What We Can Achieve Together:

The Shorebird Preserve Assistant (SPA) performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management at locations in Little Compton and Tiverton, RI. The SPA maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, performs land and wildlife management activities, and maintains preserve records using a database, PC or mobile device. The SPA may conduct species monitoring and/or remove exotic species. The SPA may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. This position requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.

Specific duties include assisting with the onsite management of Piping Plover and Least Tern breeding areas; maintenance of fenced nesting areas; installation of predator deterrent structures; on-site public education and community outreach regarding The Nature Conservancy's management of plover and tern nesting sites; oversight of beach use at Goosewing Beach Preserve; and coordination of work with preserve volunteers. The SPA will implement predator deterrent management strategies and will assist in gathering data on abundance and breeding success of beach-nesting birds.

The SPA works closely with the Preserves Manager and other Conservancy staff, interns and volunteers. The position is full-time, short-term, (35 hours/week) and is paid hourly. It begins on March 1, 2025, and terminates August 28, 2025. The SPA is supervised by the Conservancy’s Preserves Manager. Housing is not provided.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who enjoys the outdoors and is passionate about conservation.

This is a great opportunity to grow in your conservation career and collaborate/network with other field professionals. If you want to make a difference and experience the beauty of nature where we work, we invite you to apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Experience operating various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g. brush cutter, lawn mower, or similar equipment).
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid & CPR).
• Must have independent means of travel to and from work sites.
• Position may require a background check, youth safety training, and a signed commitment to youth safety.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge and field experience in natural resource management and ornithology.
• Ability to work independently in remote areas.
• Ability to coordinate field work with team members.
• Ability to communicate with the public in a clear and professional manner.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
• Experience in data collection and analysis to produce written reports.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $18 - $21.00 per hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

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 and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.