AmeriCorps Stewardship Assistant

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

This AmeriCorps position serves with The Nature Conservancy over an 11-month period to advance our work in improving private and public lands, providing education and training in stewardship and environmental practices, and growing our volunteer support. S/he will be responsible for a variety of land stewardship activities in support of Iowa program goals. For more information regarding member living stipend, benefits and education award, please visit the AmeriCorps Corporation for National Community Service (CNCS) website.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Stewardship Assistant will serve with Conservation staff and serve in teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of preserve management plans.

• Maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public

• Removes exotic species and/or monitors and researches species

• Receive certificate and training in prescribed burns

• Pass physical Pack-test for s130/190 certification

• Receive CPR/First Aid Training

• Work with a burn team to implement prescribed burn

• Writing or update burn plans

• Scouting Burn sites

• May maintain and operate tools and equipment with training in a safe and efficient manner while taking appropriate care of equipment (e.g. lawn mower, chain saw, tractor, two-way radio, fire management equipment, etc.)

• Identify and map invasive species

• Collect native seeds

• Use GPS technology to quantify areas of treatment, differentially identified based on species and fuel types

• Use GIS and tablet technology to map monitoring and treatment sites

• Repair and replace wildlife friendly fencing to protect the preserve habitat from trespass cattle and overgrazing by ungulates to protect native species

• May organize volunteer events, engage local participants to treat invasive species, remove fencing, plant native plants, etc.

• Improve coordination among stakeholders and partners working on fuels reduction, forest restoration, and invasive plant control

• Communicate conservation efforts being implemented such as forest thinning, prescribed fire, and invasive plant control to stakeholders, partners, and the general public;

• Assists in developing educational program content and/or curricula;

• May produce publications, materials to promote and increase public awareness (not fundraising).

• Travel to and from preserves, meetings and events which are essential to the service of this position.

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 orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Networks with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners

• May serve in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances

• Perform duties following detailed instructions and general supervision and established guidelines

• Make day-to-day decisions within the scope of service assignments as designated by supervisor

• Prioritize service independently

• Identify routine problems and utilize existing resources for resolution, referring difficult questions and problems to supervisor

• Recruit, train and manage community volunteers

• Performs administrative duties as required

• Willingness and ability to travel within the geography assigned

• Demonstrate common sense, flexibility and teamwork with ability to exercise independent judgment

• Write, edit & proofread written materials for use with project development and presentation

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or Lawful Permanent Resident

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• High school diploma or GED, some college and conservation experience desirable

• Satisfy the National Service Criminal History check eligibility criteria

• Good written and verbal communication skills

• Experience with MS Office

• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues

• Commitment to complete 11 months as AmeriCorps member

• Good organizational skills and ability to manage diverse activities to meet deadlines

• Valid Driver’s License

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

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.

BONUS KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred

• Knowledge of native plants a plus

• Ability to serve alone in remote areas at times with limited communications

• Interest in the mission and activities of The Nature Conservancy

• Database skills, including managing and tracking data, and producing reports;

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other position-related instructions within the scope of their normal service activities as requested by their supervisor (Site Coordinator and/or AmeriCorps Program Coordinator) in alignment with the grant and not unallowable or prohibited activities and subject to reasonable accommodation.

This position is contingent on funding.

This position does have reoccurring access to vulnerable populations.