Seagrass Monitoring Coordinator

The goal of STEP is to create pathways for people seeking to gain experience with a conservation focused organization. We currently offer paid internships in a range of disciplines across our Virginia Teams. With a focus on recruiting and developing a diverse staff, we strive to create an environment where people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities feel welcomed to participate in conservation.

** Location**:
Richmond, VA   
** Housing**: A housing stipend is available as needed for this location  TNC's Chesapeake Bay Program is looking for an intern to help build a community science data collection program for submerged aquatic vegetation in the Bay. This position will work under the direction of our Wetlands Program Manager and the . They will also work closely with volunteers, donors, Sea Grant Fellows, and TNC partners at the state level(such as VIMS, VCU, Maryland DNR).

The intern will work to establish a monitoring schedule, help lead events with the public, and manage the collected data. This work will require some travel, time on the water, and will provide hands-on experience with plant identification, data management and analysis, and community engagement.

Main responsibilities include:
* Assist with establishing a schedule for training events and SAV community science data collection
* Work with TNC’s Volunteer and Philanthropy teams to coordinate public engagement events
* Manage the identification and documentation of SAV, including inputting all relevant data
* Work requires being outdoors, on the water, operating various vessels including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes. You may work in various weather conditions and under physically demanding circumstances.
* This position requires some travel
** Required Qualifications
** Experience with plant identification  

Experience with community outreach/engagement Experience operating canoes, kayaks, and/or stand-up paddleboards  
** Desired Qualifications
** Experience with SAV identification and/or monitoring  Education or other training with Virginia’s habitats and species Excellent written and verbal communication skills Experience organizing large data sets

Experience with Microsoft Office Products STEP is designed for people early in their careers or with limited prior professional experience.  
** 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.
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 applyhelp with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.### Our Vision Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.
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