The Project Coordinator supports preserve operations to accomplish our conservation, research and philanthropic cultivation goals. The work-site is a remote island, 25 miles offshore, where self-sufficiency and proactivity is critical. The Coordinator will be required to work both independently, and in collaboration with a team of staff, contractors and partners. S/he must be able to shift between intersecting priorities, attending to and communicating about an extensive array of details.
The position will begin May 2019.
The rotating Island staff schedule necessitates cross-training in the three focal areas of visitation, infrastructure and conservation. Once trained, the Coordinator will have a regularly scheduled rotation that will consist of 7-11 days on-island every 2-3 weeks and mainland office days to equal an average of 40 hrs/wk. This schedule may fluctuate based on programmatic needs and requires the Coordinator to be flexible. The optimal candidate will be results-oriented and desire a mix of physical and administrative work.
Key skills and characteristics include a demonstrated ability to bring organization to physical resources, team processes and work flow. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, tracking a wide array of interconnected details. S/he must take satisfaction in achieving a high standard of care for visitors, facilities, and project resources.
As part of the core island team, the Coordinator will actively participate in logistical planning to transport visitors and supplies to the island to and around the Preserve. S/he will have a responsibility to orient, track and advise on visitors’ activities, exercising discretion, judgment and tact.
- Visitation: The Santa Cruz Island Preserve is a both an active restoration/research environment and, a platform for major donor cultivation. The Coordinator supports both conservation and philanthropically-related visitation and island events. His/her support functions can range from housekeeping, preparing facilities, managing recreational equipment and assisting catering staff, to coordinating with fundraising staff on donor travel logistics, itineraries and contingencies. Where needed s/he guides TNC’s guests on technically challenging terrain in vehicles or on foot. S/he communicates the Conservancy’s mission and vision.
- Infrastructure: The Project Coordinator works with the Island team to oversee and maintain island facilities, grounds, roads, utilities and equipment. With basic repair knowledge and skills, s/he directly fixes, troubleshoots or coordinates repairs with professional contractors. S/he may supervise volunteers in carrying out infrastructure projects. On a regular basis the Coordinator will assist with transportation and use of fuels, equipment, tools and supplies. S/he educates staff and Preserve users on the proper use and care of these resources, and coordinates their allocation and upkeep.
- Conservation: The Coordinator serves as an on-island contact for facilitating the work of TNC’s research partners and science staff. S/he will be responsible for orienting users to their environment while communicating and upholding preserve policies and Conservancy standards. The Preserve Coordinator also shares knowledge about the island’s unique ecology and history with visitors.
Due to the remote location, rugged geography, and communication technology challenges s/he must exercise careful judgment, communicate proactively and operate with flexibility and responsiveness. S/he makes safety decisions in the absence of supervision, applying established policies and protocols in response to emergencies on a 24-hour basis. Ability to attain Wilderness First Responder certification and maintain first aid supplies is required. The Coordinator will also have an exceptional opportunity to learn from to a wide range of Conservancy staff (science, executive, fundraising), collaborators from leading research institutions, and an array of special guests. Areas for growth may include attaining specialized technical knowledge in mechanics, boat and heavy equipment operation, and assisting with restoration activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Be personable and professional with diverse groups including conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on challenging terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- May monitor work groups consisting of volunteers working across the island.
- Work schedule may vary depending on programmatic needs and circumstances, requiring ability to adjust to changing priorities.
- May work under limited direct supervision; may make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
- Proven ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Experience leading staff, volunteers or other groups working in the outdoors.
- At least 1 year experience working and/or living in a remote setting.
- Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook), or the equivalent in other business software platforms.
- Ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
- Commitment to applying the principles of conservation and ecology in day-to-day decision-making.
- Ability to perform physical work, often under adverse conditions or in inclement weather, including lifting 45lbs, bending, kneeling and walking up to 5 miles on moderately steep terrain.
- Must have prior CPR and First Aid training.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Experience with natural systems.
- Ability to maintain and operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner. (e.g. forklift, riding mower, chainsaw, tractor, power tools, two-way radio, etc.)
- 1-2 years related experience in event management including logistical planning and/or moderately complex customer service processes.
- 1-2 years of experience working in the outdoor recreational industry or the maintenance and oversight of a guest, research station or other facility.
- 1-2 years of experience, at any level, with the stewardship of protected areas (e.g. national or state parks, national forests or BLM lands or conservation preserves, or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Automotive diagnostic and repair skills.
- Willingness to obtain related licenses or certifications such as Wilderness First Responder, ATV operation, herbicide application, for example.
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.