JOB TITLE / Northern Maine Stewardship Field Assistant
JOB FAMILY / Conservation
JOB NUMBER / 450002
SALARY GRADE / 2
STATUS / Hourly
DATES / Approx. April 2017- October 2017
ESSENTIAL
FUNCTIONS / The Northern Maine Stewardship Field Assistant assists with a variety of stewardship and management activities including recreation management, forest management and monitoring on Conservancy preserves within Maine. Duties include performing trail, campsite, boundary, and sign maintenance, ecological monitoring, conservation easement monitoring, updating management plans, mapping and controlling invasive species, maintaining equipment, enforcing preserve policies and monitoring visitor use, and maintaining cooperative relationships with preserve neighbors, agency partners, the general public, and partner organizations.
This is a full-time, 26 week, temporary position that begins in April 2017 and ends in October 2017. The position is based in the Conservancy’s Brunswick, Maine office with frequent overnight travel throughout Northern Maine.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE / · Works with stewardship staff and volunteers to perform preserve maintenance tasks (maintains signs and kiosks, clear and maintain trails, mark boundaries, control invasive species).
· Interacts with preserve visitors by providing information, promoting the Conservancy, answering questions, and enforcing preserve policies.
· Researches and acquires ecological and legal information and field collects natural resource and forest management information pertinent to the management of Maine Chapter 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.).
· Conducts legal compliance monitoring and drafts compliance reports; enters monitoring data; works with Preserves Manager to notify parties in the event of a violation.
· 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.
· Assists with special projects as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS / · High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or equivalent experience in land management.
· Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
· Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
· Experience with GPS units and interpreting mapped information.
· Ability to perform physical work in an outdoor setting, sometimes under adverse conditions
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE / · Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a science field or land management. A focus in forest ecology, forestry, and/or outdoor recreation management is desirable.
· 1 – 2 years training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
· 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, work weekends and occasional evenings, sometimes providing own reliable transportation.
· 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, GIS, and Access.
· Knowledge of, and demonstrated experience with, a GPS unit to find and mark field locations, and have experience navigating roads in remote locations. Able to read and interpret road and topographic maps, aerial photos, and other sources of mapped information.
· Valid driver’s license.
· Knowledge and familiarity with Maine geography, natural history, environmental science.
· Safety and/or first aid training.
ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES
Communications / Effectively expresses messages verbally and in writing. Actively listens to others. Fosters open exchange of issues. Is timely with information.
Flexibility & Innovation / Flexible to changing circumstances. Takes innovative approaches towards work. Takes calculated risks and makes dependable decisions in the fact of uncertainty.
Interpersonal Savvy / Maintains positive working relationships. Contributes to productive partnerships inside and outside the organization. Understands team member roles and values the contributions of others. Effectively deals with conflict.
Open to Learning / Versatile learner and committed to self-improvement. Employs strengths effectively. Willingly shares knowledge with others. Seeks coaching on areas needing improvement. Adjusts behavior/performance as needed. Views mistakes as learning opportunities.
Organizational Awareness / Understands the basics of our business. Knows how local job relates to the big picture & contributes to the overall strategy. Knows how/why things work inside TNC. Easily moves through internal networks and channels for success.
Produces Results / Takes Initiative. Focuses on priorities. Strives for excellence. Is dependable and accountable for results. Persistent in the face of obstacles and meets deadlines.
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.
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 men and women of 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 orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.