The Seasonal Restoration Monitoring Assistant performs ecological monitoring, data entry, data analysis, and reporting.
The Seasonal Restoration Monitoring Assistant will be responsible for monitoring ecological conditions for wetland and stream compensation projects completed through the Virginia Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (Trust Fund). The Trust Fund is a partnership between The Nature Conservancy in Virginia (TNC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) that provides a form of compensatory mitigation through preservation, restoration, creation or enhancement of wetlands, streams, upland buffers, or other aquatic resources in Virginia. The Seasonal Restoration Monitoring Assistant works collaboratively with TNC’s Restoration Assistant and Field Ecologists in both the field and office. Primary responsibilities include assistance with ecological monitoring, data entry, data analysis, and reporting. Ecological monitoring tasks include identifying plant species, estimating plant community coverage and height, reading shallow groundwater wells, evaluating stream features and providing photo documentation within permanent plots. The Seasonal Restoration Monitoring Assistant is responsible for collecting and analyzing information in the field, entering data into data forms and spreadsheets, and analyzing this data to assist with the development of compliance reporting that is required by the regulatory agencies.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Will work under close supervision and receive specific and detailed instructions for required tasks
- May work closely and collaborate with volunteers.
- Will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- May require long hours in isolated settings.
- Will require multi-day travel and work across the state. May include a very occasional weekend workday.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 1 year’s training in environmental science-related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- Experience identifying plant species.
- Experience collecting and coordinating ecological information from multiple sources into databases, including data entry and report production.
- Experience working in outdoor settings in variable and sometimes physically challenging conditions.
- Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software (Word, Excel, Power Point).
- Experience working closely with others in a team environment.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Cross cultural; multi-cultural; multi-lingual skills, background or experience a plus
- 1 - 2 years’ training in environmental science-related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience
- Knowledge of geomorphic, hydrologic and vegetation monitoring techniques and protocols for streams and wetlands.
- Understanding of the development and implementation of ecological monitoring protocols to evaluate site restoration performance.
- Ability to identify Virginia flora, including invasive plant species.
- Experience in analyzing, interpreting and synthesizing a variety of data including Excel tables and hydrology graphs.
- Experience with GPS applications.
- Demonstrated experience in accomplishing tasks in an orderly, organized manner and keeping organized files and records.
- Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
- Ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means. PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
Current funding provides for $16.00 per hour, 35 hours/week, 18-week duration, beginning July 16, 2018. Few benefits.
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.