Cape May Stewardship Assistant (4 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.

• 5/11/26 – 9/11/26 (4 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.

This position is paid for 35 hours of work per week at $23 per hour. 

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.