Nature Conservancy water quality intern

The Nature Conservancy

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:                                         COASTAL WATER QUALITY INTERN

JOB TITLE:                                                    conservation practitioner II

JOB FAMILY:                                                Conservation

JOB NUMBER:                                               450002

SALARY GRADE:                                          2

FLSA STATUS:                                               Non-Exempt

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

·        High school diploma and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.

·        Valid Driver’s license. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·        MS/BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field or scheduled to graduate in Spring 2014. 

·        Knowledge of coastal systems.

·        Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, Web browsers, etc.

The Nature Conservancy’s Mid-Atlantic Seascape (MAS) Whole System Team, which includes the Long Island, NY, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia chapters, is working to restore and maintain viability and resilience of functional, healthy coastal ecosystems, specifically native shellfish habitat, seagrass meadows, and coastal wetlands. Yet pollution sources in the Mid-Atlantic coastal bays behind barrier islands from New Jersey to Virginia are preventing effective seagrass, shellfish, and marsh habitat restoration projects which are vital in creating an overall healthy ecosystem.  The Nature Conservancy is interested in conducting a 16-week study that characterizes sources of water quality impairment in Mid-Atlantic coastal bays. The goal of this study is to ensure that we fully understand the water quality problems in the region in order to develop solutions that will enable effective restoration of healthy, functional coastal bays. 

It is highly likely that drivers of identified impairments may be the same across the five MAS states and as such, a comprehensive study is essential to address the following questions:

1.      What are the significant sources of pollution in the Mid-Atlantic coastal bays? What is the severity and extent of the pollution sources in Mid-Atlantic coastal bays? 

2.      Where are the biggest contributors or sources of pollution? Urbanized vs. rural regions? What are the underlying drivers or factors that “encourage” pollutions in the region?

3.      What similarities or differences occur in these factors across states in the Mid-Atlantic coastal bays?  Is there an identifiable pattern or relationship among the different coastal bays in the Mid-Atlantic causing significant water quality impairment?

This position will be located in Delmont, NJ. Housing is available. Compensation rate is $12/hour.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

·        1 – 2 years training in science-related field or related experience in land management. 

·        Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.

·        Ability to follow instructions from colleagues

·        PC familiarity, including database knowledge, in order to maintain preserve records.

COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:

·        Consult with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex problems.

·        Monitor the progress of work groups toward achieving project goals.

DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:

·        Consults supervisor on unusual or complex issues

·        Make day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – FINANCIAL AND SUPERVISORY:

·        Receives detailed instructions to complete required tasks

·        May work under close supervision or infrequent supervision

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:

·        Ability to function productively as a member or leader of a team.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer