The Oregon Coast Stewardship Assistant performs and participates in natural land management efforts on the north and central Oregon Coast under the direction of an experienced land manager. The primary duties will occur in the field at Cascade Head Preserve, a coastal grassland ecosystem supporting native and rare species near Lincoln City, Oregon. Projects will also occur at other conservation sites on the coast from Tillamook to Florence. TNC’s preserves in these locations include a high-quality tidal marsh and recent restoration sites of forested tidal wetlands. There may be opportunities to support stewardship projects in other Oregon geographies as well. The position will be based in Lincoln City and the Stewardship Assistant must live within 1 hour’s drive of Lincoln City.
This is a 6-month, full time, short-term position, starting in late April. The Oregon Coast Stewardship Assistant will support the Oregon Coast Preserves Steward. Tasks during the Stewardship Assistant’s term will include vegetation monitoring, trail maintenance, fence construction, invasive plant control, wildlife surveys, and data collection and management. The stewardship assistant will work in the field and office alongside TNC staff, partners, and volunteers, but also independently. They may interact with visitors from the public hiking on the trail and enforce preserve use guidelines. They may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or GED and 1-year related experience in outdoor field work or equivalent combination of education and experience Experience recognizing plants and/or animals. Experience operating various types of hand and power tools and equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. lawnmower, chainsaw, hand tools used for trail work, or similar equipment). Experience working in a team environment with high collaboration to deliver work. Experience following instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members. Experience conducting physical labor. Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record. Must live within a one-hour drive of Lincoln City, OR.DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Work, volunteer, or educational experience in land management, environmental education, public outreach, or related fields. Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems, especially grasslands or estuaries. Strong plant identification skills. Experience with trail maintenance, fence construction, or building small boardwalk structures. Possession of an Oregon Boater’s License or experience driving small boats with outboard motors Strong interpersonal skills. Computer and/or mobile device familiarity, including use of GPS and GIS applications, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Lived experience working with Indigenous communities, multi-lingual skills, and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
