This AmeriCorps position serves with The Nature Conservancy over an 11-month period to advance our work in improving private and public lands, providing education and training in stewardship and environmental practices, and growing our volunteer support. S/he will be responsible for a variety of land stewardship activities in support of multiple program/preserve goals.
The Steward Assistant will serve with Conservation staff and serve in teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of preserve management plans.
- Maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public
- Removes exotic species and/or monitors and researches species
- May maintain and operate tools and equipment with training in a safe and efficient manner while taking appropriate care of equipment (e.g. lawn mower, chain saw, tractor, two-way radio, fire management equipment, etc.)
- Identify and map invasive species
- Collect native seeds
- Use GPS technology to quantify areas of treatment, differentially identified based on species and fuel types
- Use GIS and tablet technology to map monitoring and treatment sites
- Enters natural resource and management data into computer databases
- Receive certificate and training in prescribed burns
- Pass physical Pack-test for s130/190 certification
- Receive CPR/First Aide Training
- Work with a burn team to implement prescribed burn
- May organize volunteer events, engage local participants to treat invasive species, plant native plants, etc.
- Improve coordination among stakeholders and partners working on fuels reduction, forest restoration, and invasive plant control
- Communicate conservation efforts being implemented such as forest thinning, prescribed fire, and invasive plant control to stakeholders, partners, and the general public
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS
- Make day-to-day decisions within scope of service assignments
- Serves independently without requiring detailed management review of general service
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Networks with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners
- May serve in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances
- Perform duties following detailed instructions and general supervision and established guidelines
- Make day-to-day decisions within the scope of service assignments as designated by supervisor
- Prioritize service independently
- Identify routine problems and utilize existing resources for resolution, referring difficult questions and problems to supervisor
- Recruit, train and manage community volunteers
- Performs administrative duties as required
- Willingness and ability to travel within the geography assigned
- U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Satisfy the National Service Criminal History check eligibility criteria
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with MS Office
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
- Commitment to complete 11 months as AmeriCorps member
- Good organizational skills and ability to manage diverse activities to meet deadlines
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred
- Knowledge of native plants a plus
- Ability to serve alone in remote areas at times with limited communications
- Interest in the mission and activities of The Nature Conservancy
- Database skills, including managing and tracking data, and producing reports
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
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.