The Nature Conservancy of New Jersey has identified the Paulins Kill watershed (a tributary of the Delaware River) as a priority area for habitat restoration and water quality improvement. A critical component of this strategy is the restoration of floodplain forests identified within strategic segments of this watershed. Building on prior successes elsewhere in the watershed we will be planting and restoring multiple contiguous miles of floodplain forest throughout the Paulins Kill watershed. To accomplish this goal, we are hiring 2 seasonal Freshwater Restoration Assistant to implement this project. These positions will help with additional freshwater-related projects involving water quality monitoring and survivability monitoring. This position will be based at the New Jersey Field Office, located in Chester, New Jersey. This is a 2.5 month, paid position for 35 hours/week at $18 per hour. Position starts September 23rd, 2019.
The Freshwater Restoration Assistant participates in the implementation of a variety of restoration, assessment and monitoring projects throughout the Paulins Kill watershed. This may include one or more of the following functions:
- Assists with on-site implementation of projects including: tree planting, operating hand tools and chainsaws, removing exotic species, and planting native species in priority floodplain areas.
- Assists with other freshwater tasks including tree and shrub survival monitoring, stream monitoring, site maintenance and other to be determined field projects.
- Conducts standardized scientific surveys including the collection of survivability data and conducts standardized visual surveys to assess the physical condition of restoration reaches.
- Maintains all necessary tools and equipment
- Communicates regularly with supervisor and conservation staff regarding site information
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Interacts well with the general public and volunteers.
- May work under close or infrequent supervision.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Experience operating various types of equipment.
- Experience performing physical work.
- Valid driver’s license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; pick-up truck, power tools, trailers, etc.)
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues and supervisor
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule including occasional weekends
- Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
- Demonstrated organizational skills
- Experience with tree planting and restoration activities
- Working knowledge of local flora and fauna with knowledge of invasive species preferred
- Experience collecting scientific field data
- Knowledgeable and passionate about fresh water ecology
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.