Conservation and Volunteer Coordinator

The Nature Conservancy • Shelter Island, NY

1d • $35

About The Position

The Conservation and Volunteer Coordinator (CVC) works to showcase The Mission of the Nature Conservancy and Mashomack Preserve, The Nature Conservancy’s 2,350-acre Flagship Preserve on Shelter Island, New York. The preserve welcomes 30,000 – 35,000 visitors each year. Primary functions of the CVC are to build and sustain a robust volunteer base to support preserve stewardship, coordinate external communications such as the newsletter, establish partnership that further the mission of the preserve and The Nature Conservancy, as well as providing public programing that connects people to nature. This role oversees recruiting, training, and management of a multifaceted volunteer program, including work with state-wide committees. Under the leadership of the Conservation Engagement Specialist, the CVC designs, leads, and promotes public programs and activities, including environmental education initiatives. Management of program reservations and providing support to other Nature Conservancy preserves in New York are also major components of this position. The Conservation and Volunteer Coordinator is critical to the success of Mashomack’s public-facing programs and community engagement. By helping create, promote, and carry out well-designed programs and visitor experiences, this position builds support for the Conservancy’s conservation and policy work using the Preserve to convey local, regional, and global conservation challenges and solutions. They oversee, train, and lead volunteers, maintain electronic databases and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously. Significant coordination with the Conservancy’s wider communications, volunteer and stewardship teams is required. The Conservation and Volunteer Coordinator is a member of the Mashomack conservation and stewardship team and is supervised by the Preserve’s Conservation and Stewardship Manager.

Requirements

• BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in a science-related field and 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or a similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience communicating with various stakeholders, both one-on-one and with large groups.
• Experience balancing a variety of tasks in an efficient and timely manner.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers)
• Ability to pass a youth safety background check.
• 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."
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Knowledge of conservation principles and best management practices.
• Experience leading group activities outdoors.
• Some experience managing volunteers and entry level staff.
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience operating various types of landscaping equipment.
• Communicate clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English.

Responsibilities

• Expand volunteer opportunities at Mashomack Preserve
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers
• Organize workdays, appreciation events, and cross-team volunteer projects.
• Track volunteer hours and provide statewide volunteer support as needed.
• Build and maintain community conservation partnerships.
• Produce monthly e-newsletter; create print and social media content.
• Develop engaging outreach displays/exhibits; deliver offsite programs.
• Collaborate across teams to promote TNC priorities and assist partner organizations.
• Partner with Conservation Engagement Specialist to design and deliver programs.
• Provide weekend coverage and visitor engagement.
• Assist with conservation, stewardship, and partnership projects.
• Provide support to larger New York Stewardship team and other Nature Conservancy Preserves in New York.
• Provide project support across New York functional teams.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level