Posted in Science about 3 hours ago.
Type: Full Time
Location: Nassawadox, Virginia
OFFICE LOCATION
Nassawadox, Virginia, USA
VA405
The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground 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 and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."
Three Seasonal Shorebird Technicians will assist conservation scientists with monitoring, research, and management activities for nesting shorebirds on the barrier islands and marshes of the Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve. Technicians will work closely with the VVCR's Coastal Science staff with each position assigned to one of three specific projects:
1) Piping plover and American oystercatcher (16-18 week position) productivity monitoring, resighting, and American oystercatcher banding.
2) Eastern willet (12-week position) productivity monitoring, banding, and resighting.
3) American oystercatcher productivity monitoring, banding and resighting within salt marshes combined with management and implementation of a study to test the efficacy of using artificial nesting platforms for nesting oystercatchers (16-week position).
Technicians will have opportunities to assist on all projects and will also participate in other program activities such as colonial waterbird surveys and data entry. Technicians will also engage in the following beach nesting bird management activities: posting and patrolling bird colonies on the barrier islands, educating island visitors about beach nesting birds, maintaining signage, and conducting visitor use surveys. These positions require one to keep organized, detailed daily field notes, operate a boat to be used for access to the barrier islands and perform daily maintenance on boats. Additional duties may be assigned.
By joining the VVCR team, you will become part of a cutting edge Landscape Program that has worked to protect a unique coastal landscape using a science-based, partnership approach to management and conservation for over 50 years. The VVCR is one of the last expanses of coastal wilderness on the U.S. East Coast and encompasses over 40,000 acres of natural landscape throughout the Eastern Shore of Virginia, including 14 barrier and marsh islands. VVCR's Migratory Bird Program aims to protect and manage the bird populations that depend on these coastal habitats. The impact of our work reaches beyond this region as well, as we work with partners from across the Western Hemisphere to advance our conservation initiatives. The importance of the region to migratory birds is recognized through a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network designation and Audubon Important Bird Area Global status. We're looking for a passionate, motivated problem-solver to join our Migratory Bird Team for the 2025 season. Creativity, flexibility, willingness to work on a fast-paced, dynamic schedule and a great attitude are key to this role.
You can expect the following roles and responsibilities when you join our team:
* Work under close supervision and receive specific and detailed instructions for required tasks, but also operate independently and exercise good judgement in varied field conditions.
* Supervise volunteers on occasion.
* Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including preserve volunteers, preserve visitors, and others.
* Walk 3-8 miles each day in heat and humidity along remote barrier islands.
* Work from and on a boat; work in remote locations, sometimes during adverse conditions such as heat, humidity, extended exposure to sun and biting insects.
* Work weekends and holidays on occasion and as scheduled ahead of time.
* Work a varied schedule that depends on tide and weather; field sites span approximately 50 miles of coastline and include 10 different sites.
Apply today!
* Associates Degree in natural resources; environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months of experience.
* Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
* Experience working in physically strenuous settings sometimes to the point of physical fatigue, in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and on difficult and hazardous terrain.
* Must have valid driver's license, safe driving record (per TNC's Auto Safety Program) and provide own transportation and personal automobile insurance.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
* BS degree in biology, wildlife management, or related field preferred, or coursework in active pursuit of a degree in biology, wildlife management, or related field.
* Waterbird and shorebird identification skills. Experience with monitoring reproductive success of beach nesting birds preferred.
* Shorebird banding experience preferred.
* Experience operating and trailering boats independently up to 20 feet in length.
* Experience using GPS units, GIS mapping software and remote data collection tools such as ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey 123.
* Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software.
* Local knowledge of the Eastern Shore of Virginia seaside, tides, and barrier islands preferred. Must meet Virginia's Boating Safety Education requirement or will be required to complete an online course prior to start of position.
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.
We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
Current funding provides for $22.50 per hour, 40 hours/week, 12-18 weeks duration depending on the position. Few benefits. Shared seasonal housing will be provided with the rental value included as non-cash taxable income. Desired start date is early April 2025.
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $22.50 per hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
To apply for job ID 56043, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on January 12, 2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
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 of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. 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 orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
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.
Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption.
An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.
Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.
