Job #1 with Nature Conservancy

JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE	Coastal Science Specialist
JOB FAMILY	Science
JOB NUMBER	850001
SALARY GRADE	3
STATUS	Hourly
DATE	February 16, 2017
SUMMARY	The Nature Conservancy of New Jersey is working with partners to pilot marsh and living shoreline techniques that are relatively new to New Jersey. Major components of the project include ecological monitoring and living shoreline installation. The Coastal Science Specialist will work with TNC staff and partners in the field and office to monitor the responses of vegetation, animals, and hydrology; organize and analyze scientific data; coordinate monitoring activities of partner organizations; and assist with logistics for staff and volunteers groups. Work will include long days in the field identifying and counting species (plants, invertebrates, fish, birds, etc.), taking scientific readings, sample collection and processing, and recording findings. In addition, office work will be required to organize and analyze data, coordinate monitoring activities of TNC and partners, summarize scientific literature, and arrange logistics of living shoreline installation. As some of the work is tide dependent, the work day will sometimes begin before 8 or end after 5 and some weekend and evening work may be required. Term of position is May 2017 through October 2017. This position will be located in Eldora, NJ. Rental housing in the area is available.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS	The Coastal Restoration Specialist coordinates and sometimes leads the execution of field and office activities related to marsh and oyster reef restoration project and supervises small teams of TNC and partner staff, student interns, and/or volunteers.  S/he schedules field days, monitors a variety of physical and biological parameters on multiple simultaneous projects, is responsible for and maintains all sampling equipment and supplies, collects biological samples, records and enters data (including GIS data), summarizes literature, coordinates activities with partner organizations, and assists with the installation of living shorelines. The Coastal Science Specialist will also be responsible for towing, launching, and driving small watercraft to and between project sites.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE	·         Supervises no staff, but will help plan and direct small work groups, including staff or volunteers.     ·         Makes day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.                                                                                                  ·         May work under infrequent supervision. ·         As part of field work, the Coastal Science Specialist will work in harsh weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. The Coastal Science Specialist will work with a colleague(s) when these field conditions are present. ·         The position requires someone who can work long hours and a flexible schedule including occasional weekends and evenings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS	·         Associates Degree in natural resources; environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months experience.                              ·         Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources. ·         Valid Driver’s License.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE	·         BA/BS in environmental science-related field and 1 to 2 years of relevant experience or the equivalent ·         Experience working with or knowledge of coastal systems, especially wetland and/or living shorelines ·         Environmental fieldwork and/ or plant and animal monitoring experience (preferably in a coastal system) ·         Ability to drive a truck with a trailer and drive a motor boat ·         Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, Web browsers, etc. ·         Ability to use a handheld GPS unit and ArcGis software to collect and manipulate spatial data ·         Experience planning and executing fieldwork ·         Experience working with volunteers ·         Ability to perform physical work under adverse conditions or in inclement weather ·         Demonstrated organizational and time management skills ·         Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES	Communications	Effectively expresses messages verbally and in writing.  Actively listens to others.  Fosters open exchange of issues.  Is timely with information.
	Flexibility & Innovation	Flexible to changing circumstances. Takes innovative approaches towards work.  Takes calculated risks and makes dependable decisions in the fact of uncertainty.
	Interpersonal Savvy	Maintains positive working relationships.  Contributes to productive partnerships inside and outside the organization.  Understands team member roles and values the contributions of others.  Effectively deals with conflict.
	Open to Learning	Versatile learner and committed to self-improvement.  Employs strengths effectively.  Willingly shares knowledge with others.  Seeks coaching on areas needing improvement.  Adjusts behavior/performance as needed.  Views mistakes as learning opportunities.
	Organizational Awareness	Understands the basics of our business.  Knows how local job relates to the big picture & contributes to the overall strategy.  Knows how/why things work inside TNC.  Easily moves through internal networks and channels for success.
	Produces Results	Takes Initiative.  Focuses on priorities.  Strives for excellence.  Is dependable and accountable for results.  Persistent in the face of obstacles and meets deadlines.
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.