Nassawadox, Virginia, USA

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 Marine Field Technician supports the Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve’s (VVCR’s) Marine Habitat Restoration Program and will provide marine ecological restoration and monitoring assistance to VVCR’s marine team. A major function of this position will be to assist with the implementation of a research monitoring protocol to assess the results of co-locating and co-restoring combinations of primary and secondary foundation species in Virginia’s coastal bays. The Marine Field Technician will collect and manage data necessary for monitoring restored and existing oyster reefs, eelgrass meadows, and bay scallops. In addition, the Marine Field Technician will assist the team with the construction of artificial substrate oyster reefs, collection of eelgrass reproductive shoots, maintenance of our eelgrass seed curing facility and other necessary functions of our Marine Program.

By joining the VVCR team, you will become part of a cutting edge Landscape Program that has worked to protect a unique coastal landscape using a science-based, partnership approach to management and conservation for over 50 years. The Virginia Coast Reserve is one of the last expanses of coastal wilderness on the U.S. East Coast and encompasses over 40,000 acres of natural landscape throughout the Eastern Shore of Virginia, including 14 barrier and marsh islands. The work we do at VVCR serves as a model for how conservation can help both human and natural communities adapt and become more resilient in the face of a changing climate. You will be joining a dedicated, professional staff committed to this vision through work across five programs – coastal resilience, land protection, marine habitat restoration, education and community outreach and migratory bird conservation.

Building on two decades of successful oyster and eelgrass restoration, VVCR’s Marine Restoration Program aims to refine existing restoration techniques while pioneering the implementation of new ones. We work to scale up the impact of these projects by conducting and enabling research that measures the system-wide benefits of our marine habitat restoration to guide and justify the adoption of these techniques in other geographies. We’re looking for an individual with a unique combination of data management and field skills to join our Marine Restoration Team and help advance our work. Creativity, flexibility, willingness to work on a fast-paced, dynamic schedule- sometimes independently- and a great attitude are key to this role. Apply today!

This position is for three years with the possibility of extension at the end of that time.

• Bachelor’s Degree in science related field and 1-year experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with GIS software and data to create maps.
• Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
• Ability to snorkel in shallow water.
• Ability to work full days lifting 35 lb. oyster substrates
• Experience working with marine organisms in the field, (e.g., oyster surveys, finfish sampling, seagrass monitoring).
• Experience working with and co-leading diverse groups of volunteers
• Microsoft Office software experience.
• Experience completing tasks independently within assigned time frames.
• Experience working in physically strenuous settings sometimes to the point of physical fatigue, in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and on difficult and hazardous terrain.
• Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record (per TNC’s Auto Safety Program) and provide own transportation and personal automobile insurance.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience using remote data collection platforms and GPS, (e.g., ESRI Field Maps, Survey123).
• Experience operating and trailering boats independently up to 24 feet in length.
• Local knowledge of the Eastern Shore of Virginia seaside, tides, and barrier islands. Must meet Virginia’s Boating Safety Education requirement or will be required to complete an online course prior to start of position.
• Ability to understand program budget development and monitoring.
• Ability to interpret guidelines and evaluate information and adapt accordingly.
• Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment.

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.

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 53350, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on May 21, 2023. 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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

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.