people and nature. As a key member of the Oceans Team, you will engage with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders with different backgrounds and perspectives. You will work collaboratively, exercise lateral leadership and demonstrate patience and persistence. You will have a solid background in project management, restoration and community and industry engagement, and enjoy solving complex problems in a team environment.

The Kelp Restoration Coordinator supports the delivery of key marine restoration initiatives in TNC Australia’s Oceans Program, with a focus on projects to help recover Giant Kelp ecosystems in Tasmania. They may also support the delivery of other related conservation projects across the Oceans Program as required. They lead end-to-end project management and delivery, including planning, budgeting, permitting, restoration implementation, stakeholder engagement, community outreach, monitoring and reporting activities. They will be part of a diverse national team working to restore Australia’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Kelp Restoration Coordinator provides technical leadership and support to TNC Australia’s Oceans Program by planning and implementing marine restoration projects and specifically those related to kelp ecosystems. They will lead the implementation of large-scale, in-water habitat restoration projects and coordinate partnerships with key stakeholders (spanning all levels of government and key industry sectors including aquaculture, marine construction, fishing and diving), Traditional Custodians and the wider community. They will assist with securing public and private support for TNC Australia’s marine conservation priorities and may support other related habitat restoration initiatives.

This position is based in Tasmania and will primarily oversee the delivery of a Giant Kelp restoration project focused on (1) in-water kelp restoration trials and; (2) stakeholder and community engagement, including a citizen science data collection platform.

The Kelp Restoration Coordinator will monitor and measure project progress, conduct corrective action as necessary, and communicate project status internally and externally. They will also perform risk management, issue resolution, conflict management, and collaboratively solve complex problems. They will work as part of a wider team across the national Oceans Program and communicate with staff in various other programs across the national and global Conservancy, and with donors, volunteers and vendors.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Lead the design, site selection, in-water restoration, management and monitoring of a Giant Kelp restoration project in Tasmania.
• Oversee the development of a citizen science data collection platform for Giant Kelp distribution across south-eastern Australia.
• Lead all aspects of project coordination and delivery including planning, procurement, permitting, implementation and reporting.
• Develop and manage project budgets and negotiate with contract vendors.
• Ensure project compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish project goals.
• Identify locations and coordinate project planning, implementation, stakeholder and community engagement for new restoration projects, as required.
• Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Assist with fundraising.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing staff, contractors or volunteers.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal and external scientists.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience in training.
• Must have valid driver's license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management or a similar field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of current trends in kelp ecology and restoration practices.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in marine conservation, fisheries and ocean management, and natural resource preservation.
• Knowledge of monitoring, evaluation and learning for conservation or natural resource management projects.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated high level of project management, planning and implementation experience.
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• ADAS Scientific Diver or equivalent.

Only applicants who outline their experience in relation to the key selection criteria will be considered.