Conservation Education Assistant

Shelter Island, New York, USA

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

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 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
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job. In addition, there may be expectations for work outside of the local business unit.

• 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).

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

The anticipated duration of this position is approximately 5 months; shared housing accommodations may be available.

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.

The hourly rate for a candidate selected for this position is $21.00. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Job Family: Conservation

Internal Job Code: 450002

Salary Grade: 2

To apply for job ID 54595, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. 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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

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.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.