TNC has supported the conservation of endangered and threatened sea turtles on the east end of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Since 1994, three pocket beaches on the east end of St. Croix have been monitored for both green and hawksbill sea turtle nesting activity. The project is currently seeking two, part-time Sea Turtle Conservation Associates to work the 2019 sea turtle nesting season from approximately September through October 31, 2019. Associates will monitor Jack, Isaac, and East End beaches during the day. Associates will work approximately 3-5 days pers week, usually 2pm-6 pm but no more than 18 hours per week. Days off will vary each week and may not be consecutive.
Duration & Location: This is a short-term (8-10 weeks) seasonal position based on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.
The Sea Turtle Conservation Associate provides administrative, research, project management and other general assistance to TNC staff and contractors in the operation of a sea turtle project on St. Croix, USVI. This may include some or all of the following:
- Patrol a single beach each day but will occasionally be required to move back and forth between beaches to assist team members.
- Collect data on every turtle and turtle activity encountered.
- Maintain equipment.
- Monitor nests and perform nest excavations.
- Completing tasks independently within assigned timeframes.
- Managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
- Performing administrative duties emphasizing detail-oriented and numerical tasks.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
- Resolves routine issues independently.
- Develops resolution plans with supervisor for unusual or complex issues.
- Works under close supervision and receives specific and detailed instructions for required tasks and results expected.
- Addresses issues with supervisor that affect others’ work or the overall program.
- Consults supervisor on unspecified or unusual issues.
- Ability to work cooperatively with a number of staff and external parties, sometimes under pressure, in order to complete project work and goals in a timely manner.
- Provide a variety of information to staff and others, contributing to conservation projects and assisting workflow throughout the organization.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Maintain project records.
- May interact with visitors.
- Works under close or infrequent supervision.
- 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. These conditions may:
- require physical exertion
- require working on unstable platforms and inclement weather
- present occasional possibility of injury
- require long hours in isolated settings
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Ability to walk long distances over difficult terrain while being comfortable working on their own in these remote areas.
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- Database management skills including report production.
- Ability to repeatedly lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Field experience. Previous sea turtle experience basic data collection, and nest excavation, preferred.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
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.