This AmeriCorps position serves with The Nature Conservancy over an 11-month period to advance our work in improving private and public lands, providing education and training in stewardship and environmental practices, and growing our volunteer support. S/he will be responsible for a variety of land stewardship activities in support of goals in restoring and maintaining blackland prairies on North Texas Grasslands Projects and Preserves. For more information regarding member living stipend, benefits and education award, please visit the AmeriCorps Corporation for National Community Service (CNCS) website.
This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other position-related instructions within the scope of their normal service activities as requested by their supervisor (Site Coordinator and/or AmeriCorps Program Coordinator) in alignment with the grant and not unallowable or prohibited activities and subject to reasonable accommodation. This position is contingent on funding.This position does have reoccurring access to vulnerable populations.
The Steward Assistant will serve with Conservation staff and serve in teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of preserve management plans.
- Assist in maintaining all preserve(s) facilities and infrastructure for preservation, conservation and outreach to the public.
- Removes exotic species and/or monitors and researches species
- May maintain and operate tools and equipment with training in a safe and efficient manner while taking appropriate care of equipment (e.g. lawn mower, chain saw, tractor, two-way radio, fire management equipment, etc.)
- Identify and map invasive species
- Collect and process native seeds
- Use GPS technology to quantify areas of treatment, differentially identified based on species and fuel types
- Repair and replace wildlife friendly fencing to protect the preserve habitat from trespass cattle and overgrazing by ungulates to protect native species
- Remove fences in areas identified as needed to facilitate wildlife movement
- May organize volunteer events, engage local participants to treat invasive species, remove fencing, plant native plants, etc.
- May communicate conservation efforts being implemented such as prescribed fire, and invasive plant control to stakeholders, partners, and the general public
- Travel to and from preserves, meetings and events which are essential to the service of this position
- Participate in prescribed burning
- Receive certificate and training in prescribed burns
- Pass physical Pack-test for s130/190 certification
- Receive CPR/First Aide Training
- Work with a burn team to implement prescribed burn
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS
- May assist with easement and/or preserve monitoring activities
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Networks with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners
- May serve in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances
- Perform duties following detailed instructions and general supervision and established guidelines
- Make day-to-day decisions within the scope of service assignments as designated by supervisor
- Prioritize service independently
- Identify routine problems and utilize existing resources for resolution, referring difficult questions and problems to supervisor
- Recruit, train and manage community volunteers
- Performs administrative duties as required
- Willingness and ability to travel within the geography assigned
- Willingness to apply herbicide with proper PPE and under supervision
- U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Satisfy the National Service Criminal History check eligibility criteria
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with MS Office
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
- Commitment to complete 11 months as AmeriCorps member
- Good organizational skills and ability to manage diverse activities to meet deadlines
- This position requires a valid driver’s license
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred
- knowledge of native plants a plus
- Ability to serve alone in remote areas at times with limited communications
- Interest in the mission and activities of The Nature Conservancy
- Database skills, including managing and tracking data, and producing reports;
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail