Stewardship Field Assistant

Brunswick, Maine, USA

or

Millinocket, Maine, USA
ME201

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.”

Come explore the great state of Maine with us as we work from Downeast to the St. John (Wolastoq) River, from the pine barrens to the great heaths, on properties great and small and with several conservation partners. We work in innovative ways with state-of-the-art tools in a collaborative fashion with many partners—and we welcome your ideas for how we can do what we do better.

The Stewardship Field Assistant contributes to a wide variety of land management and stewardship tasks within assigned regions of Maine. Based in Brunswick and Millinocket, the four Stewardship Field Assistants may work together to accomplish field tasks and will often work independently. Monitoring both preserves and conservation easement to understand change and enforce restrictions is a primary function.

The Field Assistant contributes to monitoring and management efforts such as Ecological Reserve monitoring, invasive species management, and special projects such as participating in prescribed burn activities or contributing to restoration projects on TNC lands. The Field assistant will contribute to the maintenance of human use infrastructure, including foot trails, kiosks and wayfinding, boundary marking, and will at times interact with the public to furnish information or coordinate with partners[KD1] [KD2] . Maintaining cooperative relationships with conservation partners is crucial to the effectiveness and longevity of our work.

This is a full-time, 26-week, temporary position that begins in May 2024 and ends in October 2024. There are 4 openings for Stewardship Field Assistant for 2024 based out of the Brunswick office or Millinocket area. The Assistant may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. This position requires physical exertion and/or muscular strain, long hours in isolated settings, and presents frequent possibility of injury. If housing is a barrier, we will discuss options in the interview phase. Training will be offered in chainsaw safety and use, wilderness first aid, and other outdoor skill development. Training in prescribed burning possible, depending on interest.

RESPONSIBILITIES &amp SCOPE

• Conducts legal compliance monitoring and drafts compliance reports enters monitoring data works with Land Manager to notify parties in the event of issues.
• Works independently and/or with stewardship staff and volunteers to perform preserve maintenance tasks (maintaining signs and registration boxes, building and maintaining trails, maintaining parking lots, marking boundaries, controlling invasive species).
• Interacts with preserve visitors by providing information about the preserves, promoting the work of the Conservancy, answering questions, and educating around preserve policies.
• Researches and acquires ecological and legal information and field collects natural resource information pertinent to the management of preserves and conservation easements and assists with updating preserve management plans.
• Deals with problems as they arise on preserves (may include timber and other forms of trespass, unauthorized vehicular use, camping, etc.).
• Assists stewardship staff with ecological monitoring throughout the state.
• Assists with maintenance of basic equipment such as hand and power tools, chainsaws, outboard boat motors, etc.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• Assists with special projects as needed.
• Valid driver’s license.

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We need your curiosity, ecological expertise, and passion for land management to join our land stewardship team as we care for special lands across the state and work to protect biodiversity, manage for climate resilience, and maintain human access infrastructure. Come join TNC and apply today!

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Experience using a GPS unit- to find and mark field locations, have experience navigating roads in remote locations. Experience reading and interpreting road and topographic maps, aerial photos, and other sources of mapped information.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Experience performing physical work.

BONUS QUALIFICATIONS
Below are other helpful attributes but if you think you would rock this job without any of the listed desired qualifications, we still want to hear from you!

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.
• Experience in land management.
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions.
• Ability to hike over rough terrain for extended periods of time, lift and carry up to 40 pounds, and be willing to work outdoors sometimes in foul weather ability to navigate in the field.
• Willingness to travel throughout Maine over extensive periods of time, occasionally working weekends and evenings.
• Experience operating and maintaining power tools, chainsaws, and brushsaws safely.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing with a wide variety of people, including preserve neighbors, private landowners, partners, and volunteers.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and GIS.
• First Aid and/or CPR certified or willingness to obtain.
• Experience operating a small skiff with a small outboard motor on lakes and in near-shore ocean settings.
• Knowledge and familiarity with Maine geography, natural history, environmental science.

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!

In Maine, we own and manage more than 70 preserves comprising more than 300,000 acres in all corners of the state for climate resilience and biodiversity and hold more than 70 conservation easements and deed restrictions on other lands.

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 drivers 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 employees motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $19.50 per hour, based on a 35-40 hour per week schedule. 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 candidates 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 54518 , submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. This position will be open until filled.

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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancys background screening process.

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.

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.