Conservation Education Assistant

The Nature Conservancy • Shelter Island, NY

7d • $23

About The Position

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. Education & Outreach: Assist Education Program Manager and Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator to help create and implement interpretive education and 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 signage and other materials for hikers. Help direct and teach the summer Children’s Environmental Explorers program. Provide general Visitor Center, communications, and operations staff support, including completing office/administrative work, event support, providing information to visiting public and working with and helping to direct volunteers. Stewardship: 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 : 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.

Requirements

• 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).

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Form of transportation for personal use is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist Education Program Manager and Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator to help create and implement interpretive education and outreach programming and materials
• Help direct and teach the summer Children’s Environmental Explorers program
• Provide general Visitor Center, communications, and operations staff support
• Assist Preserve staff with various aspects of preserve stewardship, facilities maintenance and Manor House operations
• Assist staff with a variety of conservation projects related to habitat management, wildlife monitoring, and research

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED