Job #2 with Nature Conservancy

JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE JOB TITLE	Cape May Stewardship Assistant Conservation Practitioner I
JOB FAMILY	Conservation
JOB NUMBER	450001
SALARY GRADE	1
STATUS	Hourly
DATE	February 13, 2017
SUMMARY	The New Jersey Chapter of the Nature Conservancy is hiring a Cape May Stewardship Assistants to work outdoors managing both habitat and visitors at three flagship preserves in Cape May County New Jersey.  The Stewardship Assistant is the public face of The Nature Conservancy at our preserves and inform visitors and volunteers about the preserves and the organization.  As the on-site naturalists, the Cape May Stewardship Assistant is available to answer questions about the habitats, and flora and fauna of the preserves.  They will participate in management and monitoring efforts, including surveys of beach-nesting birds, spawning horseshoe crabs, purple martins, and eastern bluebirds.  This individual will work daily to maintain both the ecological function of the preserve and the quality of the visitor experience.; as such, duties will include interacting with visitors, mowing, weeding, trimming, trash pick-up, invasive species removal, posting signage, and maintaining trails.  The Cape May Stewardship Assistant is required to work a flexible schedule, including all weekends, holidays, and the occasional evening for the duration of their employment. 6-month position is available: May 1-Nov 1, 2017. This position is paid for 35 hours of work per week at $12 per hour with housing provided (located over an hour from the Cape May preserves) or $18 per hour without housing.  Employees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the preserves.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS	·         Assist with ongoing biological monitoring of beach-nesting birds, nest boxes, horseshoe crabs, and water levels, as well as plant surveys. ·         Provide visitors with information about public access (e.g., trail systems and site rules), site ecology and recent wildlife sightings. ·         Responsible for overall maintenance of the preserves, including mowing, trimming, weeding, installing and repairing split rail fencing, and posting signage. ·         Conduct regular patrols at each Cape May preserve to detect and remedy problems, including various forms of trespass, vandalism, and any additional damage or degradation of the public access areas. ·         Communicate regularly with supervisor, stewardship staff, partner organizations, and site volunteers, and maintain a detailed logbook of monitoring and stewardship activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE	·         6-month positions are available: May 1-November 1, 2017. ·         Work with minimal supervision. ·         Make day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.    ·         Supervise no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff and/or volunteers.                                                                                                    ·         May work in adverse weather conditions, including variable temperatures, wind, and rain. ·         Work a flexible schedule, including all weekends and holidays, along with occasional evenings. ·         Must have reliable transportation. ·         Housing is available, but it is over an hour’s drive from the work sites. ·
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS	·         High school diploma and 6 months of related experience (will be assessed by relevance to job summary and essential functions)             ·         Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., lawn mower, weed trimmer, etc.) ·         Valid Driver’s License..
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE	·         Bachelor’s degree OR at least 1 year of related experience (assessed by relevance to job summary and essential functions).             ·         Knowledge and/or coursework in ecology, biology, or related natural sciences. ·         Experience identifying plants and animals to species. ·         Experience conducting biological monitoring, specifically avian monitoring. ·         Demonstrated ability to learn on the job, especially as it relates to identifying local plant and avian species. ·         Comfortable with communicating with members of the public, including environmental education and conflict resolution ·         Comfortable driving a pick-up truck and occasionally towing a trailer. ·         Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
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.