The Conservation Outreach Steward (COS) 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 and programs at the Mashomack Preserve, Shelter Island, NY. The COS will work closely with TNC Long Island Conservation staff, interact frequently with Preserve visitors 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 accommodations are available.
Primary duties include Preserve stewardship, leading outreach programing, species management and monitoring, and conservation science monitoring and restoration projects which may include:
- Stewardship: Assisting Preserve staff with various aspects stewardship, monitoring, and management on the 2,039-acre coastal Mashomack Preserve. Tasks may include: fencing, trail maintenance, routine mowing of trails and grounds, implementing forest management practices, event preparation/clean-up and maintaining an on-site presence. There may also be opportunities for assisting in research and conducting GIS data collection and mapping.
- Species Management and Monitoring: Monitoring nesting Osprey and Bald Eagle at Mashomack throughout the nesting season. Locating and monitoring Piping Plover and Least Tern nesting activities and completing “Colonial Waterbird” survey forms. Tasks may include erecting symbolic fencing and predator exclosures, monitoring reproductive success throughout the breeding season, recording specified field observations and maintaining detailed record of field notes; informing supervisor of current status on a weekly basis, and preparing end of season reports.
- Conservation Science: Assisting conservation science staff with a variety of forest, coastal/marine restoration and monitoring projects as necessary. Tasks may include assisting staff or visiting researchers with habitat and species monitoring program, collecting environmental data, recording field observations and assisting with preparation of reports.
- Outreach: Assisting Visitor Center & Volunteer Coordinator to create and implement interpretive outreach programming and materials that reflect The Nature Conservancy’s conservation initiatives and biological diversity of the Mashomack Preserve. Assisting with environmental education programs. Providing general Visitor Center support, including providing information to visiting public, working with and helping to direct volunteers and completing office/administrative work.
- Training will be provided for all of the above-mentioned tasks.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Requires good interpersonal and communication skills for regular interaction with staff, volunteers, preserve neighbors and visitors to convey basic preserve information.
- Ability to speak, both one-on-one and in front of small to medium sized groups, in a consistently professional, positive and approachable manner.
- 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 in areas where ticks & mosquitos can be a frequent nuisance.
- May require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings as necessary.
- Comfortable living and working closely with colleagues on a daily basis.
- Experience operating various types of tools and equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. handheld GPS, gardening equipment/tools, etc.)
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR).
- Experience using word processing programs and e-mail systems.
- Experience performing physically demanding work or sports/fitness.
- Must have valid driver’s license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills appreciated; multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.
- Experience and/or Bachelor degree in environmental education, environmental science or wildlife science/biology or related field preferred.
- Knowledge of ecological and natural history concepts, familiarity with Northeast coastal flora and fauna, and the love of sharing that knowledge with others.
- Experience with teaching/tutoring or customer service.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills. Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment cooperatively with a variety of volunteers and staff.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues.
- Ability and willingness to do occasional physical labor.
- Working knowledge of lawnmowers, weed-whackers, chainsaws and other landscaping tools.
- Skill in kayaking and/or canoeing
- Current First Aid or CPR certification desirable.
- Form of transportation for personal use is preferred.
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.