A LITTLE ABOUT US

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.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Conservation Education Assistant (CEA) will be exposed to and participate in a broad range of 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 Brownsville Preserve, Nassawadox, VA.  The Conservation Education Assistant will work closely with the TNC Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve outreach and education 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 8 months; shared housing accommodations may be available.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Outreach and Education (60%): Assist Brownsville Preserve and Education Manager and the Outreach and Education Coordinator to help create and implement interpretive education/outreach programming and materials that emphasize the biological diversity of the Brownsville Preserve, global environmental change, and The Nature Conservancy’s conservation initiatives.  Projects include curriculum planning and execution of environmental education programs. Lead interpretive walks and participate in local festivals and public events.  Provide 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. They will maintain and track data related to education grants.

Stewardship (40%):  They will have frequent interaction with staff throughout the program including assisting staff with various aspects of preserve stewardship, facilities maintenance, conservation projects, and Brownsville House operations. Tasks may include trail management and maintenance, event preparation/clean-up, invasive species removal and leading the Brownsville stewardship volunteers. Duties will require physical labor and the safe operation of hand tools and power equipment.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Duties are performed under general supervision and established guidelines
• Perform administrative functions as required
• Assists in developing educational program content and/or curricula for field and classroom programs
• Assist with recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers for community, educational, and stewardship events
• Manage the coordination and logistics of planning, execution, and impact of various environmental outreach programs
• Collaborate with teachers, chaperones, and large groups of children in natural settings
• May produce publications, educational videos, and materials to promote and increase public awareness
• Travel to and from preserves, meetings and events which are essential to the service of this position
• 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.
• Maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, assists with stewardship projects, and maintains tools and equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates Degree plus 1-year experience or equivalent combination;
• Experience managing diverse activities to meet deadlines;
• Experience providing customer service, and coordinating meetings or events;
• Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people through public speaking; and
• Experience writing, editing, and proofreading written materials.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are preferred
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Opportunity to act independently on assigned tasks and projects.
• Experience with public education associated with conservation projects or closely related field.
• Comfortable with kayaking and/or boating.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of tools and equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. handheld GPS, gardening tools, lawn mower, weed whacker, etc.)

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

Current funding provides for $20.00 per hour, 35 hours/week, approximately 8 months duration.  Full benefits. Desired start is Spring 2022, however later dates can be considered. Housing may be provided for accessibility to the project area.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

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.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 50944, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on February 21, 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.