Stewardship Field Assistant

The Nature Conservancy•Brunswick, ME

6d•$20

About The Position

What We Can Achieve Together: Come explore the great state of Maine with us as we work from Downeast to the St. John (Wolastoq) River, from the pine barrens to the great heaths, on properties great and small and with several conservation partners. We work in innovative ways with state-of-the-art tools in a collaborative fashion with many partners—and we welcome your ideas for how we can do what we do better. Based in Brunswick, ME, the two Stewardship Field Assistants may work together to accomplish field tasks and will often work independently. Monitoring both preserves and conservation easements to understand change and enforce restrictions is a primary function. The Field Assistant may contribute to monitoring and management efforts such as Ecological Reserve monitoring, invasive species management, and special projects such as contributing to restoration projects on TNC lands. The Field assistant may participate in the maintenance of human use infrastructure, including foot trails, kiosks and wayfinding signage, boundary marking, and will at times interact with the public to furnish information or coordinate with partners. This is a full-time, 26-week, temporary position that begins on June 15 and ends on December 11, 2026. The Assistant may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. This position requires physical exertion and/or muscular strain, long hours in isolated settings, frequent long and overnight travel, and presents frequent possibility of injury. Housing is available for $500/month a 30-minute walk from the Brunswick office. TNC vehicles are provided for getting out into the field. RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE Conducts legal compliance monitoring and drafts compliance reports; enters monitoring data; works with Land Managers to notify parties in the event of issues. Works independently and/or with stewardship staff and volunteers to perform preserve maintenance tasks (maintaining signs, maintaining trails, and parking lots, marking boundaries, controlling invasive species). Interacts with preserve visitors by providing information about the preserves, promoting the work of the Conservancy, answering questions, and educating around preserve policies. Researches and acquires ecological and legal information and field collects natural resource information pertinent to the management of preserves and conservation easements and assists with updating preserve management plans. Deals or upchannels problems as they arise on preserves (may include timber and other forms of trespass, unauthorized vehicular use, illegal camping). May assists stewardship staff with ecological monitoring.. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain. Will include lengthy and overnight travel, which may include camping in remote locations. Assists with special projects as needed. We’re Looking for You: Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We need your curiosity, ecological expertise, and passion for land management to join our land stewardship team as we care for special lands across the state and work to protect biodiversity, manage for climate resilience, and maintain human access infrastructure. Come join TNC and apply today!

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
Knowledge of, and demonstrated experience with, a GPS unit- to find and mark field locations, have experience navigating roads in remote locations.
Able to read and interpret road and topographic maps, aerial photos, and other sources of mapped information.
Experience working in a team environment.
Experience performing physical work.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.
Experience in land management.
Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions.
Ability to hike over rough terrain for extended periods of time, lift and carry up to 40 pounds, and be willing to work outdoors sometimes in foul weather; ability to navigate in the field.
Willingness to travel throughout Maine over extensive periods of time, occasionally working weekends and evenings.
Experience operating and maintaining power tools, chainsaws, and brushsaws safely.
Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing with a wide variety of people, including preserve neighbors, private landowners, partners, and volunteers.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and GIS.
First Aid and/or CPR certified or willingness to obtain.
Experience operating a small skiff with a small outboard motor on lakes and in near-shore ocean settings.
Knowledge and familiarity with Maine geography, natural history, environmental science.
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 the Auto Safety information page 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.

Responsibilities

Conducts legal compliance monitoring and drafts compliance reports; enters monitoring data; works with Land Managers to notify parties in the event of issues.
Works independently and/or with stewardship staff and volunteers to perform preserve maintenance tasks (maintaining signs, maintaining trails, and parking lots, marking boundaries, controlling invasive species).
Interacts with preserve visitors by providing information about the preserves, promoting the work of the Conservancy, answering questions, and educating around preserve policies.
Researches and acquires ecological and legal information and field collects natural resource information pertinent to the management of preserves and conservation easements and assists with updating preserve management plans.
Deals or upchannels problems as they arise on preserves (may include timber and other forms of trespass, unauthorized vehicular use, illegal camping).
May assists stewardship staff with ecological monitoring.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
Will include lengthy and overnight travel, which may include camping in remote locations.
Assists with special projects as needed.

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.
Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here .
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume