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.
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.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Field Assistant will have several roles. A prominent responsibility will be assisting with the oversight and implementation of grant-funded aquatic habitat improvement projects. The position will also involve collecting and organizing field data related to the monitoring of a large working forest easement. This position requires extensive travel to the eastern UP counties and some overnight stays. The Field Assistant will also help as needed with volunteer workdays for invasive plant removal and other stewardship-related activities as well as providing general GIS mapping support. The Assistant will work closely with Conservancy staff, public agencies, and volunteers.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
-Monitor the status of existing structures on a large conservation easement as well as the status of ongoing timber harvesting operations. Organize and present field data with the use of ArcGIS and Microsoft Access and Excel. -Assist with implementation and administration of road-stream crossing grant-funded projects. -Assist with monitoring the status of conservation easements across the Upper Peninsula. -Assist with ongoing stewardship activities such as habitat restoration, invasive plant surveys and removal, trail work, and building maintenance on Conservancy lands in the Upper Peninsula -Assist with various GIS mapping and file management projects.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-High school diploma and 6 months of related experience -Experience operating various types of equipment. -Experience performing physical work. -Valid Driver’s License
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: -Certificate or minor in Geographic Information Systems, OR combination of successful GIS work experience with college course work in GIS. -B.S. in biological sciences or natural resources with successful natural resources work experience in the field. -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
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.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: -Ability to interact with members of the public and to convey basic information about the organization and current projects. -Ability to work with others in problem solving.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: -Ability to perform tasks 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. -Ability to camp, on occasion, in rustic conditions or stay in rustic cabins with no running water or electric power.
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.
SALARY INFORMATION
$11 per hour (plus travel expenses). Position is full-time for approximately 13 weeks; Start and end dates are flexible, from approximately May 10 – August 15, 2010.
