TNC supports the conservation of endangered and threatened sea turtles on the east end of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Since 1994, three pocket beaches on the east end of St. Croix have been monitored for both green and hawksbill sea turtle nesting activity. We are currently seeking two temporary, part-time Preserve Associates to support us in the maintenance and protection of these important sites from August 31, 2026, through November 27, 2026. The Preserve Associates will participate in preserve operations and management by monitoring Jack’s and Isaac’s Bay beaches, and support maintenance of preserve areas and remove exotic species.
The Preserve Associate provides administrative research, project management and other general assistance to TNC staff and contractors in furtherance of the protection of sea turtle sites on the preserve and may include some or all of the following:
- Patrol a single beach each day but will occasionally be required to move back and forth between beaches to assist team members.
- Collect data on every turtle and turtle activity encountered (while ensuring no direct contact/touching of turtles).
- Maintain equipment, including radios, hedge clippers, and traps.
- Monitor and maintain preserve areas, removing debris and exotic species.
- Completing tasks independently within assigned timeframes.
- Managing and prioritizing tasks assigned from multiple sources.
- Performing administrative duties, emphasizing detail-oriented and numerical tasks.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
- Resolve routine issues independently.
- Develops resolution plans with the supervisor for unusual or complex issues.
- Works under close supervision and receives specific and detailed instructions for required tasks and results expected.
- Addresses issues with supervisor that affect others’ work or the overall program.
- Consults supervisor on unspecified or unusual issues.
- Ability to work cooperatively with a number of staff and external parties, sometimes under pressure, in order to complete project work and goals in a timely manner.
- Formulate ideas and communicate clearly with others, both orally and in written form.
- Provide a variety of information to staff and others, contributing to conservation projects and assisting workflow throughout the organization.
Are you looking 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. We’re looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!
- High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience.
- Ability to walk long distances (3-5 mi. per day) over difficult terrain while being comfortable working on their own in these remote areas. Ability to use radios for communication and hedge clippers for clearing.
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- Ability to repeatedly lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
Field experience. Previous sea turtle experience, basic data collection, and nest excavation, preferred.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Ability to follow instructions from supervisor, colleagues/coworkers/team members.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Ability to obtain a driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
Experience living or working in the Virgin Islands preferred.
Location/Duration/Pay: This is a hands-on field-oriented position based on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. It is a part-time, short-term (13 weeks) seasonal position, with pay of $16.50 an hour. Candidates must be available for the entire 13 weeks.
Hours: Associates will work 5 days per week, generally either mornings or afternoons, but no more than 20 hours per week. Days off will vary each week and may not be consecutive; may include weekends.
Eligibility: Only applicants who are currently eligible to work in the United States will be considered. This position is not eligible for a work permit or relocation support.
Work Conditions: Access into the beaches is by foot only and the trails are steep and rocky. The patrol areas are separated by rocky headlands and radio communication between them is limited. Applicants must be able to walk long distances over difficult terrain in hot weather while being comfortable working on their own in these remote areas. The public is not barred from the area so, must regularly work around unannounced visitors.
In a season, we expect approximately 75-100+ green turtles and 30+ hawksbills on the preserve. The beaches range in length with foot patrols taking up to 2 hours, depending on the amount of nesting activity.
- Associates are expected to provide their clothing for the field, including suitable long pants, shoes appropriate for the rocky terrain (boots or other sturdy closed-toe shoes recommended), and rain gear.
- Associates will be expected to provide a sturdy, medium-sized backpack which can carry all personal and field equipment.
- A watch or method of timekeeping is required.
- All technical equipment will be provided by TNC.
- Transportation to and from the preserve and beach locations is the responsibility of the Associate.
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.”
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.
Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.
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.
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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.
