Pros
-The conservation department gets a lot of interesting projects, which are great ways to gain experience and develop problem-solving skills. The majority of the time, you work independently, which is appreciated.
-There are many talented and good people working there, many of whom do not get the kudos they deserve.
-The things you learn on the job will open the door to significantly better job opportunities elsewhere.
Cons
-The environment of both the company and the conservation department are entirely dysfunctional. Poor management decisions have bred hostility both within conservation and interdepartmentally. Another review noted that there is a "prevalent, longstanding culture of passive aggression that will require at least 3-4 determined long-term conservators to overturn." This is 100% accurate. It is a hostile work environment. If you do not "fit in", you will be targeted, bullied, and ostracized. The longstanding employees talk poorly about past employees and even brag about "pushing them out."
-Within conservation, communication, organization, and leadership is severely lacking. Everything becomes an emergency due to lack of poor time management and planning from leadership.
-There is no HR department, meaning there is no protection or recourse against problematic behavior, including sexual harassment.
-Benefits are essentially non-existent. You earn 2 days of PTO when you've completed 60 days of work and an additional 2 days when you complete 6 months. At 1 year, you are granted 1 week of PTO. If the workplace unexpectedly shuts down, you are expected to use PTO or go unpaid. There is no sick leave, and the health insurance will cost almost 50% of your take home pay.
-There is little room to grow; learning and training opportunities are only encouraged at the employee's expense.