The Colorado College Blumenstein Stewardship Assistant performs and participates in monitoring, research, management operations, maintenance, and visitation on The Nature Conservancy’s Carpenter Ranch Preserve. The 906-acre Carpenter Ranch preserve is managed as a platform for community-based conservation and is an active ranch. This position has an emphasis on water and wildlife conservation that will be integrated with work alongside preserve managers on adaptive management of the ecologically and historically significant property, opportunities to engage with visitors and community partners, and strategic initiatives in northwest Colorado that include conservation of ecosystems, water, and sustainable livelihoods. This is an 11-week position starting June 3, 2019 through August 16, 2019.
The Colorado College Blumenstein Stewardship Assistant assists with the management and maintenance of The Nature Conservancy’s Carpenter Ranch and other properties in the Yampa River Conservation Area, ensuring completion of priority research and stewardship tasks and safe and enjoyable experiences for visitors. Following a one-week orientation and training, the Stewardship Assistant will live in housing on the Carpenter Ranch Preserve. This person will gain valuable experience in on-the-ground stewardship, conservation science, and environmental education and outreach projects, with an emphasis on water and wildlife conservation. Duties include working with staff and volunteers to: repair and maintain trails and fences; monitor plant and animal species; map natural resources and facilities; maintain and repair buildings, tools and equipment; greet and guide visitors; patrol, open and close preserve buildings; respond to visitor inquiries; administer and coordinate volunteer days.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Work independently and in team settings.
- Interact with visitors, donors, and other diverse guests, providing a safe and positive experience.
- Completion of an independent project relevant to the position and conservation, for presentation at the end of the position.
- Work in variable weather conditions, in remote locations, on difficult terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Perform work requiring considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain, including using hand and power tools (weed trimmers, lawn mowers).
- Position may include interactions with youth.
- Work may necessitate long hours, holidays and weekends as needed.
- High school diploma and 6 months of related experience.
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. hand tools, iPad, GPS, etc.).
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, driver’s license, TNC youth certification).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to follow instructions from supervisor and colleagues
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- High level of responsibility and self-motivation.
- Experience working and communicating with diverse groups of people.
- Proficiency with GPS and iPad equipment.
- Knowledge of stream ecology and the flora and fauna of the Rocky Mountains.
- Willingness to live on Colorado’s Carpenter Ranch preserve, and as needed, sharing a living space with other visiting staff.
- Enthusiasm for outdoor activities.
- Current valid driver’s license and proficiency with automatic transmission vehicles.
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.