The Conservation/Education Assistant will be exposed to and participate in a broad range of educational opportunities. The Conservation/Education Assistant participates in education, stewardship and operations programs, interacts frequently with visitors and helps maintain preserve areas frequented by the public at Mashomack Preserve, Shelter Island, NY. The Conservation/ Education Assistant will work closely with TNC Long Island Conservation staff. Working with a global conservation organization will broaden the selected candidate’s knowledge of worldwide conservation issues and strategies for addressing threats to biodiversity. This is a short-term position; shared housing accommodations are available.
- Education & Outreach: Assist Education and Outreach Coordinator and Visitor Center Coordinator to help create and implement interpretive education/outreach programming and materials that emphasize the biological diversity of the Mashomack Preserve, people’s interaction with nature and reflect The Nature Conservancy’s conservation initiatives. Help direct and teach the summer Children’s Environmental Education Program. Provide general Visitor Center support, including providing information to visiting public, working with and helping to direct volunteers and completing office/administrative work.
- Stewardship: Assist Preserve staff with various aspects stewardship, monitoring, and management on the 2,039 acre coastal Mashomack Preserve. Tasks may include: fencing, trail maintenance, routine mowing of trails and grounds, implementing forest management practices and special event preparation/clean-up. There may also be opportunities for GIS data collection and mapping. These duties may require physical labor and the safe operation of hand tools and power equipment.
- Conservation Science: Assist conservation science staff with a variety of forest, coastal/marine restoration and monitoring projects as necessary. Tasks may include assisting staff with habitat and species monitoring program, collecting environmental data, recording field observations and assisting with preparation of reports.
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job. In addition, there may be expectations for work outside of the local business unit.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Requires good interpersonal and communication skills for regular interaction with staff, volunteers, preserve neighbors and visitors to convey basic preserve information.
- Ability to speak, both one-on-one and in front of small to medium sized groups, in a consistently professional, positive and approachable manner.
- Ability to work under close supervision or independently.
- 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 in areas where ticks & mosquitos can be a frequent nuisance.
- May require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings as necessary.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience operating various types of tools and equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. handheld GPS, gardening tools, lawn mower, chainsaw, etc.)
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR).
- Experience using word processing programs and e-mail systems.
- Experience performing physically demanding work or sports/fitness.
- Must have valid driver’s license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills appreciated; Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.
- Experience or degree in environmental education or related field preferred.
- Knowledge of ecological and natural history concepts, familiarity with Northeast coastal flora and fauna, and the love of sharing that knowledge with others. Familiarity with The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goals.
- Experience with teaching/tutoring or customer service.
- Strong written and oral communication skills. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
- Working knowledge of lawnmowers, weed-whackers and other landscaping tools.
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment cooperatively with a variety of volunteers and staff.
- Ability and willingness to do occasional physical labor.
- Skill in kayaking and/or canoeing
- Current First Aid or CPR certification desirable.
- Computer literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Form of transportation for personal use is preferred.
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.