NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY

Forest Park Seasonal Field Coordinator

Job Announcement

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Through its visionary leadership and high impact staff, the Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) champions urban natural areas in New York City and across the nation through innovative research, partnerships, and advocacy. We increase the health and resilience of urban forests and wetlands, catalyze connections between people and nature, and strengthen the environmental workforce. 

Started in 2012, the Natural Areas Conservancy is the first park conservancy dedicated exclusively to New York City’s natural areas–20,000 acres across all five boroughs. Since 2019, we have also worked on a national scale, leading a network of representatives from cities across the U.S. to strengthen research, information sharing, and communication efforts to enhance the field of urban forest management.

We want all people to feel welcomed, inspired by, and connected to the natural world.

About the NAC Student Urban Nature High School Program

Piloted first in Forest Park, Queens in 2022, the NAC has run a paid urban ecology internship program for local high school students using the framework of science identity to promote environmental stewardship among NYC youth. Over the course of six weeks, high school interns become familiar with flora and fauna identification, field ecology, natural areas management and stewardship, and the scientific method through mentored monitoring and restoration projects. Interns also have the opportunity to participate in professional development training in public speaking, networking, and resume building. Based on the success of the Forest Park program and the lack of this type of programming in other NYC boroughs, the NAC plans to continue expanding this program in Forest Park as well as launch a pilot in Staten Island.

The Forest Park Seasonal Field Coordinator position will support the Internship Community Coordinator with leading day-to-day logistics of the internship program in Forest Park, such as following the environmental education curriculum provided, lead programming in Forest Park, coordinating with partners for guest visits, acting as the point of contact to interns that require assistance or troubleshooting from the field, assisting interns in understanding scientific lessons, and acting as mentor by providing guidance to interns conducting their research projects. Ideal candidates will have experience in program coordination, environmental education, and urban ecological research.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Internship Community Coordinator, the Forest Park Seasonal Field Coordinator will be responsible for:

• Preparing for and leading high school programming in Forest Park

• Assisting the Internship Community Coordinator with preparation and facilitation of summer training for program mentors

• Maintaining and growing relationships with partners in Forest Park to strengthen program efforts

• Supervising interns and assisting with program mentors involved in the high school program

• Documenting activities and the progression of the program through photos and videos

• Tracking, dispersing, and collecting program equipment

• Working with NAC Communications staff to create weekly social media content relating to the high school program

• Providing administrative support (intern and program documentation, scheduling events and remote days, tracking attendance, etc.)

• Assisting Internship Community Coordinator with program evaluation through pre-surveys, post-surveys, and reviewing participant feedback

• Checking in with interns about their day-to-day experience in the program and debriefing with program mentors about the successes and modifications to the program

• Assisting in data collection, data entry, analysis, and quality control as a mentor to the interns

• Communicating any issues associated with Forest Park high school program and its participants to the Internship Community Coordinator

• Potentially creating a program activity to practice educational programming skills

• When possible outside of high school program program dates, participating in events such as group stewardship days, donor cultivation events, and professional development sessions 

• Preparing for and facilitating intern science communication opportunities such as public presentations and Student Research Symposium with the New York City Science Research and Mentorship Consortium on Thursday, August 15th at the American Museum of Natural History

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Interest in studying and improving local ecosystems 

• Educational program coordination experience

• Field data collection experience within forests, wetlands and/or trail networks

• Ability to maintain a positive, collaborative attitude during hot (and probably buggy) days in the forest and in variable weather conditions

• Strong science communication skills 

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and written communication skills 

• Ability to closely follow directions and adhere closely to field data collection protocols

• Physically able to hike up to 6 miles a day carrying up to 40 lb

• Ability to travel/work independently 

• Computer/Microsoft Office skills

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with and proximity to Forest Park, Queens

• Classroom management and conflict resolution

• Mentorship experience

• Experience working with high school aged students

• Research, data analysis and project design experience

JOB LOCATION:

The position is approximately 80% field work and 20% office or lab work. The Forest Park Seasonal Field Coordinator will report primarily in the field to Forest Park, Queens and the main NAC office location at Arsenal North office (it is possible that the Forest Park Seasonal Field Coordinator can use office space at the Queensbridge office or the Urban Field Station). While working from home, access to a computer and stable internet connection is required.

There will also be the opportunity to visit off-site locations outside of Forest Park in Queens during weekly field trips and/or stewardship events.

DURATION:

12 weeks, 35 hours/week, Monday, June 10th - August 30th, 2024

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

$24/hr. As a seasonal position, the role is paid for hours worked and is not eligible for medical benefits. This position will accrue sick/safe leave in accordance with company policy.

APPLICATION

To apply for the Forest Park Seasonal Field Coordinator role at the Natural Areas Conservancy, apply online at our Career Center. In this application you will include your resume, cover letter and unofficial transcripts from your CUNY institution in the format listed below. You may be asked to provide the contact information of two references later during the interview process.

Please upload all materials as PDF files with each labeled as follows:

A. Cover letter → 2024_last name_first init._CL (i.e. ‘2024_Jones_J_CL.pdf’);

B. Resume → 2024_ last name_first init_R (i.e. ‘2024_Jones_J_R.pdf’);

C. Unofficial transcript → 2024_ last name_first init_UOT (i.e. ‘2024_Jones_J_UOT.pdf’)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the closing date of 11:59 pm on Friday, March 29th. Please address any questions to jobs@naturalareasnyc.org.

SECTIONS OF ONLINE APPLICATION

• Personal Information

• Uploading resume, cover letter and unofficial transcript

• Eligibility and skills assessment questions

• Voluntary self ID 

• Review, Self-Attest, and Submit