Job Description

Ventura, California, USA

The Preserve Assistant will be expected to live and work at the Preserve for 7-10 days at a time with mainland time off in between tours. Tours may also include a day-off while on the Preserve.

#LI-POST

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Santa Cruz Island Preserve Assistant is responsible for supporting the daily operations and management of The Nature Conservancy’s Santa Cruz Island (SCI) Preserve. The Preserve is a 46,000-acre natural preserve that encompasses 76% of Santa Cruz Island, the largest of Southern California’s Channel Islands. Santa Cruz Island is one of the four northern Channel Islands across the Santa Barbara Channel from the cities of Santa Barbara and Ventura, and is wholly contained within Channel Islands National Park. The Preserve Assistant will implement the day-to-day activities of the preserve including overall preserve and facilities maintenance, with a particular focus on supporting visitation by TNC supporters, scientists, staff and contractors staying at the Preserve’s Main Ranch. The Assistant’s time will be spent on general maintenance of the grounds and facilities of the Main Ranch, housekeeping of the Preserve’s overnight accommodations, meal service support. This position requires working independently and as part of a team, sometimes in difficult physical conditions. 

This is a 6-month seasonal position beginning between April and June. Must have a valid driver’s license and safe driving record. The Preserve Assistant will be expected to live and work at the Preserve for 7-10 days at a time with mainland time off in between tours. Tours may also include a day-off while on the Preserve. This is considered an entry level position.   

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.   Interested in maintaining preserve areas frequented by the visiting public?  How about supporting some of TNC’s most important visitors, including visiting scientists and researchers and VIP supporters of TNC, ensuring that they have a safe and positive experience on Santa Cruz Island? You’ll also participated in projects restoring and protecting the Island’s native plants and animals, including removing harmful invasive vegetation, caring for and planting rare endemic island plants, and monitoring the Island’s diverse wildlife using remote cameras and other technology. 

We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated, and a problem-solver. Someone who is willing to work hard in return for a dynamic introduction to a career in conservation. Come join TNC and apply today!

•    HS Diploma and 1 year experience.                                                  
•    Experience organizing files.                                                    
•    Experience in Customer Service.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•    Experience in the hospitality industry (food service, lodging, etc).
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
•    Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
•    Experience or knowledge of natural systems.
•    Ability to complete tasks within assigned timeframes, possibly in the absence of supervision.
•    Experience working in remote, outdoor settings.
•    Experience with work requiring occasional physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
•    Experience operating power and construction tools in a safe manner.

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. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

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

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ 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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $20/hour. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 56394, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 8:59 PM PST on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law. 

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.