Restoration and Enhancement Associate

POSITION: RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT ASSOCIATE (SEASONAL)  

The Kiawah Conservancy seeks candidates for the position of Restoration and Enhancement Associate. This seasonal position/internship (funded for 12 weeks of part-time contract employment) is open until filled.  

The Kiawah Conservancy (Conservancy) is an accredited and well-respected local land trust, having protected 79 properties totaling over 3,869 acres on Johns, Kiawah, and Seabrook Islands, located in South Carolina. For over 28 years, the Conservancy has worked to protect important natural habitats for plants and wildlife, to research the ecological components that contribute to the sustainability of our local sea islands' unique flora and fauna,  to implement habitat restoration programs, and to connect people with nature. The Conservancy maintains an office with a full-time staff of eight at Kiawah Island and is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity of all kinds in the workplace. Visit kiawahconservancy.org for more information.  

About the Position: 

This position reports to the Restoration and Enhancement Team and provides significant support to the Conservancy’s land conservation, restoration, and stewardship efforts. This position will work from our office at Kiawah Island. Intelligence, attention to detail, organizational skills, teamwork, flexibility, and good judgment will be critical to success. In addition to working with our staff, you will also have frequent interaction with volunteers, the Conservancy’s Board of Trustees, donors, and community partners. The position will require substantial fieldwork across Johns, Kiawah, and Seabrook Islands on conservation lands held by the Conservancy.

Key Responsibilities of the Restoration and Ehnahcement Associate: 

• General horticulture tasks include but are not limited to: planting, pruning, weeding, watering, fertilizing, and animal/insect control.
• Assist with garden design, plant ordering, and installation.
• Placement and maintenance of small garden structures.  
• Upkeep signage and pathways.
• Attending and providing information at garden/trail education programs.
• Operating small power equipment (i.e. leaf blower, weed eater, electric chainsaw).
• Invasive species identification, removal, and documentation. 
• Litter removal.
• Assist with the oyster recycling program.
• Develop updated materials and information for Conservancy-maintained interpretive trail signage.  
• Assist with the Conservancy’s Naturally Kiawah Habitat Recognition Program (front yard habitat) and programs at our demonstration gardens as needed.
• Attend various committee meetings.

Required Attributes, Expectations, Technical Skills, and Competencies:  

• Must be enrolled in a horticulture or botany program.
• Knowledge of native and invasive plants in coastal South Carolina
• Ability to work up to 30 hours per week. 
• Ability to work outside in hot, humid, and buggy conditions.
• Ability to work on weekends and evenings as needed.
• You must provide your own transportation and hold a valid South Carolina driver’s license.
• You must provide your own housing.
• Basic knowledge of land conservation, land trusts, or similar conservation organizations or equivalent  

Compensation and benefits: $12 per hour for undergraduate/$15 per hour for graduates; no benefits  

How to apply: Please email a single PDF with your cover letter, resume, and three references (with contact  information) to:  morgan@kiawahconservancy.org 

Candidate applications will be reviewed until the position is filled with an immediate start date. No phone calls, please.  

The Kiawah Conservancy is an equal-opportunity employer and will not discriminate because of race,  creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status.