Conservation and Volunteer Coordinator

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Conservation and Volunteer Coordinator (CVC) works to showcase The Mission of the Nature Conservancy and Mashomack Preserve, The Nature Conservancy’s 2,350-acre Flagship Preserve on Shelter Island, New York. The preserve welcomes 30,000 – 35,000 visitors each year. Primary functions of the CVC are to build and sustain a robust volunteer base to support preserve stewardship, coordinate external communications such as the newsletter, establish partnership that further the mission of the preserve and The Nature Conservancy, as well as providing public programing that connects people to nature. This role oversees recruiting, training, and management of a multifaceted volunteer program, including work with state-wide committees. Under the leadership of the Conservation Engagement Specialist, the CVC designs, leads, and promotes public programs and activities, including environmental education initiatives. Management of program reservations and providing support to other Nature Conservancy preserves in New York are also major components of this position.

We’re Looking for You:

The Conservation and Volunteer Coordinator is critical to the success of Mashomack’s public-facing programs and community engagement. By helping create, promote, and carry out well-designed programs and visitor experiences, this position builds support for the Conservancy’s conservation and policy work using the Preserve to convey local, regional, and global conservation challenges and solutions. They oversee, train, and lead volunteers, maintain electronic databases and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously. Significant coordination with the Conservancy’s wider communications, volunteer and stewardship teams is required. The Conservation and Volunteer Coordinator is a member of the Mashomack conservation and stewardship team and is supervised by the Preserve’s Conservation and Stewardship Manager.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Expand volunteer opportunities at Mashomack Preserve

• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers

• Organize workdays, appreciation events, and cross-team volunteer projects.

• Track volunteer hours and provide statewide volunteer support as needed.

• Build and maintain community conservation partnerships.

• Produce monthly e-newsletter; create print and social media content.

• Develop engaging outreach displays/exhibits; deliver offsite programs.

• Collaborate across teams to promote TNC priorities and assist partner organizations.

• Partner with Conservation Engagement Specialist to design and deliver programs.

• Provide weekend coverage and visitor engagement.

• Assist with conservation, stewardship, and partnership projects.

• Provide support to larger New York Stewardship team and other Nature Conservancy Preserves in New York.

• Provide project support across New York functional teams.

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in a science-related field and 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or a similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience communicating with various stakeholders, both one-on-one and with large groups.

• Experience balancing a variety of tasks in an efficient and timely manner.

• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers)

• Ability to pass a youth safety background check.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

• Knowledge of conservation principles and best management practices.

• Experience leading group activities outdoors.

• Some experience managing volunteers and entry level staff.

• Ability to recognize plant and animal species.

• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).

• Experience operating various types of landscaping equipment.

• Communicate clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program . Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $35.31 hourly rate. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor .

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!


TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.


We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

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.


Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!


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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.