POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE
JOB TITLE
JOB FAMILY
JOB NUMBER
SALARY GRADE
STATUS
SUPERVISOR
LOCATION
DATE
Coastal Science Specialist
Science Specialist
Science
850003
5
Salaried
Bird Conservation Specialist
Nassawadox, VA
September, 2015
ABOUT US
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more
than 30 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.
SUMMARY
The Coastal Science Specialist assists and provides program support to the Bird Conservation Specialist for all aspects of the
Virginia Coast Reserve’s Migratory Bird Program.
ESSENTIAL
FUNCTIONS
The Coastal Science Specialist will assist with the implementation of all monitoring, management and research activities for
shorebirds and colonial waterbirds at VCR and provide overall program support for VCR’s Migratory Bird Program. He/she will
be responsible for:
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Implementing monitoring and management activities including but not limited to the collection of population and
productivity data for a variety of coastal bird species, posting and protection of barrier island bird nesting habitat, and
education of preserve visitors about coastal bird species;
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Coordinating daily field work based on monitoring priorities, weather, tides and schedules of staff and partners;
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Working directly with, coordinating and training seasonal staff, interns and volunteers to complete monitoring and
management priorities;
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Managing a variety of databases related to these activities, synthesizing data and writing project reports;
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Providing overall program support including but not limited to maintenance of supplies and equipment, management of
permitting procedures and logistical support for program meetings and workshops;
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Working closely with VCR’s Education and Outreach staff to link all aspects of the Migratory Bird Program with
education and outreach objectives;
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Assisting with and/or leading program related education and outreach events such as speaking to school and continuing
education groups and leading preserve tours.
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RESPONSIBILITIES
& SCOPE
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MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS
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Responsible for leading day to day field operations to meet shorebird and waterbird monitoring objectives.
Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including volunteers, preserve visitors, and
others, providing and obtaining needed information.
Willingness and ability to make decisions about the effects of adverse weather conditions on scheduling field work, with the
safety of staff and volunteers a priority.
Ability to collect, compile and synthesize data, resolve disparities and modify processes to generate reports and plans.
May supervise interns or volunteers on a project basis.
May purchase equipment and supplies as provided for in budget.
Some weekend and holiday work required.
Good physical condition; i.e. able to walk 3-8 miles daily during seasonal field work, sometimes in adverse weather
conditions.
Comfortable working on a boat in remote locations.
Bachelor’s Degree in science related field and 2 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and
experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software.
Experience with using GPS units and GIS software and data to create maps.
Experience conducting surveys, recording data and writing project reports.
Experience with shorebird and waterbird identification and monitoring for the US east coast.
Ability to work in physically strenuous settings, in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and on difficult and
hazardous terrain.
Ability to work a varied schedule that depends on tide and weather conditions
Valid driver’s license.
Proficiency with operating and trailering boats independently up to 20 feet in length.
PREFERRED 
KNOWLEDGE, 
Experience communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means.
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 men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.
SKILLS &
EXPERIENCE
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Ability to understand program budget development and monitoring.
Ability to interpret guidelines and evaluate information and adapt accordingly.
Ability to work independently and/or with minimal supervision.
Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record (per TNC’s Auto Safety Program) and provide own transportation and
personal automobile insurance.
Communications
Flexibility &
Innovation
Interpersonal
Savvy
ORGANIZATIONAL
COMPETENCIES
Open to Learning
Organizational
Awareness
Produces Results
Effectively expresses messages verbally and in writing. Actively listens to others. Fosters open exchange
of issues. Is timely with information.
Flexible to changing circumstances. Takes innovative approaches towards work. Takes calculated risks
and makes dependable decisions in the fact of uncertainty.
Maintains positive working relationships. Contributes to productive partnerships inside and outside the
organization. Understands team member roles and values the contributions of others. Effectively deals
with conflict.
Versatile learner and committed to self-improvement. Employs strengths effectively. Willingly shares
knowledge with others. Seeks coaching on areas needing improvement. Adjusts behavior/performance as
needed. Views mistakes as learning opportunities.
Understands the basics of our business. Knows how local job relates to the big picture & contributes to
the overall strategy. Knows how/why things work inside TNC. Easily moves through internal networks
and channels for success.
Takes Initiative. Focuses on priorities. Strives for excellence. Is dependable and accountable for results.
Persistent in the face of obstacles and meets deadlines.
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.
TO APPLY:
Go to www.nature.org/careers, click Search Careers and search by the position title and/or location, then click Apply Now to submit an online application. It
is necessary to complete the application in its entirety. In addition, please attach as one document your resume and a letter of interest that includes
salary requirements. For assistance with the online process, go to:
http://www.nature.org/about-us/careers/how-to-apply/index.htm
Interested TNC employees should apply through PeopleSoft: https://peoplesoft.tnc.org/psp/tnchrprd/?cmd=login&errorPg=ckreq&languageCd=ENG
Application deadline is 11:59 PM on October 18, 2015.
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 men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and cultures. 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 or veteran status or other status protected by law.