Freshwater Restoration Assistant

 

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable.  One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 74 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

 

The Nature Conservancy of New Jersey has identified the Paulins Kill watershed (a tributary of the Delaware River) as a priority area for habitat restoration and water quality improvement. A critical component of this strategy is the restoration of floodplain forests identified within strategic segments of this watershed. Building on prior successes elsewhere in the watershed we will be planting and restoring multiple contiguous miles of floodplain forest throughout the Paulins Kill watershed. To accomplish this goal, we are hiring 2 seasonal Freshwater Restoration Assistants to implement this project.  These positions will help with additional freshwater-related projects involving water quality and tree survivability surveys, and stewardship activities. These positions will be based aat the New Jersey Field Office, located in Chester, New Jersey. This is a 3 month, paid position for 35 hours/week at $18 per hour. Position starts April 6th, 2020.
                        

 

The Freshwater Restoration Assistant participates in the implementation of a variety of restoration, assessment and monitoring projects throughout the Paulins Kill watershed. This may include one or more of the following functions:

• Assists with on-site implementation of projects including tree planting, operating hand tools and augers, removing exotic species, stewardship activities, and planting native species in priority floodplain areas.
• Assists with other freshwater tasks including tree and shrub survival monitoring, stream monitoring, site maintenance and other to be determined projects.
• Conducts standardized scientific surveys including the collection of survivability data and conducts standardized visual surveys to assess the physical condition of restoration reaches.
• Communicates regularly with supervisor and conservation staff regarding site information and project progress.
• Maintains all necessary tools and equipment.

 

 

• Interacts well with the general public and volunteers.
• May work under close or infrequent supervision.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.                
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain. 

 

• High school diploma and 6 months of related experience
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Experience performing physical work.
• Valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; pick-up truck, power tools, trailers, etc.)
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including occasional weekends
• Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Experience with tree planting and stream restoration activities
• Working knowledge of local flora and fauna with knowledge of invasive species preferred
• Experience collecting scientific field data, including macroinvertebrate surveys and visual habitat assessments
• Knowledgeable and passionate about freshwater ecology

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’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.” Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

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.

To apply to position number 48515, submit resume and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday March 6, 2020.

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