NatureServe Network Van Tour Assistant

LOCATION: Off-Site Traveling

SALARY: Stipend

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 18th 

ABOUT NATURESERVE:  

For nearly 50 years, NatureServe has been the authoritative source for biodiversity data throughout North America. To protect threatened biodiversity, NatureServe works with over 60 organizations and 1,000+ conservation scientists in the U.S. and Canada to collect, analyze, and deliver standardized biodiversity information, providing comprehensive spatial data to meet both regulatory and conservation needs. NatureServe and its network partners develop and manage data for over 100,000 species and ecosystems, answering fundamental questions about what exists, where it is found, and how it is doing.

ABOUT THE NATURESERVE NETWORK VAN TOUR 

Sean O’Brien, NatureServe CEO and President, is journeying across the US and Canada in his trusty camper van, the Van Humboldt. Along the way, he’s visiting NatureServe Network programs in each state and province to learn how we can continue to work together to achieve great outcomes for conservation. The tour provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the relationships between people and the natural environment, as well as connect science with stories about the future of biodiversity conservation throughout North America. So far, Sean has visited 19 Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centres across 17 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces.

DESCRIPTION

The NatureServe Network Van Tour Assistant will help with travel logistics, including driving, planning, photography, videography, meal prep, and camping, as the Van Humboldt makes its way across North America. We anticipate the assistant will begin by joining stops to California, Nevada, Utah, Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, then travel to states throughout the northwestern U.S. and neighboring Canadian provinces. This role provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit North America’s most at-risk species and ecosystems by traveling to key hotspots and talking with local experts from the NatureServe Network; previous stops along the Van Tour provided the opportunity to observe a diversity of rare species, such as Venus’ flytraps and alligator snapping turtles. This role also offers an opportunity to work with and learn from the CEO of a leading biodiversity conservation organization in the nonprofit sector. The position will require driving to various stops along the tour and documenting each visit along the Van Humboldt’s route by taking photos and video. Travel will be required for extended periods of time and will likely include intermitted breaks in between site visits. This role will serve as the right-hand for the tour’s overall success by ensuring that the Van Humboldt safely arrives at its destination and helping to tell the story of how we work together to conserve North America’s biodiversity. Learn more about previous stops and overall goals of the Van Tour by visiting www.Natureserve.org/VanTour.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

• Driving for extended periods of time 
• Documenting site visits and uploading materials 
• Attending meetings as needed 
• Assisting with drafting content for the Van Tour blog and social media  
• Setting up camp sites 
• Performing essential tasks to ensure a safe and smooth journey 
• Assisting in the preparation, decontamination, and organization of field equipment

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Applicants may possess a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree in relevant discipline (ecology, biology, multimedia studies, etc.) or be in the process of completing such a degree 
• Ability to work well with a wide variety of people and be a team player 
• Well-organized and able to keep records up-to-date and accurate
• Tech savvy
• Adaptable and positive mindset, able to work with in-flux plans and long journeys
• Must be comfortable camping on-site next to the van at each stop
• Commitment to the mission and goals of NatureServe
• Candidates with previous field experience are encouraged to apply
• Must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and willing to comply with mask mandates and/or other safety precautions
• Enjoy both talking and quiet time

Applicants for this position must meet the following requirements: (1) possess a valid state driver’s license, and (2) possess a safe driving record. If selected, you will be required to provide proof of a valid state driver’s license and a current copy of your complete driving record. Pending travel to Canadian provinces, this position may be asked to present a valid passport. 

Other Information: A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Physical Demands: Field work will involve bending, walking and hiking over rough and uneven terrain. Field work involves exposure to conditions ranging from hot and dry to cold and wet. Work often involves driving at night. The incumbent may be required to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

NATURESERVE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

m/f/vet/disability

An equal opportunity, reasonable accommodations employer, NatureServe complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you need accommodation in the employment process or this document in an alternative format, please contact our office at 703-908-1840 or info@natureserve.org. We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin, or disability.

APPLY BY FEBRUARY 18th AT: https://app.trinethire.com/companies/31463-natureserve/jobs/53796-natureserve-network-van-tour-assistant