The Americorps Field Assistant engages in general conservation land stewardship activities in southern Vermont. This person will participate in and coordinate hands-on, outdoor field work several days per week, which may include invasive plant control and mapping, trail work, boundary marking, property monitoring, and scientific research. In addition, they will coordinate events, volunteer workdays and assist with outreach to further the mission of The Nature Conservancy.
This position is part of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board AmeriCorps (VHCB AmeriCorps). The VHCB AmeriCorps program supports the innovative dual-goal approach to creating stable affordable housing opportunities for Vermont residents while preserving the natural and working landscape. VHCB is a national service program that places AmeriCorps members with non-profit housing or land and energy conservation organizations around the state.
Ths position begins September 10, 2018 and ends August 9, 2019.
- Participate in, coordinate and periodically lead outdoor stewardship workdays with interns and volunteer groups. Serve as the Certified Herbicide Applicator on some invasive plant workdays.
- Maintain walking trails, signs, ledger boxes, kiosks, parking areas and property boundaries
- Conduct monitoring visits to private & public conserved lands in southern Vermont, write reports and track progress using an Access database
- Prepare for and follow up on field workdays, including equipment and vehicle maintenance & cleaning, record keeping, and report writing
- Conduct basic GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping and data collection
- Coordinate field trips and other events for the general public, members and volunteers
- Create content for social media and print outlets
- Participate in an Independent Service Project under the guidance of VHCB AmeriCorps
- Participate in VHCB AmeriCorps Trainings, Service Days, Events and Program Initiatives
- Engage in professional and personal development activities and networking opportunities
- Special projects (particularly during winter months) may include researching and creating or updating management plans, restoration plans, and interpretive brochures for natural areas; conducting literature reviews related to land stewardship; and/or other projects as Conservancy needs and member interests dictate
- Assist with guided natural history field trips for members and the general public, which may include some weekends or evenings
- Deliver presentations, table events, and perform other outreach functions in support of a variety of conservation topics
- Be a US citizen or have permanent resident status;
- Be at least 18 years of age upon entering the Pre-Service Orientation or 17 years of age with written parental permission that has been verified by phone;
- Has not been convicted of murder or sexual assault and is willing to undergo an National Service Criminal History Check;
- Be committed to the VHCB AmeriCorps program, and its ethic of service and personal and professional development of its participants;
- Have the ability and enthusiasm to drive to, attend, and particpate in required trainings and events, and be prepared to drive up to 2-3 hours each way.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability and enthusiasm to do physical labor outdoors several days per week, and flexible schedule to work some long days, evenings or weekends for volunteer workdays, special events or trainings.
- Training or experience in:
- Vermont flora, fauna, and ecology, and ability to identify plants
- field experience in natural science, land stewardship and/or related field
- use of GPS technology and ArcMap GIS software
- light carpentry and/or trail work
- Excellent people skills; outgoing and tactful; energetic, positive and collaborative attitude
- Ability to work with a diversity of volunteers, staff, community leaders and organizational partners
- Comfortable speaking in front of groups and giving outdoor field talks as well as indoor slide shows or other presentations.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative as well as be a team player
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Familiarity with a variet of social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, MeetUp
- Organized and attentive to detail; ability to manage time, diverse activities and multiple projects
- Computer literate, working knowledge of Microsoft programs
- Valid driver’s license, no major motor vehicle violations in last 3 years, and ability to drive standard shift vehicle
- Willingness to become a Vermont certified pesticide applicator and instruct volunteers in safe use of herbicides for invasive plant control
- Experience and training, or willingness to complete training in safe operation of chain saw for trail clearing
- Experience using property survey maps and navigating with map and compass
- Flexible schedule – available for long field work days (sometimes with extensive driving) one to four times per week.
- Commitment to serving full 11-month commitment (1,700-hour position)
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.