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 19 preserves covering over 7,000 acres of protected lands in western Massachusetts. This position serves under the supervision of the Stewardship Manager and Land Steward.
Areas of Responsibility:
The Steward Assistant will serve with Conservation staff and serve in teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of preserve management plans.
- Maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public including trail maintenance
- Monitor and maintain property boundaries;
- Assists with habitat management and provides technical assistance for habitat management and conservation on Preserves and easement lands.
- Conduct monitoring inspections of our fee and easement properties;
- Removes exotic species and/or monitors and researches species;
- Complete herbicide application training/certification in order to control specific 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 both rare and invasive species
- Use GPS technology to quantify areas of treatment, differentially identified based on species and fuel types
- Use GIS and tablet technology to map monitoring and treatment sites
- 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.
- Improve coordination among stakeholders and partners working on forest restoration, and invasive plant control
- Communicate conservation efforts being implemented such as forest thinning, prescribed fire, and invasive plant control to stakeholders, partners, and the general public
- Produce summary reports from monitoring efforts
- Recruit, manage, train and retain volunteers to serve alongside TNC staff and at TNC events;
- Travel to and from preserves, meetings and events which are essential to the service of this position
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
Educational Background:
High school diploma or GED, some college and conservation experience desirable
Skills/Experience:
- 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
- Valid Driver’s License
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated
- 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
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Jul 25 2018
Active Until:
Aug 26 2018
Hiring Organization:
Nature Conservancy
industry:
Nonprofit