Job Description

Virginia, USA

Charlottesville (preferred) or Richmond, Virginia, USA
VA202

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.”

The Restoration Monitoring Assistant performs ecological monitoring, vegetation identification, data entry, data analysis, and report writing. 
The Restoration Monitoring Assistant will be responsible for monitoring ecological conditions for wetland and stream compensation projects completed through the Virginia Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (Trust Fund). The Trust Fund is a partnership between The Nature Conservancy in Virginia (TNC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) that provides a form of compensatory mitigation through preservation, restoration, creation or enhancement of wetlands, streams, upland buffers, or other aquatic resources in Virginia. The Restoration Monitoring Assistant works collaboratively with TNC’s Stream Restoration Ecologist in both the field and office. Primary responsibilities include assistance with ecological monitoring, data entry, data analysis, and report writing. Ecological monitoring tasks include identifying plant species, estimating plant community coverage and height, evaluating stream features, and providing photo documentation within permanent plots. The Restoration Monitoring Assistant is responsible for collecting and analyzing information in the field, entering data into data forms and spreadsheets, and analyzing this data to assist with the development of compliance reporting that is required by the regulatory agencies. During weeks when fieldwork is not being conducted, hours can be flexible.

You can expect the following roles and responsibilities when you join our team: 
•    Will work under close supervision and receive specific and detailed instructions for required tasks.
•    Will 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. 
•    May require long hours in isolated settings.  
•    Will require multi-day and overnight stays in order to travel and work across the state.
•    May work closely and collaborate with volunteers. 

•    High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in environmental science-related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
•    Experience identifying plant species. 
•    Experience collecting and coordinating ecological information from multiple sources into databases, including data entry and report production.
•    Experience working in outdoor settings in variable and sometimes physically challenging conditions. 
•    Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software (Word, Excel). 
•    Experience working closely with others in a team environment. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

•    Ability to identify Virginia flora, including invasive plant species. 
•    1 - 2 years’ training in environmental science-related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience. 
•    Knowledge of geomorphic, hydrologic and vegetation monitoring techniques and protocols for streams and wetlands.
•    Understanding of the development and implementation of ecological monitoring protocols to evaluate site restoration performance. 
•    Experience in analysing, interpreting, and synthesizing a variety of data including Excel tables and hydrology graphs. 
•    Experience with GPS applications. 
•    Demonstrated experience in accomplishing tasks in an orderly, organized manner and keeping organized files and records. 
•    Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
•    Ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means. PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.  
•    Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

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.

Current funding provides for $20.00 per hour, 35-40 hours/week, 2-4 month duration.  Some benefits. Desired start date is July 1, 2024.

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.

To apply for job ID 55077, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on May 26, 2024. 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.