The Conservation Education Assistant (CEA) will be exposed to and participate in a broad range of opportunities. The Conservation Education Assistant participates in education, outreach, stewardship and operations programs, interacts frequently with visitors and helps maintain preserve areas frequented by the public at Brownsville Preserve, Nassawadox, VA.  The Conservation Education Assistant will work closely with the TNC Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve outreach and education team. Working with a global conservation organization will broaden the selected candidate’s knowledge of worldwide conservation issues and strategies for addressing threats to biodiversity.  The anticipated duration of this position is approximately 8 months; shared housing accommodations may be available.

 

Outreach and Education (60%): Assist Brownsville Preserve and Education Manager and the Outreach and Education Coordinator to help create and implement interpretive education/outreach programming and materials that emphasize the biological diversity of the Brownsville Preserve, global environmental change, and The Nature Conservancy’s conservation initiatives.  Projects include curriculum planning and execution of environmental education programs. Lead interpretive walks and participate in local festivals and public events.  Provide staff support, including completing office/administrative work, event support, providing information to visiting public and working with and helping to direct volunteers. Education efforts may be in person or virtual. They will maintain and track data related to education grants.

Stewardship (40%):  They will have frequent interaction with staff throughout the program including assisting staff with various aspects of preserve stewardship, facilities maintenance, conservation projects, and Brownsville House operations. Tasks may include trail management and maintenance, event preparation/clean-up, invasive species removal and leading the Brownsville stewardship volunteers. Duties will require physical labor and the safe operation of hand tools and power equipment.

 

• Duties are performed under general supervision and established guidelines
• Perform administrative functions as required
• Assists in developing educational program content and/or curricula for field and classroom programs
• Assist with recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers for community, educational, and stewardship events
• Manage the coordination and logistics of planning, execution, and impact of various environmental outreach programs
• Collaborate with teachers, chaperones, and large groups of children in natural settings
• May produce publications, educational videos, and materials to promote and increase public awareness
• Travel to and from preserves, meetings and events which are essential to the service of this position
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances in areas where ticks & mosquitos can be a frequent nuisance.
• Maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, assists with stewardship projects, and maintains tools and equipment.