Posted in Government 11 days ago.
Type: Full Time
Location: Palmyra Atoll, Hawaii
OFFICE LOCATION
Palmyra Atoll
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world.
We are passionate about holding the middle ground in American civic life and doing our part to make conservation a shared national value. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its "big tent" approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We ask all employees to embrace the critical strategic position of our organization as non-partisan. It is the foundation of our success.
Located 1,000 miles south of Hawai'i, TNC's Palmyra Preserve is located in the middle of one of the most spectacular marine wilderness areas on Earth. Palmyra Atoll has 580 acres of emergent land with 480,000 acres of lagoons, coral reefs, and submerged lands and is a US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wildlife Refuge out to 12 nautical miles from shore and a Marine National Monument out to 50 miles. The Nature Conservancy owns and cares for 230 acres of land and manages this property in partnership with the USFWS. TNC maintains wildlife habitat and owns and operates a conservation research station on the preserve focused on ecosystem adaptation and resilience to climate change.
Bird Conservation Assistants have the exciting opportunity to participate in an innovative conservation program aimed at establishing the first wild population of sihek (Guam kingfisher, Todiramphus cinnamominus) in 36 years. Each Bird Conservation Assistant will be on assignment for approximately 2 months and will be based at Palmyra Atoll, where sihek were first released in September 2024. The Bird Conservation Assistant will work closely in the field with a staff Bird Conservation Specialist but will be expected to work independently and autonomously on a regular basis. Training will be provided in core daily tasks, including bird population surveys, behavioral monitoring, and data entry. Depending on the current project activities, additional activities may include assisting with radio telemetry tracking, captive husbandry, health screenings, ecological surveys, aviary construction, and public outreach.
This position will be hosted by The Nature Conservancy in affiliation with the Zoological Society of London. Accommodation and all meals are provided at a remote but well-equipped field station run by The Nature Conservancy. The Bird Conservation Assistant is expected to work 6 days per week during their time at Palmyra. Alongside core tasks, all staff and volunteers contribute to community-based functions, including regular cleaning and station maintenance duties and occasional support on other conservation projects.
TNC will cover travel expenses from the Bird Conservation Assistant's home to Honolulu. During the week prior to traveling to Palmyra, the Bird Conservation Assistant will participate in orientation trainings in Honolulu or virtually that give an overview of TNC's mission, values, and Code of Conduct, and of the Palmyra Program, including the sihek recovery project. TNC will also provide round-trip travel to Palmyra from Honolulu, board and lodging at Palmyra, and key supplies and equipment for the two-month term at Palmyra. TNC also provides remote medical coverage for non-emergency physician and emergency evacuation insurance for all staff and volunteers at Palmyra.
Want to help a species recover from the brink of extinction? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.
To support this innovative conservation program, we're looking for someone who is passionate about avian conservation and research; motivated to learn, problem solve, and collaborate with others in remote fieldwork scenarios; and familiar and experienced with Pacific Island culture and natural history. As a Bird Conservation Assistant at Palmyra Atoll, you will work closely with TNC's Palmyra Program team, and all our partners focused on the recovery of the charismatic sihek, including team members with Zoological Society of London, Guam Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). You will have the unique opportunity to be part of the conservation introduction of sihek to Palmyra Atoll, learning from our on-the-ground Bird Conservation Specialists as you gain experience in avian population and behavioral monitoring.
If you are eager to be part of a dedicated group that supports scientific research and conservation of island systems, apply today!
* High school diploma/GED and 1 year's training or related experience in biological science, conservation science, or natural resource management.
* Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
* Experience following established protocols and recording data.
* Familiarity and experience with Pacific Island culture and natural history.
* Basic field experience monitoring bird populations and behaviors and/or bird husbandry and care experience preferred.
* Experience living and/or working in remote environments or small communities.
* Experience performing work that requires physical mobility in a hot, humid, wet, and salty environment; comfort around water, including swimming and boating; and ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "You'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people." To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
We're proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. If you're interested in working with us, please apply-we'd love to hear from you.
The starting pay for this position is within the range of $18.85 - $21.14 hourly. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and location of employment is Palmyra Atoll. Where a successful candidate's pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, skills and experience.
To apply for job ID 56021, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/.
We are currently hiring for Conservation Assistant for the Feb/March - April 2025 season. Early applications for this rotation are strong encouraged, as we anticipate first round interviews for this to start in late December. The hiring team has a preference for candidates who are available to be in Hawaii February 2 and fly to Palmrya on Feb 4; however, candidates who are available to fly to Palmyra March 2nd will also be considered and shouldn't hesitate to apply. The end of the term will be April 12 or 18.
This an ongoing, seasonal role that is projected to be Feb - April, June - August, and Oct - Dec. If you are interested in future rotations, don't hesitate to apply early and include which rotations you are available in your materials.
Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
