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The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. |
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POSITION SUMMARY |
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The Conservancy is seeking a Piping Plover Protection and Outreach Coordinator for Lake Michigan shoreline locations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that may include the Escanaba area and Indian Point in Delta County. The Coordinator will survey the shoreline habitat for piping plovers and nesting pairs, and monitor and record piping plover breeding activity at individual nest sites. Data to be gathered during monitoring efforts include hatching dates, number of hatchlings, fledging dates, and more. The Coordinator will also contact, inform, and educate the public about piping plover conservation. Efforts may include asking the public to abide by signs and fencing or distributing plover information to residents. In addition, the Coordinator may also be asked to assist in other activities, such as habitat improvement, placement of nest exclosures, bird banding, collection of abandoned eggs, and moving of nests in imminent danger of loss. |
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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS |
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- Participate in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Piping Plover orientation and training.
- Survey suitable shoreline habitat for piping plovers.
- Assist in placement of nest exclosures, capture of birds, collection of abandoned eggs, or other recovery efforts.
- Monitor and record piping plover breeding activity at individual nest sites, and submit data to University of MN staff in a timely manner.
- Contact, inform, and educate the public about piping plover conservation and document efforts.
- Participate in regular conference calls or web-based updates.
- Produce a season report summarizing data collected. |
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BASIC QUALIFICATIONS |
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-High school diploma and 6 months of related experience
-Experience operating various types of equipment.
-Experience performing physical work.
-Valid Driver’s License |
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ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION |
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KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
- B.S. in biological sciences or natural resources with successful natural resources work experience in the field, OR combination of successful natural resources work experience in the field and college course work in biological sciences or natural resources. Courses in field ornithology, conservation biology desired, but not required.
- Ability to communicate with beach users and local residents and coordinate with volunteers and resource agency personnel.
- Experience utilizing binoculars and spotting scopes and working in varying environmental conditions.
- Ability to work without direct day-to-day supervision. S/He must be able to work independently and accomplish the job requirements in an efficient manner.
- Valid Driver’s License.
- Familiarity with Michigan flora and fauna, especially invasive species, is desired, but not required.
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:
- Consults with supervisor to resolve any problems or questions.
- May resolve minor problems independently as delegated.
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:
- Consults with supervisor in event of any unusual circumstance, problem or question that falls outside of specific instructions given.
- Make day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT –FINANCIAL & SUPERVISORY:
- Supervises no staff; no financial responsibility.
- Will supervise volunteers regularly.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
- Ability to interact with members of the public and to convey basic information about the organization and piping plovers.
- Ability to work with beach users and local residents and distribute plover information to residents.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
- Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult and sometimes hazardous terrain. Work environment involves exposure to job hazards where there is a moderate possibility of injury.
- Work environment is often very remote, with limited access to emergency services.
- May involve use of canoe or kayak to reach islands near Escanaba. |
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BENEFITS |
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The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 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. |
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SALARY INFORMATION |
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$11 per hour; Housing not included. Position is contingent upon funding available. Part-time position is for approximately 12 weeks at 25 hours/weeks (including weekends); Start and end dates are flexible, from mid-May – early August, 2010. Location to be determined by monitoring need. |
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