The New Jersey Chapter of the Nature Conservancy is hiring a Cape May Stewardship Assistants to work outdoors managing both habitat and visitors at three flagship preserves in Cape May County New Jersey. The Stewardship Assistant is the public face of The Nature Conservancy at our preserves and inform visitors and volunteers about the preserves and the organization. As the on-site naturalists, the Cape May Stewardship Assistant is available to answer questions about the habitats, and flora and fauna of the preserves. They will participate in management and monitoring efforts, including surveys of beach-nesting birds, spawning horseshoe crabs, purple martins, and eastern bluebirds. This individual will work daily to maintain both the ecological function of the preserve and the quality of the visitor experience.; as such, duties will include interacting with visitors, mowing, weeding, trimming, trash pick-up, invasive species removal, posting signage, and maintaining trails. The Cape May Stewardship Assistant is required to work a flexible schedule, including all weekends, holidays, and the occasional evening for the duration of their employment.
- Assist with ongoing biological monitoring of beach-nesting birds, nest boxes, horseshoe crabs, and water levels, as well as plant surveys.
- Provide visitors with information about public access (e.g., trail systems and site rules), site ecology and recent wildlife sightings.
- Responsible for overall maintenance of the preserves, including mowing, trimming, weeding, installing and repairing split rail fencing, and posting signage.
- Conduct regular patrols at each Cape May preserve to detect and remedy problems, including various forms of trespass, vandalism, and any additional damage or degradation of the public access areas.
- Communicate regularly with supervisor, stewardship staff, partner organizations, and site volunteers, and maintain a detailed logbook of monitoring and stewardship activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Work with minimal supervision.
- Make day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- Supervise no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff and/or volunteers.
- May work in adverse weather conditions, including variable temperatures, wind, and rain.
- Work a flexible schedule, including all weekends and holidays, along with occasional evenings.
- Must have reliable transportation.
- 6 months of related experience (will be assessed by relevance to job summary and essential functions)
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., lawn mower, weed trimmer, etc.)
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., driver’s license).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree OR at least 1 year of related experience (assessed by relevance to job summary and essential functions).
- Knowledge and/or coursework in ecology, biology, or related natural sciences.
- Experience identifying plants and animals to species.
- Experience conducting biological monitoring, specifically avian monitoring.
- Demonstrated ability to learn on the job, especially as it relates to identifying local plant and avian species.
- Comfortable with communicating with members of the public, including environmental education and conflict resolution
- Comfortable driving a pick-up truck and occasionally towing a trailer.
- Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
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.
osition you are applying for: March start, April start or Both.
- 3/16/19 – 9/16/19
- 4/29/19 – 10/29/19
These positions are paid for 35 hours of work per week at $18 per hour without housing. Employees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the preserves.