Restoration Specialist I
IRWP is celebrating 20 years of work conserving, protecting, and restoring the Illinois River Watershed in Northwest Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma. The Board of Directors is composed of six stakeholder groups that are tasked with finding consensus-based solutions to fulfill the organization’s mission. IRWP implements a budget of approximately $1.3M annually and has a 31-acre Watershed Sanctuary located in Cave Springs which serves as an outdoor classroom, headquarters, and event space.
Position overview: The Restoration Specialist I will develop and implement ecological restoration projects designed to restore and enhance riparian zones, natural habitats, and native ecosystems with the ultimate goal to reduce nonpoint source pollution in the Illinois River. With emphasis on native vegetation and ecological restoration, this position will include grant management and combines ecological expertise, project management, and community engagement. The specialist will pursue excellence in ecological restoration from concept through installation and maintenance planning, working to cultivate lasting partnerships essential to expanding the organization's impact in watershed management and restoration.
Responsibilities:
Plan, design, and implement ecological restoration projects focused on riparian areas, native habitats, and watershed ecosystems, including conducting site assessments and creating detailed restoration plans.
Oversee native plant selection, procurement processes, and planting operations to support goals identified in the 2024 Upper Illinois River Watershed Management Plan, program objectives and region-specific ecological best practices.
Cultivate and sustain enduring partnerships with landowners, community stakeholders, government agencies, and partner organizations to support restoration initiatives and community-based projects.
Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring program goals and deliverables are executed per a work plan.
Contribute to educational presentations, workshops, trainings, and public outreach events focused on restoration ecology, watershed stewardship, and native habitat conservation.
Regularly monitor and evaluate restoration project outcomes, providing detailed reports to stakeholders and using data to guide adaptive management practices.
Develop stewardship plans for new and existing restoration and green infrastructure projects to ensure restoration longevity and advance best practices.
Identify, pursue, and secure new opportunities, including contracts, partnerships, landowner agreements, and collaborative projects that enhance organizational capacity and social reach.
Additional Responsibilities:
Represent IRWP as a subject matter expert on restoration ecology, green infrastructure design, riparian management, and watershed conservation.
Continually advance professional knowledge through training and engagement with current research and best practices in restoration and watershed management.
Effectively communicate technical and strategic information to diverse audiences, including the IRWP Board of Directors, community members, and partner organizations.
Undertake related tasks as needed to complete program objectives.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or higher in Restoration Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience, with direct experience ecological restoration project management, native landscaping, or land management.
Demonstrated experience establishing partnerships for conservation and restoration projects.
Expertise in ecological restoration methodologies, riparian management, native plant ecology, and related construction management.
Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to effectively manage diverse teams and engage a broad spectrum of community members and stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with GIS, design tools, ecological assessment tools, and restoration planning software preferred.
Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes generous annual leave, health insurance match, retirement contributions, and flexible scheduling.
Location: This role is based at our beautiful NWA headquarters in Cave Springs in the heart of the NWA community. Regular travel required to project sites and community events within the region.
Application: Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume, brief cover letter, and three professional references to jobs@irwp.org.
Mission Statement: The mission of IRWP is to improve the integrity of the Illinois River Watershed through public education, community outreach, and implementation of conservation and restoration practices.