The Nature Conservancy in Central and Western NY is seeking a seasonal Land Management Assistant to aid in general preserve stewardship and ongoing ecological restoration projects. General stewardship consists of boundary posting, maintenance of visitor infrastructure, invasive species monitoring and removal and working with volunteers on various preserve maintenance activities. Restoration projects include the ongoing Tug Hill Climate Adaptation Forest Resilience and Sodus Bay Wetland Restoration, which will primarily consist of monitoring and data collection. This position is a great opportunity for a wide range of knowledge and experience in land management and ecological restoration.
This is a full-time, short term position which will be based our of the Northern NY Project Office in Pulaski, NY. Housing in the local area will be provided by TNC. Travel to work sites will be with a TNC owned vehicle.
- Work with the Land Manager to maintain Stewardship standards for the Conservancy’s preserves in Central and Northern NY, which will include clearing trails, mowing parking areas, posting boundaries, installing fencing and signage and controlling invasive species.
- Work to advance our Climate Adaptation Forest Resilience Project on the Conservancy’s Tug Hill Conservation Area, which will consist of planting tree seedlings, controlling vegetation around plantings and collecting monitoring data in patch cuts, seedling and understory management plots.
- Collect fish data (training will be provided) that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Sodus Bay Wetland Restoration Project and may also help to remove exotic species and interact with public regarding the overall objectives and strategies of the project.
- Frequently be working alone in the field. There will be a lot of travelling between work sites, and overnight camping may be necessary at times (1-2 nights per week).
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Often works alone in the field without direct supervision
- Requires long hours in isolated settings
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor
- Frequent travel between distant preserves and work locations
- Occasional overnight camping
- Experience recognizing New York flora and fauna..
- Experience operating various types of equipment.
- Experience performing physical work.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Experience with forest ecology, fisheries and/or wetlands
- Ability to identify tree, plant and fish species as required after field training
- Experience collecting forest and other field data
- Experience and comfort with a variety of hand tools
- Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; chainsaws, brush cutters, ATVs, canoes).
- Comfortable and able to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision in remote settings
- Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
- Working knowledge of GPS and GIS
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.