Cape May Stewardship Assistant (6 month)

What We Can Achieve Together:

The New Jersey Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is hiring a Cape May Stewardship Assistant (CMSA) to work at two flagship preserves in Cape May County, New Jersey.  As the public face of The Nature Conservancy and the on-site naturalists, the Cape May Stewardship Assistant informs visitors and answers questions about the organization and the history, habitats, flora and fauna of the preserves.  They will participate in monitoring efforts, including surveys of beach-nesting birds, rare plants, purple martins, and eastern bluebirds.  They will work daily to maintain both the ecological function of the preserve and the quality of the visitor experience.

The Cape May Stewardship Assistant is required to work a flexible schedule, including all weekends, holidays, and the occasional evening for the duration of their employment. Being on-site is an integral part of the role.

This opening is for the below term length.

• 4/6/26 – 10/6/26 (6 months)

This position is paid for 35 hours of work per week at $23 per hour.  The individual is responsible for their own transportation to, from and between the preserves. Two uniform shirts, a hat, and safety equipment are provided.

Applicants should note that there are two positions for Cape May Stewardship Assistant available each with different term lengths. Please apply to each position separately.
 

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 is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

Essential Functions:

• Maintains preserve areas by performing tasks such as mowing, trimming, weeding, installing and repairing split rail fencing, posting signage, maintaining trails and removing exotic species.

• Maintains tools and equipment and may open and close preserve(s) to the visiting public.

• Assist with ongoing biological monitoring of beach-nesting birds, rare plants and nest boxes and maintain detailed records.

• Provide visitors with information about public access (e.g., trail systems and site rules), site history and ecology and recent wildlife sightings. May give presentations or lead tours.

• Conduct regular patrols at each Cape May preserve to detect and remedy problems, including various forms of trespass, vandalism, littering and any additional damage or degradation of the public access areas.

• Communicate regularly with supervisor, stewardship staff, partner organizations, and site volunteers,

• Support TNC’s Using Lands to Inspire Initiative by providing updates on happenings and photos of the preserve that can be used on social media and other channels. Act as the field contact for coordination of social media live-streams.

Responsibilities and Scope:

• Will interact with visitors and members of the public

• Work under close or infrequent supervision.

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.               

• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.

• Make day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.

• Supervise no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff and/or volunteers.                                                         

• Work a flexible schedule, including all weekends and holidays, along with occasional evenings.

• Must have reliable transportation.

• Must dress appropriately to perform all duties.

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience  (e.g. working outdoors, environmental education, natural area management, visitor services)     

• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).

• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).

• Driver’s license or ability to obtain a driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.

• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.

• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.

• Experience working in a team environment.