Coastal Habitat Intern

Coastal Habitat Intern
Length: 8 weeks
Living Allowance: $720/week (housing provided at no cost)
AmeriCorps Award: $1,459.26
State Date: Flexible between mid-May – early June

Position Details
The mission of Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) is to empower young adults through meaningful work that benefits North Carolina’s land and water and creates healthy communities. CCNC is a program of Conservation Legacy that partners with public land managers in North Carolina to engage motivated young adults (ages 18-30) to complete challenging and impactful conservation service projects throughout the region. These projects aim to be meaningful, respectful, goal oriented, and work for the betterment of the land and for the future of conservation.   

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 70 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity therefore we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce.  Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.
CCNC, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, seeks an individual who will help outline existing data and gaps in support of the development of an assessment of coastal habitat changes as it relates to climate impacts and resiliency of those coastal habitats. This individual will conduct and participate in researching, surveying, mapping, and reporting of a maritime forest and other plant communities along the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The Coastal Habitat Intern position has a focus on researching and summarizing historical records of habitat delineation and assessment in maritime forest, owned by The Nature Conservancy and partners in northeastern North Carolina i.e. Nags Head Woods Preserve, Buxton Woods and Kitty Hawk Woods Reserves.  The intern will work closely with conservation staff and partners to develop a report and data repository of historical research within Nags Head Woods Preserve.  This includes outlining and developing details on existing studies and gaps in knowledge on the health and plant communities in Nags Head Woods Preserve.  They will also support conservation staff with ongoing administrative tasks and substantial stewardship activities in the Preserve as needed. 

Position Responsibilities will include:

• Researching and summarizing historical records of habitat delineation and assessment in the Preserve.
• Organizing and cataloging the existing records
• Digitizing records, creating reports, and producing data tables
• Outlining and developing details on existing studies and gaps in knowledge on health of plant communities
• Act as Preserve Stewardship support: including assisting with projects including invasive plant management and native plant restoration.
• Ensure hiking trails are passable and clean, as well as other physical outdoor tasks as directed.
• General office support including scanning and uploading historical documents as digital files and performing additional administrative tasks as directed, including mailings, and uploading additional documents.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to interact appropriately with visitors, including customer service skills.
• Ability to work with flexibility, either working under close or infrequent supervision.
• Ability and/or willingness to work in variable weather conditions, insolated settings, and under minor physically demanding circumstances.
• Requires minor physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• High School diploma and 6 months of related experience
• Prior work and/or volunteer experience with the public
• Clear communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English
• Process organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in both an independent and team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions from colleagues and supervisors.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, web browsers, GoogleEarth, online mapping tools).
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. hand tools, lawn mower, chainsaw, boat kayak or canoe, etc.)
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g. First Aid, herbicide application, and driver’s license).

Preferred Qualification

• 2 Years of University or higher education in cultural history, biological sciences, natural resource management, environmental education/communications, or equivalent field.
• Experience with plant identification, plant surveys, or habitat assessment projects
• Experience or knowledge in ecological land management principles.
• Working knowledge of environmental data, climate change impacts in coastal areas and wetlands.
• Ability to coordinate project information to digitize records, create reports, and produce data tables.
• Knowledge of Coastal North Carolina cultural and natural history.
• Multi-lingual skills appreciated.

Benefits:
This position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award will be $1,459.26 This position also earns a Living allowance of $720 per week and housing is provided on site at no cost. 

For more information:
Contact Stephanie Dunton: Recruitment and Member Support Coordinator
sdunton@conservationlegacy.org 
For additional positions open from CCNC, please follow this link: https://corpsnc.org/join 

Conservation Corps North Carolina does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.