Conservation Associate, Adirondacks

Keene Valley, New York, 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 Adirondack Conservation Associate position provides hands-on exposure to The Nature Conservancy’s work in the Adirondacks and across New York. The associate will work with our team members and with partners at the CNPE and The Wild Center to develop resources for Indigenous communities having to do with future access, cultural provisioning, and cultural use at Follensby and to ensure public education programs conducted by The Nature Conservancy and The Wild Center at Follensby represent culturally appropriate best practices, and present Indigenous presence and knowledges in authentic and accurate ways. They will also help to create plans for a possible Indigenous Philosophers Camp at Follensby in 2025 or 2026.
The associate will co-lead aspects of field work and research at Follensby that could include ecological assessment, biocultural mapping of the area, identification of culturally important sites, ethnobotanical and/ or archaeological work, and other research, depending on the evolving needs of the project. The associate will also help lead a bioblitz at Follensby, which would supplement previous bioblitz data from the region and would be supported by other experts. The associate will help guide the work of up to two undergraduate interns based at The Wild Center this summer.

Most of the work will be conducted at Follensby Pond or in the Keene Valley office location . The associate may work in variable weather conditions at remote locations.

The successful candidate is expected to work independently as well as with colleagues, partners at the CNPE and The Wild Center, members and donors, volunteers, and the public.

• AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Enthusiasm for engaging Indigenous rightsholders and experts to increase cultural knowledge and understanding
• Experience researching, analyzing, and synthesizing information
• Experience presenting research findings at meetings under the supervision of senior project staff
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including coordinating the work of other professionals and partners
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, and web browsers.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Has completed or is enrolled in a graduate program and/or work experience related to Indigenous studies, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, natural resource management, ecology or similar fields.
• Some knowledge of Indigenous history in the U.S.
• Some knowledge of Upstate New York geographies and Haudenosaunee/ Wabanaki territories, in ways that contribute to the place-specific nature of the work
• Demonstrated interest in conservation issues
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills
• Motivated self-starter, able to work independently with minimal direction

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.

The Nature Conservancy recently came to an historic agreement with New York State creating the Follensby Pond Research Preserve. The agreement recognizes the long-term relationships Indigenous Peoples have with the region and creates unique access for Indigenous Peoples’ cultural practices. Our commitment to Follensby includes honoring the full biological and cultural relationships in this special place, informed by collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and assisted through our partnership with the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s Center for Native Peoples and the Environment (CNPE).

The 14,700-acre Preserve is situated in Haudenosaunee and Abenaki homelands in Tupper Lake and Harrietstown in the Adirondacks. The Preserve was also the site of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s ‘Philosophers’ Camp’ in 1858, which contributed to the popularization of a spiritual connection to nature in the western world, and to the wilderness preservation philosophy within a budding American conservation movement.

Through our Indigenous Partnerships Program in New York and in partnership with the CNPE, The Nature Conservancy has been co-creating a more honest narrative of Indigenous Peoples’ relationship with Follensby, alongside restoring Indigenous Peoples’ access to and caretaking of their ancestral homelands. This effort aims to give voice to Indigenous perspectives in interpretation, education and stewardship practices at Nature Conservancy preserves and recognizes Traditional Ecological Knowledge as an integral approach to climate resilience.

This is a 12-week, full-time seasonal position. Exact dates are somewhat flexible depending on the availability of the successful candidate.

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 $24.15 hourly. 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.

To apply for job ID 56341, 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.

Our recruiting process is a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we 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 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.