Block Island Marine Program Assistant - The Nature Conservancy

Block Island, Rhode Island, USA

#LI-POST

RI401

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor. 

Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

TNC on Block Island:

The Nature Conservancy has been working on the Island since 1972, and officially launched the Block Island Program in 1991. The Nature Conservancy’s strength lies in its strong partnerships, local staff with extensive knowledge of Block Island’s ecology, and our use of proven, science-based strategies. With the help of partners, donors, and volunteers, the Island’s community-based conservation program has made significant progress in the last three decades with more than 46% of Block Island conserved for the benefit of people and wildlife. In recent years, TNC has initiated long-term monitoring of the Great Salt Pond, a large coastal salt pond, to become more knowledgeable of its ecological functions and values. This effort is part of our larger commitment to provide sound science and engagement opportunities to strengthen protection of Block Island’s unique natural resource.

The Marine Program Assistant is responsible for assisting the Block Island Marine Program with scientific activities involving fisheries surveys, water quality monitoring, salt marsh monitoring; assisting with summer nature programs and other stewardship activities; overseeing volunteers and performing office duties. This seasonal position will provide vital assistance to ensure this collective body of work is done effectively and efficiently. The Marine Program Assistant role will include:

• Performs fieldwork including estuarine and coastal scientific data collection.
• Compiles data, resolves disparities and maintains datasets for various projects to generate plans and write reports.
• Assist with research vessel operations including launching, handling line, and fieldwork equipment.
• Assist with nature walks and outreach programs to educate the public about local natural history, conservation, and the Nature Conservancy’s mission on Block Island.
• Assist in guidance of volunteers and youth groups.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.    
• Work requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.   

The Marine Program Assistant is supervised by the Great Salt Pond Scientist and works closely with other TNC staff to conduct fieldwork in the Great Salt Pond on Block Island. We are looking for someone who is a team player, motivated problem-solver, and willing to learn and help with any tasks involved in the Block Island Office and Program. This is a 24-week position beginning on May 19, 2025, through October 31, 2025. This is a full-time, temporary position (35 hours per week). Housing is available.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $19-20 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.

• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience.
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to obtain related licenses or certifications as required such as First Aid, CPR, and driver’s license.

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

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 cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

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.

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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $19-20 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.

To apply for job ID #56035, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. The application deadline for this position is January 12, 2025.

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.

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.