Visitor Safety and Engagement Specialist

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Visitor Safety and Engagement Specialist (VSES) is a land stewardship team member whose work primarily focuses on our 1,900-acre Lucius Pond Ordway-Devil’s Den Preserve in Weston and Redding, CT.    This position tends to multiple preserves across the Saugatuck Forest Lands management unit in southwest Connecticut, may work with volunteers, and is directly supervised by the Director of Saugatuck Preserves. Integrating best practices for engaging a broad audience in the body of work that encompasses land stewardship is an important component of this position.  The schedule includes weekend hours at our Devil’s Den & Saugatuck Forest Lands office.

This is a Hybrid position with an expectation of several days per week working from our Devil's Den Preserves. There is flexibility for some remote work as well. There is an expectation for some weekend working days as well, at times.

We’re Looking for You:

TNC’s Connecticut Chapter offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, a 401 (k) retirement plan with employer matching contribution for eligible employees, flexible schedule and office location arrangements, and a collaborative work environment. We prioritize professional development and promote from within. You will find a culture here at TNC that both inspires conservation achievement and supports personal growth, in the workplace and beyond.

The VSES focuses on preserve visitation and advances land stewardship with the important goal of creating and supporting safe and positive experiences for people with a range of abilities, interests, and backgrounds and ensuring TNC’s properties meet ecological and cultural goals. 

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience in training.                  
• Must have valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience with conflict resolution.
• 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• Experience operating and repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
• Experience managing volunteers.
   

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 the Auto Safety information page. 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 range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $66,000- $75,990 annually. 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.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

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 and Perks here.

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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may 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 equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.