The Conservation Lands Steward will be exposed to a broad range of educational opportunities during the course of the field season. This position provides hands-on exposure to all aspects of The Nature Conservancy’s work on Long Island, both in the field and at our offices. The Conservation Steward will work closely with TNC Long Island Conservation team, and may assist partner organizations as needed. Working with a global conservation organization will broaden the selected candidate’s knowledge of worldwide conservation issues and strategies for addressing threats to biodiversity. This is a short-term position; shared housing is available.
- Stewardship: Assist Conservation Lands team with various aspects of nature preserve stewardship, and facilities management. Tasks will include: boundary marking and maintenance work at our nature preserves and Long Island office locations including fencing, trail maintenance, routine mowing of trails and grounds at office locations, and special event preparation. There may also be opportunities for GIS data collection and mapping.
- Piping Plover Protection: Assist Conservation Lands team with locating and monitoring piping plover nesting sites. Tasks will include erecting symbolic fencing and predator exclosures, monitoring reproductive success throughout the breeding season, recording specified field observations, close interaction with the public and adjacent landowners, and assisting with preparation of final reports.
- Conservation Science: Assist Conservation Science team with a variety of coastal and marine restoration projects. Tasks include monitoring salt marshes, collecting environmental data, assessing road/water crossings following developed protocols, assisting staff with monitoring programs on board vessels.
Training will be provided for all of the above-mentioned tasks.
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job. In addition, there may be expectations for work outside of the local business unit.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Requires good interpersonal and communication skills for regular interaction with staff, preserve neighbors and visitors.
- Ability to work under close supervision or independently.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Comfortable living and working closely with colleagues on a daily basis.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. handheld GPS, Lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, etc.).
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR).
- Valid driver’s license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills appreciated; Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.
- Minimum level of education completed by the beginning of summer 2017: college freshman or equivalent.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues.
- Environmental science or wildlife science/biology coursework preferred.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Ability and willingness to work outdoors and participate in strenuous activity; sometimes in inclement weather.
- Experience collecting spatial and biological data in the field.
- Ability to perform field work on boats.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.