Seasonal Cities Resilience Assistant - New Jersey

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. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

The Cities Resilience Assistant will support TNC New Jersey’s climate adaptation initiatives as follows:

• Assist with the creation of a research-based toolbox of nature-based solutions (NBS) the Cities program can utilize in urban communities to support project development that reduces flooding and CSO events and improves urban water quality.
• Use public maps and datasets to pinpoint urban flooding in Newark and Paterson. Work with community organizations to gather qualitative data on riverine flooding, sewer overflow, erosion, resource access, and community challenges. Compile findings into a report outlining steps to address these issues.
• Collect and use quantitative and qualitative spatial data to assess existing conditions, support policy change, and visualize areas of opportunity around urban heat, air quality, tree canopy, and other related issues that impact Newark and Paterson
• Apply data analysis skills to support marketing and communications around key environmental issues and their impacts on the communities we serve.
• Work together with members of the New Jersey Cities team to develop and maintain strong relationships with community-based organizations in Newark and Paterson. 
• Create, maintain, and manage a comprehensive database of community partners. This database will serve as a vital resource for our organization, facilitating effective communication, collaboration, and relationship management with key stakeholders.
• Support implementation of community-driven environmental initiatives in Newark and Paterson by assisting TNC colleagues and community partners with tree plantings, conducting community outreach, attending events, and other similar duties, as assigned.
• Dedicate approximately 10% of their time to developing content for our communications team to tell the story of TNC’s work in Cities.

The successful applicant will communicate and work regularly with their supervisor, Cities program staff, and partner organizations to to implement the Cities work plan and assist with other projects, as needed. You may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. 

One position is available: 4/15/24 – 1/15/25 (9 months, start date is flexible).

This position is paid for 35 hours of work per week at $28 per hour. Must have reliable transportation to/from Newark and Paterson, New Jersey. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates degree in natural resources, sustainability, environmental studies, urban studies, geography, human ecology or equivalent combination of education and 6 months’ experience.     
• Experience conducting spatial analysis; proficiency with ArcGIS Pro. 
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., community-based organizations, residents, government officials, and internal scientists.             
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members. 
• Ability to work in a team environment. 
• Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources. 
• Reliable organization and time management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and/or coursework in ecology, biology, or related natural sciences. 
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. 
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.  
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in urban conservation, climate adaptation and mitigation, green infrastructure, and related areas.    
• Demonstrated ability to learn on the job. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment.