OFFICE LOCATION

Galt, California, USA.

WHO WE ARE

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative 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; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world. 

The California Chapter is TNC’s largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast. 

The California Chapter believes that we are most effective when we are embedded in our state’s communities, politics, media, and environmental issues. For this reason, and to reduce our carbon footprint when meeting in person, all staff live in California, including those in a home office.

Finally, we are passionate about holding the middle ground in American politics and civic life and doing our part to make conservation a shared national value. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its “big tent” approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We welcome everyone. Everyone in our organization should therefore be adept at working with people who may not share their personal values or opinions. We ask all employees to embrace the critical strategic position of our brand and organization as non-partisan. It is the foundation of our success.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Avian Monitoring Technician Crew Leader performs a variety of important field science tasks to assist the California Chapter of The Nature Conservancy with implementation of its Thriving Wetlands strategy. The objective of this strategy is to recover populations of migratory shorebirds and other waterbirds (including Sandhill Cranes) in the Central Valley by creating additional high quality habitat. TNC is working with private landowners of both agricultural properties and managed wetlands to implement innovative management practices intended to improve waterbird habitat value, and the Avian Monitoring Technicians are critical in ensuring collection of reliable data so that the effectiveness of the practices can be rigorously tested. 

The technicians provide science and program management assistance to the team, including ensuring that land managers provide habitat according to specifications required by TNC. The crew leader sets the work schedule and provides training as needed for the other avian technicians. They collaborate and coordinate with partner conservation organizations and public agencies to meet a wide variety of implementation and learning objectives related to programs we are collectively implementing through the Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership. The position requires work to be done in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

This will be a term assignment that starts in February 2025 and ends on March 31, 2026. Shared housing may be offered, or applicants may also make their own housing arrangements at their own expense.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Are you looking for a career conserving nature? Do you enjoy working outside with wildlife and have an interest in habitat management? 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 a passionate, motivated problem-solver.  Come join TNC and apply today!

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Associates degree (in natural resources, environmental studies or related field) and 6 months of work experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience identifying western waterbirds (including difficult to distinguish shorebirds) to species by sight in the field.
• Experience conducting avian surveys with binoculars and spotting scopes (including skills counting birds in large flocks).                            
• Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources and strong time management skills.
• Clear communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to adhere to established safety protocols.
• Data management skills and experience using applicable software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, ArcGIS Online, Survey123).
• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience driving vehicles off-road in variable weather conditions (rain, etc.) at remote locations.

WHAT WE BRING

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.  

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance. 

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

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.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay for this position is within the range of $23.30 – $26.80 per hour with a 40 hour work week. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and county of employment is Sacramento, CA. Where a successful candidate’s pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including location, qualifications, skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 55963, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 8:59 PM PST on Sunday, Dec 29, 2024. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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.

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 with 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 or veteran status or other status protected by law. 

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