Field Assistant Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

This is a full-time, temporary position that begins on August 31 and ends on December 4, 2026.
Essential Functions:
The Stewardship Field Assistant assists with a variety of stewardship and management duties on Conservancy preserves within southern Delaware, duties include preserve and conservation easement monitoring, preserve maintenance including trail, boundary, and sign maintenance, invasive species management, using and maintaining equipment such as hand tools, chainsaws and brush saws, safely applying herbicide, enforcing preserve policies and monitoring visitor use, and maintaining cooperative relationships with preserve neighbors, agency partners, the general public and partner organizations.
Responsibilities & Scope:

• Assists with preserve and conservation easement monitoring, field data collection, and reporting. Works with stewardship staff and volunteers to perform preserve maintenance tasks (maintain signs and kiosks, maintain trails and parking areas, monitor preserve boundaries, control invasive species using hand tools and herbicides).
• Interacts with preserve visitors by providing information about preserves, promoting the work of the Conservancy, answering questions, and enforcing preserve policies.
• Assists with field data collection that is pertinent to the management of Delaware's preserves and conservation easements (Invasive species occurrences, management activities and issues, damaged infrastructure, etc.)
• Assist with prescribed fire preparation and may participate on prescribed burns on TNC and partner lands.
• Deals with problems as they arise on preserves (may include timber and other forms of trespass, unauthorized vehicular use, camping, etc.).
• Assists stewardship staff with ecological monitoring,
• Assists with maintenance of basic equipment such as hand and power tools, chainsaws, brush saws, etc.
• Assists with special projects as needed.

We're Looking for You:
Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy over 137,000 acres in Pennsylvania and Delaware have been preserved for people and nature and you can help with the management of some of our lands. From the mountains to the sea, the Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make each state unique. To be successful in our mission, The Nature Conservancy is embracing processes and novel solutions that will accelerate and amplify our impact. This work at the intersection of people and nature requires new perspectives, skillsets, and an agile approach and we are seeking individuals to join us in helping to transform our work.
Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma and 1 year's training in science-related field or related experience in land management (e.g.: land management, landscaping, camp counselor, or similar experience) or equivalent combination
• Experience identifying plant and animal species.
• Experience working in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Experience performing roles with physical exertion and/or muscular strain, long hours in isolated settings, and presents frequent possibility of injury.
• Requires valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications:

• 1 - 2 years training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Ability to hike over rough terrain for extended periods of time, lift and carry up to 40 pounds, and be willing to work outdoors sometimes in foul weather; ability to navigate in the field.
• Experience operating and maintaining power tools, chainsaws, and brush saws safely is highly preferred.
• Communicates effectively in person and in writing with a wide variety of people, including preserve neighbors, private landowners, partners, and volunteers.
• Experience with Microsoft Products
• Knowledge of, and demonstrated experience with, GPS devices to find and mark field locations, have experience navigating roads in remote locations. Able to read and interpret maps, aerial photos, and other sources of mapped information. Experience with ESRI software is helpful.
• First Aid and CPR certification is helpful.
• Knowledge and familiarity with Delaware geography, natural history, environmental science.

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 the Auto Safety information page. 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.
Salary Information:
The payrate for a candidate selected for this position will be $22.00 per hour. This payrate only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. The geographic location for this position is Milton, DE, USA.
Who We Are:
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."
What We Bring:
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 and Perks here.
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.
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.
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.