Summer Mentor for Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future Program

The Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future Program (LEAF) is a month long, residential internship which provides students from Environmental High Schools with the opportunity to work alongside The Nature Conservancy staff on field based projects.
The mentor’s primary responsibilities are:

• To work alongside their assigned high school student interns in the field, ensure the emotional and physical safety of their assigned interns, serve as the liaison between Nature Conservancy staff and their assigned interns; and to help their assigned interns make the most out of their LEAF experiences. For the duration of the program, mentors are required to live with the students at Conservancy provided housing and are responsible for building a cohesive team, facilitating communication and managing disciplinary issues, working with Nature Conservancy staff on any issues when necessary. Mentors and interns assist Nature Conservancy staff in various site management projects (i.e. trail maintenance, habitat management, exotic species control, ecological monitoring, urban conservation projects, etc.) at chapter preserves, with partners and at ecologically significant sites in one of over 25 states across the country. In addition, teams may be required to work in the chapter office and with other Nature Conservancy staff. Mentors serve as the liaison between students and The Nature Conservancy, explaining and demonstrating work tasks, motivating students and facilitating communication amongst the team. Mentors are expected to serve as role models, taking an active part in work and activities that students and Nature Conservancy staff perform. Mentors are given one work day off each week that will be coordinated with site based staff. Mentors must be present for all evenings (including days off) and are required to work all weekends—should the need arise, mentors may be required to transport teams from home base to the work site and back on days off. Mentors work with the team to plan various academic and recreational activities, including a minimum of three college visits. Personal visitors or pets are not allowed during the intern season, for both interns and mentors. Use of cell phones, computers, tablets and other electronic devices will be minimal for mentors. Interns are not allowed to possess these electronics during the season.
• Mentor is responsible for organizing team activities, budget, equipment, required forms and evaluations. Mentor must submit receipts and reconciliation documentation for team budget in compliance with Conservancy standards and in a timely manner. Mentor is also responsible for collecting forms, journals, evaluations, photos and videos from interns and submitting all documents and files to Coordinator at the end of Season.
• This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’s Auto Safety Program. Employees cannot drive Conservancy owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered a “high risk driver.” Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which will include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record. Mentors are required to use the provided rental car to transport interns and cannot use their personal vehicle. For rental car purposes, it is preferred that candidates be at least 25 years of age. Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at nature.org/careers.
• This position also requires satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Candidates offered positions will be provided with an electronic authorization form and employment will be contingent upon the results of a background check.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE 

• Attend residential orientation and training sessions held from June 24-June 30, 2018 (in addition to the July 2-July 27 intern season dates). Mentor may be required, as schedules permit, to complete a paid office day after the end of the program to process paperwork and equipment.
• Act as the mentor and chaperone for a team of three or four high school interns, or as a co-mentor for a group of six or eight interns. Create a cohesive functioning team. Work with students and Conservancy staff to plan leisure activities, including but not limited to, 3 college visits and outdoor recreation activities (hiking, camping, canoeing— activities students cannot easily enjoy in the city). Guide students in journal writing and in preparation of final project and/or final essay. Ensure compliance with Nature Conservancy rules and regulations and work with Nature Conservancy Staff to resolve any issues that arise. Mentor must travel with interns, including first and last day travel to and from assigned work location.
• Assist chapter stewards in various site management projects at the chapter preserves (trail maintenance, habitat management, biological and botanical monitoring, exotic species control, etc.) Motivate students to participate fully in all projects.
• Communicate with the chapter stewards and assist in demonstrating and explaining the work to the interns.
• Proactively seek feedback from Nature Conservancy staff on student/team performance and concerns. Relate concerns of students and Nature Conservancy staff to one another. Facilitate weekly team meetings and mid-term and final evaluation process.
• Responsible for managing team budget (receipts and reconciliation) and equipment. Assist and instruct interns in managing budgets, buying groceries, cooking meals and other general housekeeping responsibilities. Facilitate equitable division of “household” chores.
• Facilitate communication among team members and help resolve any problems that may arise between the interns or between interns and Nature Conservancy staff. Assist in conflict resolution and inform Nature Conservancy Chapter staff of any potential issues before they arise. Seek assistance in resolution when necessary. Participate in weekly conference calls with Nature Conservancy Staff.
• Fill out necessary paperwork, including tracking expenses, to ensure proper administration and evaluation of the program.
• Mentors are expected to participate in pre and post program surveys and focus groups about their experience.
• Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions: require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain; present frequent possibility of injury; require long hours in isolated settings.