This AmeriCorps position serves with The Nature Conservancy over an 11-month period to advance our work in improving private and public lands, providing education and training in stewardship and environmental practices, and growing our volunteer support. S/he will be responsible for a variety of land stewardship activities in support of the management of 16 preserves in northern New Hampshire.
This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other position-related instructions within the scope of their normal service activities as requested by their supervisor (Site Coordinator and/or AmeriCorps Program Coordinator) in alignment with the grant and not unallowable or prohibited activities and subject to reasonable accommodation. This position is contingent on funding. This position does have reoccurring access to vulnerable populations.
The Stewardship Assistant will serve with Conservation staff and serve in teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of preserve management plans.
- Maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public
- Removes exotic species and/or monitors and researches species
- May maintain and operate tools and equipment with training in a safe and efficient manner while taking appropriate care of equipment (e.g. lawn mower, chain saw, tractor, two-way radio, fire management equipment, etc.)
- Identify and map invasive species
- Use GPS technology to quantify areas of treatment, differentially identified based on species and fuel types
- Use GIS and tablet technology to map monitoring and treatment sites
- Improve coordination among stakeholders and partners working on fuels reduction, forest restoration, and invasive plant control
- Communicate conservation efforts being implemented such as forest thinning, prescribed fire, and invasive plant control to stakeholders, partners, and the general public
- Recruit, manage, train and retain volunteers to serve alongside TNC staff and at TNC events
- Review and implement TNC policies and procedures regarding volunteer programs including training TNC staff
- May process forms, prepare reports, monitor budgets, manage webpages etc. regarding the volunteer program
- Assists in developing educational program content and/or curricula
- May produce publications, materials to promote and increase public awareness (not fundraising)
- Travel to and from preserves, meetings and events which are essential to the service of this position
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, and community members
- Perform duties following detailed instructions and general supervision and established guidelines, with opportunity to act independently on some tasks
- Demonstrate common sense, flexibility and teamwork with ability to exercise independent judgment
- Write, edit & proofread written materials for use with project development and presentation
- Make day-to-day decisions within the scope of service assignments as designated by supervisor
- Identify routine problems and utilize existing resources for resolution, referring difficult questions and problems to supervisor
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information
- Financial responsibility may include purchasing, processing invoices, contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget tracking
- Serve as a team member for assigned projects
- Recruit, train and manage community volunteers
- Performs administrative duties as required
- Willingness and ability to travel within the geography assigned
- May serve in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances
- U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Satisfy the National Service Criminal History check eligibility criteria
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with MS Office
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
- Commitment to complete 11 months as AmeriCorps member
- Good organizational skills and ability to manage diverse activities to meet deadlines
- Valid driver’s license
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred
- Knowledge of native plants a plus
- Ability to serve alone in remote areas at times with limited communications
- Interest in the mission and activities of The Nature Conservancy
- Database skills, including managing and tracking data, and producing reports
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
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.