Conservation Member, AmeriCorps

~ Recognizing that Jekyll Island’s natural beauty and vibrant history set it apart from any other coastal retreat, the Governor and the Georgia State Legislature established the island as a state park and entrusted its care to the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA). The Jekyll Island Authority is a self-supporting state agency responsible for the overall management and stewardship of Jekyll Island. ~

The JIA Board of Directors consists of members appointed by the Governor to serve four-year terms. The Chairman of the Board is also appointed by the Governor to serve a one-year term and retains the chair until replaced. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for the day-to-day operation and promotion of the island and for providing public services to island residents and businesses.

Our mission: As stewards of Jekyll Island’s past, present and future, we’re dedicated to maintaining the delicate balance between nature and humankind.

JIA has set up parameters to protect the island’s ecosystem, while ensuring it remains an inviting destination for guests. We oversee the conservation, development and management of Jekyll Island, and rely on operating revenues from leases, fees, and island amenity operations. Jekyll Island does not receive any tax revenues for its operation.

Whether you’re visiting for the week or a resident, we invite you to join us on the path to celebrating the magnificence of Jekyll Island.

Position Overview

This position (Conservation Member, AmeriCorps) is supported through the federally-funded AmeriCorps program and therefore is considered a term of service.

Duration of Program: September 1, 2019 to February 28th, 2020

Application Period: 4:00 pm July 15th, 2019 Note: This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified

The Jekyll Island Authority will be filling two 6-month AmeriCorps positions starting 01 September 2019 and extending until 28 February 2019. These positions require a self-motivated, organized person with a professional interest in building a career in land management and wildlife conservation. The typical service week will be predominantly field-based but also includes necessary data entry and management, as well as some writing assignments, background literature review, and preparation of deliverables in an office setting. Once trained, service will often be conducted independently. The selected members must be comfortable communicating with island residents, visitors, and local authorities. Professional conduct, integrity, and commitment to quality in carrying out all assigned duties are core expectations. The members will be encouraged to participate in professional development opportunities as they become available during the term of service.

Responsibilities

Position Description and Essential Functions: The Conservation AmeriCorps Member responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

I. Wildlife Monitoring and Land/Habitat Management:

• This position will include technical, field-based support to assist in monitoring wildlife populations on Jekyll Island, GA.
• Members will be charged with specific projects and duties based upon professional experience, interests, and strengths.
• Service will include aspects of wildlife research, habitat monitoring/management, and public outreach/education.
• Tasks may include, but will not be limited to: radio tracking and detectability surveys (eastern diamondback rattlesnakes), wildlife population censuses (American alligators and white-tailed deer), shorebird monitoring (Wilson’s and Piping plovers), bobcat scat and track surveys and potential GPS tracking, amphibian monitoring, camera-based wildlife monitoring, plant identification, prescribed fire management, restoration planting and seed collections, timely response to public wildlife concerns (including large alligators and venomous snakes), data-entry and management, development of outreach materials, and occasional wildlife education to diverse public audiences.
• Other duties, including some outside the field of conservation, may be assigned to provide the member with a well-rounded experience of state-park management activities.

II. Invasive Plant/Animal Control:

• This will include survey and control of priority invasive-plant and invasive-herp species on Jekyll Island, GA.
• The members selected for the positions will work together under the leadership of the Jekyll Island Authority’s (JIA) Conservation Land Manager and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s (GSTC) AmeriCorps Coordinator.
• The members will be trained in the safe and effective operation of tools and chemical treatments used in the control of invasive species.
• The members will be responsible for tracking and documenting metrics of work performed (number of invasive plants treated, area treated, people engaged, etc.).
• Opportunities will be provided for training elsewhere in coastal Georgia through the Jekyll Island Authority’s partnership with the Coastal Georgia Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area.

III. Member Project:

• In addition to regular responsibilities, the member will be tasked with developing their own discreet project to be initiated and completed within the term of service.
• This project will be designed based on the member’s background and professional goals in consultation with the Land Manager, Wildlife Biologist, and Director of Conservation.
• A written report detailing member project accomplishments and a presentation will be required deliverables before the end of the term of service.

IV. Community Engagement:

• The member will be expected to plan and execute at least one community engagement effort during their service, either as a component of the member project or as a separate effort.
• Community engagement may include a presentation to a community association, a work-service opportunity promoted to the community, the development and dissemination of outreach materials, or a combination of the above. Including other AmeriCorps members and established GSTC/JIA volunteers as members of the audience is highly encouraged.

Specifics:

• The member selected for the position will serve under the daily supervision of the JIA's Land Manager.
• The position is supported through the JIA’s Georgia Sea Turtle Center AmeriCorps program and will operate through the JIA Conservation Department.
• The members will be trained as necessary in safe and effective wildlife management practices, including capture, handling, tracking, and population monitoring methods.
• The members will be responsible for documenting metrics of work performed.
• Opportunities will be provided, as available, for training elsewhere in coastal Georgia through a variety of external partnerships.
• The service week will generally be 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., Sunday – Thursday or Tuesday – Saturday, but service outside of normal business hours may be assigned occasionally.
• The majority of service will be performed outdoors.
• Tolerance of hot, buggy, or otherwise inclement field conditions are required.
• Ability to carry up to 50 lbs. of gear is necessary.

Qualifications

General Requirements:

• Positive attitude and interpersonal skills
• A desire to learn
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Strong public speaking skills
• Basic computer skills
• Well organized
• Self-motivated and able to work independently or with a team
• Able to adapt to a flexible schedule

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• 18+ yrs of age
• U.S Citizen
• Ability to obtain a U.S. driver’s license
• B.S. degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Sciences, Ecology, or related fields

Preferred:

• Radio-tracking experience
• Training and professional experience with capture and handling of alligators and/or venomous snakes
• Chainsaw use experience
• Coastal bird identification
• Southeastern frog call and identification
• Coastal plant identification, and/or ability to key out plants
• Previous experience working with wildlife and/or familiarity with the ecological communities of the coastal southeastern United States

Compensation

Salary and Benefits:

• Stipend ($5000/6-month term), island amenities, education award and student loan deferment, onsite housing.

Housing:

• On-site shared house with utilities will be available with a $200 per month rent surcharge automatically deducted from payroll and $100 security deposit.
• Houses are air-conditioned and equipped with basic furniture, kitchen and bathroom supplies.
• Limited bandwidth Wi-Fi is also available.
• You must provide your own linens, towels, & food.
• Not provided but available: telephone, and cable.
• Jekyll Island parking pass will be supplied.
• *Travel and transportation costs will not be covered by GSTC
• *Essential functions need to be able to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations

To Apply

• Please click "Apply on Company Website" below to submit your cover letter, C.V., and references.
• This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.
• Applicants who complete the online application process will receive an email receipt of submission to the email address provided.
• If email confirmation is not received, applicant may contact Human Resources at 912-635-4086 for confirmation, however, due to the volume of applicants received, we are unable to provide information on application status after receipt.
• All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview.
• Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the selection process.