The Project Coordinator supports and participates in preserve operations, as part of the California Islands Strategy team, working to accomplish our conservation, research and philanthropic cultivation goals. The work-site is a remote island environment, 25 miles offshore, where operational self-sufficiency in all aspects is a necessity. The Coordinator will be required to work both independently, and in collaboration with a team of staff, contractors and partners. S/he must be able to shift between intersecting priorities while attending to an extensive array of details.
This position is the equivalent of 60% of a full-time position. The work schedule is typically (but not exclusively) a tour of 10 consecutive days per month on the island.
The rotating Island staff schedule necessitates cross-training in the three focal areas of visitation, facilities and conservation. Once trained, the Coordinator will have a regularly scheduled tour of approximately 10 days per month. This schedule may occasionally fluctuate based on programmatic needs and requires some flexibility.
- Visitation: Santa Cruz Island is a showcase for the work of The Nature Conservancy, and a platform for donor cultivation. The Project Coordinator supports regularly hosted trips and island events by assisting the catering providers, housekeeping, facilities preparation and management of recreational equipment. Where needed s/he guides TNC’s guests on technically challenging terrain in vehicles or on foot. S/he actively participates in communicating the Conservancy’s mission and vision, exercising discretion, judgment and tact.
- Facilities: The Project Coordinator works with the Island team for the oversight and maintenance of island facilities, grounds, roads, infrastructure and equipment. With basic repair knowledge and skills, s/he directly fixes, troubleshoots or escalates repairs to professional contractors as needed. S/he may supervise volunteers in carrying out infrastructure projects. On a regular basis the Preserve Coordinator will assist with transportation and use of fuels, equipment, tools and supplies. S/he educates staff and Preserve users on the proper use and care of these resources, and coordinates their allocation. Growth opportunities may include attaining specialized technical knowledge in mechanics, boat and heavy equipment operation.
- Conservation: The Coordinator serves as an on-island Conservancy contact for researchers, and also supports the science team in carrying out habitat restoration and resilience projects. S/he will be responsible for orienting users to their environment while communicating and upholding preserve policies and Conservancy standards. The Preserve Coordinator will have the opportunity to learn about the island’s unique ecology and share this knowledge with visitors.
Due to the remote location, rugged geography, and communication technology challenges s/he must exercise independent judgment, communicate proactively and operate with flexibility and responsiveness. S/he makes safety decisions in the absence of supervision, applying established policies and protocols in response to emergencies on a 24-hour basis. Ability to attain Wilderness First Responder certification and maintain first aid supplies is required. The Coordinator will also have an exceptional opportunity to learn from to a wide range of Conservancy staff (science, executive, fundraising), collaborators from leading research institutions, and an array of special guests.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Be personable and professional with diverse groups including conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on challenging terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- May monitor work groups consisting of volunteers working across the island
- Work schedule may vary depending on programmatic needs and circumstances, requiring ability to adjust to changing priorities.
- May work under limited direct supervision; may make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 1 – 2 years related experience in land and facilities management, outdoor education, or adventure hospitality industries, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 1 year working and living in a remote setting.
- Experience with natural systems
- Experience leading volunteers or groups working in the outdoors.
- Experence working with Microsoft Office suite of applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers, or the equivalent in other business software platforms).
- Experience communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
- Experience applying the principles of conservation and ecology in day-to-day decision-making.
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Ability to perform physical work, often under adverse conditions or in inclement weather, including lifting 45lbs, bending, kneeling and walking up to 5 miles on moderately steep terrain.
- Must have prior CPR and First Aid training.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
The candidate should preferably have some combination of the types of experience listed below:
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 1-2 years of experience, at any level, with the stewardship of protected areas (e.g. national or state parks, national forests or BLM lands or conservation preserves, or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- 1-2 years of experience working in the outdoor recreational industry or the maintenance and oversight of a guest or research facility.
- 1-2 years related experience in event management including logistical planning and customer service.
- Ability to maintain and operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner. (e.g. forklift, riding mower, chainsaw, tractor, power tools, two-way radio, etc.)
- Automotive diagnostic and repair skills.
- Willingness to obtain related licenses or certifications such as Wilderness First Responder, ATV operation, herbicide application, for example.
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.