Invasive Species Technician (Palisades Region)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historical Preservation is seeking two seasonal Invasive Species Technicians to work in the Palisades Region, with parks in Rockland, Orange, and Ulster counties. The technicians will work closely with the Regional Natural Resource Specialist and Statewide Invasive Species Unit staff to meet regional and statewide stewardship goals. The work will focus largely on supporting projects that involve the protection of rare, threatened and endangered species and natural communities on park lands and historic sites throughout the region. Some projects will be invasive management to benefit park operations. At times, this position will require work on uneven and steep terrain and in inclement weather.
 

The candidates will work in a team setting to conduct vegetation monitoring at management locations throughout the parks. The team will manage invasive species in wetland and terrestrial habitat throughout the season. A typical workday will begin around 8 AM and end at 4:30 PM. Invasive species technicians will conduct herbicide application to control terrestrial and wetland invasive species, management report compilation, and other natural resource management related tasks as needed.

• Support regional stewardship staff in planning projects to meet regional goals.
• Survey, manage, and monitor invasive species (aquatic and terrestrial plants, forest pests/pathogens).
• Collect and manage field data using standardized methods (Survey123, ArcGIS Field Maps, GPS, GIS).
• Maintain up-to-date project information and reports in statewide databases (DESP, AGOL, iMap).
• Respond promptly to statewide Early Detection/Rapid Response needs.
• Assist with invasive species management project planning efforts.
• Conduct trainings for regional staff (Best Management Practices, iMap Invasives, etc.).
• Provide guidance and support to field staff and volunteers (ECC, SCA, partners, etc.).
• Perform native plantings/other site restoration and monitoring duties.
• Organize and participate in education and outreach events.

Local candidates are preferred as housing is not included.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
There are no minimum qualifications per Civil Service

OPERATING NEEDS:

• A degree or experience in forestry, environmental studies, ecology, natural resources management, or a relevant discipline, such as aquatic ecology, conservation biology, etc. is preferred, but not required.
• Excellent organizational skills in a field setting.
• A working knowledge of GPS/GIS and ecological monitoring methods.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude while performing light to heavy physical labor in a variety of field conditions and demonstrating safe working practices.
• Strong interest in and commitment to environmental stewardship and team-oriented approach to solving environmental challenges.
• Ability to communicate in writing and to read and comprehend written material.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with other staff and park patrons and professionally represent the agency.
• The candidate must be available to work a variable schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.

Preferred (not required) Skills:

• One year or more experience with invasive species identification and control methods.
• Experience creating and editing maps and shapefiles using ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Online.
• Experience collecting data using Survey123 and ArcCollector or ArcGIS Field Maps.
• Experience using and maintaining hand tools and outdoor power equipment.
  Backcountry orienteering and Leave No Trace experience.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Bird identification skills or certification
• Logging experience

If verifiable, we will accept and prorate part-time and volunteer experience.

All qualified persons are invited and encouraged to apply.

It is the responsibility of each applicant to accurately describe their experience and demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications and agency operating needs.