Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future Program Mentor, Albany, NY

 
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
1.            BA/BBS/AS/Technical or vocational degree and 1 year related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2.            A minimum of 2 years’ experience working with urban high school students and familiarity with basic principles of positive youth development.
3.            Experience supervising staff.
4.            Experience performing physical outdoor work.

SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future Program is a month-long internship which provides students from Environmental High Schools with the opportunity to work alongside The Nature Conservancy staff on field-based projects.
 
The mentor’s two primary responsibilities are: to serve as the liaison between Nature Conservancy staff and high school students participating in the program; and to help the students make the most out of their experiences.
For the duration of the program mentors are required to live with the students at Conservancy provided housing and are responsible for building a cohesive team, facilitating communication and dealing with Nature Conservancy staff on any disciplinary issues that may arise.
 
Mentors and students assist Nature Conservancy staff in various site management projects (i.e. trail maintenance, habitat management, exotic species control, ecological monitoring, etc.) at chapter preserves and ecologically significant sites in one of over 20 states across the country.
 
In addition teams may be required to work in the chapter office and with other Nature Conservancy staff. Mentors serve as the go between with students and The Nature Conservancy, explaining various tasks, motivating students and facilitating communication amongst the team.
 
Mentors are expected to serve as role models, taking an active part in work and activities that students and Nature Conservancy staff perform. Mentors are given one day off each week that will be coordinated with site-based staff.  Mentors must be present for all evenings (including days off) and are required to work all weekends—should the need arise, mentors may be required to transport teams from home-base to the work site and back on days off.   Mentors work with the team to plan various academic and recreational activities for the weekends including a minimum of three college visits.
 
This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered a “high risk driver.”  Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which will include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.  For rental car purposes, it is preferred that candidates be at least 25 years of age.  Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at nature.org/careers.
 
This position also requires satisfactory completion of a criminal background check.  Candidates offered positions will be provided with an authorization form and employment will be contingent upon the results of a background check.
 
DURATION (training starts June 29th )
July 9– August 3, 2012
DUTIES
1.            Attend residential orientation and training sessions held from June 29-July 3, 2012 (in addition to the July 9-Aug 3 dates).
2.            Act as the mentor and chaperone for a team of three or four high school interns.  Strive to create a cohesive functioning team.  Work with students and Conservancy staff to plan leisure activities, including but not limited to, 3 college visits and recreation activities (hiking, camping, canoeing—activities students cannot easily enjoy in the city).  Guide students in journal writing and in preparation of final project and final essay. Ensure compliance with Nature Conservancy rules and regulations and work with Nature Conservancy Staff to resolve any issues that arise.
3.            Assist chapter stewards in various site management projects at the chapter preserves (trail maintenance, habitat management, biological and botanical monitoring, exotic species control, etc.)  Motivate students to participate fully in all projects.
4.            Communicate with the chapter stewards and assist in explaining the work to the interns.  Proactively seek feedback from Nature Conservancy staff on student/team performance and concerns.  Relate concerns of students and Nature Conservancy staff to one another.  Facilitate weekly team meetings and mid-term evaluation process.
5.            Assist interns in managing budgets, buying groceries, cooking meals and other general housekeeping responsibilities.  Facilitate equitable division of “household” chores.
6.            Facilitate communication among team members and help resolve any problems that may arise between the interns or between interns and Nature Conservancy staff.  Assist in conflict resolution and inform Nature Conservancy Chapter staff of any potential issues before they arise.  Seek assistance in resolution when necessary.  Participate in weekly conference calls with fellow mentors and Nature Conservancy Staff.
7.            Fill out necessary paperwork, including tracking expenses, to ensure proper administration and evaluation of the program.

QUALIFICATIONS

1.            Experience working with high school students.  Teaching experience preferred.
2.            Experience working out-of-doors, tolerance of long hours out-of-doors and strenuous activities.
3.            Ability to work out-of-doors, in all weather conditions and, at times, on difficult or hazardous terrain (e.g. steep slopes, wetlands, heavily forested or scrub land, etc.).
4.            Ability  and willingness to drive long distances.
5.            Good team player with flexibility, strong communication skills, and a sense of humor.
6.            A valid driver’s license.
7.            First aid training preferable—if not currently certified, training will be provided at The Nature Conservancy’s expense.
8.            Must be available to interview in person.

SALARY
$3,902.00 paid bi-weekly.   Travel is required and paid by The Nature Conservancy, including rental car, lodging, first-aid training, and stipend for group meals, travel, and recreation.

APPLY ONLINE
Visit nature.org/careers and search for Job Number  39712 .
The Nature Conservancy is committed to diversity in the work place, with particular emphasis on areas in which minorities have been historically under-represented in the environmental professions.  We strongly encourage African-Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, Asian/Pacific Islanders and Native Americans to apply.