The South Florida Island Conservation Stewardship Assistant (Stewardship Assistant) is part of the Stewardship and Field Programs Department of the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The position works under the supervision of the South Florida Land Conservation Coordinator and is based on David Wolkowsky Key (formerly Ballast Key) in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. David Wolkowsky Key is a 14-acre island located 8 miles west of Key West and it is accessible only by boat. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service owns the island and its facilities (i.e., two houses, utility building and dock) and it is managed by The Nature Conservancy for habitat protection and support of scientists, educators, and other authorized visitors. The island is not open to the general public. The Stewardship Assistant and a Steward, both of whom will report to the South Florida Land Conservation Coordinator, will reside on the island, providing 24-hour security, natural areas and facilities maintenance, and visitor support. TNC will provide a work boat and relief staff or volunteers, if necessary, so the Steward may resupply food and other supplies, dispose of garbage, etc. This position is term limited (see question about the term). Living quarters will include a private bedroom and bathroom and a shared kitchen space.
The Stewardship Assistant conducts 24-hour site security, habitat stewardship, equipment and facilities maintenance, and visitor support functions, including volunteer coordination and supervision, on David Wolkowsky Key (formerly Ballast Key) in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. The fulltime Steward will live on-site and work closely with a full-time Island Steward also stationed at David Wolkowsky Key. The Stewardship Assistant will operate and conduct basic maintenance on an outboard engine powered boat. Security functions require tactful handling of unauthorized visitors at any time of day or night and potentially coordination with local law enforcement officers. Habitat stewardship functions include invasive exotic plant and animal management, marine debris removal, and potentially native species propagation and planting, applied conservation science and monitoring projects, and upkeep of data and records. Equipment and facilities maintenance functions include keeping the structures, grounds, and vehicles clean and tidy, troubleshooting and repairing vehicles, structures (e.g., carpentry, painting, plumbing) and infrastructure including the dock, roads/trails, water, wastewater, and electricity generation systems. Personal and work supplies will be obtained in Key West and solid waste will be hauled there for disposal by boat. Visitor support functions include checking in and orienting authorized visitors, shuttling their supplies between the dock and accommodations using a UTV, assisting them with any issues that may arise with respect to the accommodations, ensuring that rules are adhered to, and checking them out. On occasion the Stewardship Assistant may assist with meal preparation, serving, and clean-up for visitors. The Stewardship Assistant will support volunteer activities on the island by coordinating and working with volunteers on habitat and facilities projects.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Apply various land management tools & techniques such as the use of herbicides, chainsaws, UTV’s, pumps and tanks, brush cutters, hand tools, GPS units and heavy equipment to achieve natural resource management objectives for David Wolkowsky Key.
- Apply various facilities maintenance tools and techniques for carpentry, plumbing, painting, and mechanical repair, troubleshooting and upkeep including power tools and hand tools.
- Will use and maintain TNC watercraft and comply with FL Chapter Diving, Snorkeling and Boating Safety SOP’s and Guidelines.
- Will use and maintain TNC firearm to control invasive animals and will comply with FL Chapter Safety Guidelines for Firearms.
- Must be proficient in the operation of equipment, watercraft, and off-road vehicles and must follow recommended safety guidelines and precautions specified for said work.
- Will use Conservancy-owned vehicles and must be able to safely operate All-terrain vehicle (ATV) or Utility All-Terrain Vehicle (UTV) and comply with FL Chapter All-Terrain Vehicle Operating Guidelines.
- Controlling of invasive species through mechanical and chemical techniques.
- Maintain personal appearance in professional, presentable fashion, suitable to represent The Nature Conservancy to agencies and the public.
- Good interpersonal skills. Ability to maintain positive morale under adverse working conditions. Ability to get along alone and in a group setting.
- Ability to de-escalate conflict situations and to follow safety plans.
- Ability to complete tasks within assigned timeframes, frequently in the absence of direct supervision.
- PC familiarity and willingness to learn various databases for record maintenance.
- Maintain resource management equipment/tools and ensure they are in safe working condition.
- Familiarity with OSHA regulations and compliance.
- 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.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Requires long hours in isolated settings.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent direct supervision.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- College degree in natural resource management, ecology, biology, etc.
- 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
- PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
- Knowledge and use of the application of herbicides.
- Experience using ArcMap/GIS and GPS devices.
- Carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical and mechanical skills.
- Experience operating and maintaining watercraft.
- Paramedic, Emergency Medical Technician, or Wilderness First Responder certification.
- Must hold a valid state driver’s license and have a safe driving record.
- Customer service, hospitality and meal preparation experience.
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.
Term limited June 28, 2019 to June 30, 2020 with possibility of extension.