Conservation Stewardship Project Assistant (CSPA) (Undergraduate Federal Work Study Student Wage)

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Forestry’s (DOF) Office of Working Lands Preservation (OWL) works to conserve farms and forests of the Commonwealth to support continued and sustainable management of working lands. DOF works to preserve and protect the conservation values of The Commonwealth’s natural resources through education, land management, and permanent land protection. Our work helps Virginia ensure sustainable forest and agricultural resources are maintained and natural benefits such as clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and a continuous supply of forest and agricultural resources are available for future generations. DOF is currently seeking a Conservation Stewardship Project Assistant (CSPA) to help maintain DOF’s easement portfolio of more than 230 properties, for over 100,000 acres. The CSPA will assist in daily management activities and record keeping of property management and landowner requests. The CSPA will also assist with field monitoring and other stewardship activities as needed. The goal is to provide the Conservation Stewardship Project Assistant with real world, state government agency experience to enhance their marketability as an employee post-graduation. Working with DOF’s easement stewardship program will provide invaluable professional development opportunities to the successful applicant.

Requirements

Must be federal work study eligible.
Ability to perform a wide range of duties with limited supervision.
Experience with ArcGIS Pro and similar GIS software is highly desirable.
Knowledge of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for forestry and agriculture.
Understanding of open-space easements.
Ability to read and comprehend legal documentation.
Record keeping and organization skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including experience compiling and submitting detailed reports.
The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and federal agencies, local planners, cooperators, and Virginia’s private landowners.

Nice To Haves

Graduate Urban Planning Program Students
Undergraduate Urban Planning Program Students
Undergraduate Environmental Science Program Students
Undergraduate Policy Program Students
Strong interest in natural resources conservation and land management.

Responsibilities

Perform specialized office support functions or services that require some training, skill, or experience.
Provide customer service and specific information.
Data entry and use of standard office software programs & systems.
Work within established guidelines and policies.
Assist in daily management activities and record keeping of property management and landowner requests.
Assist with field monitoring and other stewardship activities as needed.