Conservation Education Assistant, Shelter Island, NY, United States

OFFICE LOCATION

Shelter Island, New York (NY)

ABOUT US

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more. TNC

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Conservation Education Assistant participates in Preserve operations, educational programs, and maintenance. This may include one or more of the following functions:

1. Assist Education and Outreach Coordinator and Visitor Center Coordinator to help create and implement interpretive conservation programs and materials that emphasize the biological diversity of the Mashomack Preserve and reflect The Nature Conservancy's conservation initiatives. 2. Assist with Mashomack stewardship efforts and site conservation plan strategies on an as-needed basis. This will include trail and grounds maintenance, and may include projects such as control of invasive species, monitoring of bird populations, monitoring oak forest health, data entry and staff support. 3. Help direct and teach the summer Children's Environmental Education Program. 4. Provide general Visitor Center support, including providing information to visiting public, working with and helping to direct volunteers and completing office/administrative work. 5. Assist with trail and grounds maintenance, administrative support, fundraising events and other tasks as necessary.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma and 6 months of related experience. Experience or degree in environmental education or related field preferred.
• Experience with teaching/tutoring or customer service.
• Experience using word processing programs and e-mail systems.
• Experience operating various types of landscaping equipment.
• Experience performing physical work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. A good knowledge of ecological and natural history concepts, familiarity with Northeast coastal flora and fauna, and the love of sharing that knowledge with others. Experience or degree in environmental education or related field preferred. 2. Proven ability to work in semi-remote locations. Familiarity with The Nature Conservancy's conservation goals. 3. Working knowledge of lawnmowers, weed-whackers and other landscaping tools. 4. Strong written and oral communication skills. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to manage several projects simultaneously. 5. Ability to work both independently and cooperatively with a variety of volunteers and staff. 6. Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings as necessary. Ability and willingness to do occasional hard physical labor. 7. Good computer literacy and working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Word highly preferable. 8. Skill in kayaking and/or canoeing and current First Aid or CPR certification desirable. 9. Valid driver's license. Vehicle (highly preferred) or bicycle for personal use is necessary.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions:

• require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• present possibility of injury.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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.' Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

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. TNC

BENEFITS-SHORT TERM POSITIONS

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond. TNC

TO APPLY

To apply to position number 41814, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 14,2014.

Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

You must click submit' to apply for the position. You may select save for later' if you prefer to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited.

If you are experiencing technical issues, please refer to our _applicant__ user guide_or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. TNC

EOE STATEMENT

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

_The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process_