Volunteer Preserve Monitor Job Description

Volunteer Preserve Monitors will assist the West Virginia Chapter’s Conservation staff in meeting basic stewardship goals at Preserves across the state by ensuring that lands are regularly visited and looked after. In undertaking Preserve monitoring duties, the Monitor will conduct routine surveys of the Preserves and note visitor activities (authorized and unauthorized), Preserve conditions, and management needs. Monitors will report observations, problems and management needs assessments to the Conservation Ecologist.

TITLE: Volunteer Preserve Monitor

PROGRAM: West Virginia Chapter – Stewardship Program

RESPONSIBLE TO: Amy Cimarolli, Conservation Ecologist

PURPOSE OF JOB:

Inspect assigned Preserve four or more times a year and report status of land to The Nature Conservancy to ensure that the Preserve remains in its natural condition and is well managed for its intended use.

DUTIES OF THE PRESERVE STEWARD:

1. Conduct regular visits (approximately once every three months although more visits are welcomed!) to assess the condition and needs of the Preserve. This includes the following activities:

· Thoroughly inspect the property by walking various areas of the Preserve to observe the general condition of the land and any plant communities or other features of special concern. Walk different areas of the Preserve on each visit, but consistently check areas with ongoing problems.

· Learn Preserve boundaries and inspect at least once a year.

· Maintain boundary signs and repost as needed. Report encroachments and any trespass issues to assigned staff member.

· Monitor areas for:

o timber trespass near boundaries

o motorized vehicles trespass (such as snowmobiles and ATV’s) near boundaries or access road(s)

o illegal dumping near state roads and adjoining boundaries

o any removal of flowers and other vegetation from Preserve grounds

o development of any social trails or other impacts by visitors

· note interesting flora and fauna, wildlife, neighbors and visitors encountered during visit

· mark areas of interest or concern on field map

2. Complete and send in one Preserve Visit Form every 4 months. Preserve Visit Forms will be provided by TNC-WV. Use a copy of the Preserve map to show roughly what areas of the Preserve were observed during each visit and mark notable points where activities or issues of concern were witnessed.

3. Contact Conservation Ecologist, Amy Cimarolli, at the Elkins Field Office with any observations or issues that should be immediately addressed, such as logging or plant removal, hunting trespass, upset neighbors or illegal ATV use.

4. When possible, establish and maintain good relations with Preserve neighbors, and foster local attitude of stewardship, possibly recruiting volunteers to assist with future on-the-ground management work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Natural science, field biology, or ecology background; or an amateur interest in ecology or related fields.

2. Ability to read topographical maps, navigate off-trail in the woods with a compass, and find property boundaries.

3. Ability and willingness to be out-of-doors in all weather conditions.

4. Ability and willingness to navigate sometimes challenging terrain, walk 6 miles a day, carry 25 lbs, and spend a full day in the field if necessary.

5. Ability to communicate diplomatically and constructively with landowners, local residents, hunters, or trespassers if necessary.

6. Willingness to commit at least 8 hours every 3 months to Preserve Monitor duties for a term of 2 years.

7. Willingness to commit to ½ day of Volunteer Preserve Monitor Training with Conservation Ecologist at a Preserve.

8. Self transportation to and from site *(see Mileage Compensation).

9. Commitment to the mission of The Nature Conservancy: “to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.”

LENGTH OF APPOINTMENT:

At least two years; ideally more. The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia reserves the right to

dismiss a Volunteer Preserve Monitor from his/her duties at their discretion.

TIME REQUIRED:

One day for each Preserve visit, at least 4 visits per year; and time to complete the Preserve Visit

Form(s) (this will vary depending on site and issues observed). One day a year for Volunteer

Preserve Monitor Training with the Conservation Ecologist.

MILEAGE COMPENSATION:

Ideally, each Volunteer Preserve Monitor will live within fifty miles of their assigned Preserve(s). Donations of transportation expenses are greatly appreciated. The Conservancy will reimburse Monitors for mileage if requested; up to 100 miles per trip, at the IRS rates at the time of the trip, for up to four round-trip Preserve visits over one calendar year.

If interested in the position, please contact:

Amy Cimarolli

Conservation Ecologist

21 Third Street, Suite 4

PO Box 250

Elkins, WV 26241

(304) 637-0160 (phone)

(304) 637-0584 (fax)

acimarolli@tnc.org