Cape May Stewardship Assistant

Cape May, New Jersey, USA

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground 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 and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The New Jersey Chapter of the Nature Conservancy is hiring 2 Cape May Stewardship Assistants to work outdoors managing both habitat and visitors at two flagship preserves in Cape May County New Jersey. The Stewardship Assistant is the public face of The Nature Conservancy at our preserves and informs visitors and volunteers about the preserves and the organization. As the on-site naturalists, the Cape May Stewardship Assistant is available to answer questions about the habitats, and flora and fauna of the preserves. They will participate in stewardship and monitoring efforts, including surveys of beach-nesting birds, purple martins, and eastern bluebirds. This individual will work daily to maintain both the ecological function of the preserve and the quality of the visitor experience. Duties will include interacting with visitors, mowing, weeding, trimming, trash pick-up, invasive species removal, posting signage, and maintaining trails. 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.

Two positions are available:

• 4/1/25 – 9/29/25 (6 months)
• 5/12/25 – 8/10/25 (3 months)

These positions are paid for 35 hours of work per week at $19.50 per hour. The individuals are responsible for their own transportation to, from and between the preserves.

• 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, weed whacker or similar equipment).

Desired Qualifications

• Work effectively in team settings by contributing to shared goals and collaborating with others.
• Complete tasks accurately by following detailed instructions provided by colleagues, coworkers, or team members.

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

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

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 for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the hourly rate of $20 for annual base salary. 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 56383, 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. Please specify if you are applying for the 3-month position, the 6-month position or both.

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.