Conservation Education Assistant

Shelter Island, New York, USA

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.

We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.

In addition to the minimum requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply.

All TNC staff based in the U.S. or a U.S. Territory are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of receiving one of the vaccines approved in the U.S. (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson) shall be condition of employment and must be provided prior to starting work. TNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and reasonable accommodations for candidates who cannot be vaccinated due to a valid medical or religious reason, or claim an exemption under applicable state law will be considered.

The Conservation Education Assistant (CEA) will be exposed to and participate in a broad range of educational opportunities. The Conservation Education Assistant participates in education, outreach, 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 the TNC Long Island Conservation Lands Team. Working with a global conservation organization will broaden the selected candidate’s knowledge of worldwide conservation issues and strategies for addressing threats to biodiversity. The anticipated duration of this position is approximately 5 months; shared housing accommodations may be available.

Education & Outreach (60%): Assist Education and Outreach Coordinator and Outreach Program Coordinator to help create and implement interpretive education/outreach programming and materials that emphasize the biological diversity of the Mashomack Preserve, global environmental change, and The Nature Conservancy’s conservation initiatives. Projects include curriculum planning, creating interpretive trail signage and other materials for hikers. Help direct and teach the summer Children’s Environmental Explorers program should COVID conditions allow. Provide general Visitor Center, communications, and development staff support, including completing office/administrative work, event support, providing information to visiting public and working with and helping to direct volunteers. Education efforts may be in person or virtual.

Stewardship (30%): Assist Preserve staff with various aspects of preserve stewardship, facilities maintenance and Manor House operations. Tasks may include trail management and maintenance, routine mowing of trails and grounds, event preparation/clean-up, invasive species removal and trash removal/recycling. Duties will require physical labor and the safe operation of hand tools and power equipment.

Applied Conservation (10%): Assist staff with a variety of conservation projects related to habitat management, wildlife monitoring, and research. Tasks may include GIS data collection and mapping, wildlife and vegetation surveys, data entry and analysis, literature reviews, and written reports. Duties will require long hours in the field and/or office.

• Ability to speak, both one-on-one and in front of small to medium sized groups, in a consistently professional, positive and approachable manner.
• Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
• 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.
• Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
• Ability to work under close supervision or independently.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings as necessary.

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Experience operating various types of tools and equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. handheld GPS, gardening tools, lawn mower, weed whacker, etc.)
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, boat safety).
• Must have valid driver’s license.
  

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1 - 2 years’ experience or degree in environmental education or related field.
• Experience with teaching/tutoring or customer service.
• Strong written and oral communication skills. Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment cooperatively with a variety of volunteers and staff.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Current First Aid or CPR certification desirable.
• Skill in kayaking and/or canoeing.
• Form of transportation for personal use is preferred.
  

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

To apply for job ID 50887, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on February 2, 2022. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.