|
| |
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. |
| |
DEPARTMENT OR PROGRAM SPECIFIC |
| |
The Shorebird Preserve Assistant 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 frequent possibility of injury
• require long hours in isolated settings |
| |
POSITION SUMMARY |
| |
The Shorebird Preserve Assistant (SPA) is responsible for various aspects of management of Goosewing Beach Preserve and other nearby sites for the 2010 spring/summer season. The job is a full-time, short-term field position that is physically demanding and includes working weekends, holidays, and some evenings. Duties include Piping Plover and Least Tern management; maintenance of fenced nesting areas; on-site public education and community outreach regarding The Nature Conservancy's management of plover and tern nesting sites and barrier beach ecology; monitoring and inventory of rare plants and other beach strand species; oversight of beach use at Goosewing; and supervision of volunteers. The SPA will gather data on abundance and breeding success of the birds, implement management strategies, and produce a field report at the end of the season.
The SPA will work closely with the Preserves Manager other Conservancy staff. |
| |
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS |
| |
1. Monitor and manage nesting shorebirds at sites in Little Compton, Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. Protect nesting territories and nests with symbolic fencing and predator exclosures where necessary, modify fencing periodically as beach situations change, and maintain condition of fencing. Frequent observations of plovers and accurate season-long counts through all phases of the April-August breeding cycle. Record numbers and locations of breeding pairs, nests, eggs, hatchlings and fledglings, noting the timing of all events. Document nest and chick losses and determine the cause of mortality. Monitor and assess predator activity within nesting areas. Monitor and inventory of rare plants and other beach strand species. Assist in preparing an end-of-season report. (50%)
2. Initiate positive, engaging communications with beach visitors and landowners to promote understanding of wildlife and habitat and foster better compliance with preserve use guidelines. Assist in nature programs and development of educational outreach materials. Serve as a liaison between the Conservancy and the Little Compton South Shore Beach staff. (25%)
3. Monitor recreational use. Maintain signs and equipment. (15%)
4. Supervise volunteers and assist with recruiting and training. (5%)
5. Other duties as assigned. (5%) |
| |
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS |
| |
• High school diploma and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management/plant & animal species monitoring.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Experience performing physical, field work. |
| |
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION |
| |
• Degree in, active study, or knowledge of natural sciences and/or environmental education preferred.
• Knowledge of barrier-beach ecology and Piping Plover protection strategies preferred.
• Ability to work independently and with others as well as ability to follow instructions from colleagues.
• Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or inclement weather.
• Ability to deal with general public in friendly, professional manner. Excellent communication skills. |
| |
BENEFITS |
| |
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. |
