New York Corps- Invasive Species Steward

Position Summary

The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic, and cultural resources. The Invasive Species Unit (ISU) is part of the Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning (DESP) within OPRHP. The ISU’s mission is to safeguard and enhance the intrinsic values of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in New York State Parks and Historic Sites through the prevention, control, and management of invasive species. This is accomplished by identifying, prioritizing, and guiding invasive species projects and initiatives within the State Parks and Historic Site system.

The ISU works with statewide and regional staff towards the responsible stewardship of our natural resources throughout the New York State Parks system. The ISU directs the management of invasive species with a focus on the protection of rare, threatened and endangered species and significant natural communities. The ISU is led by the Invasive Species Biologist and includes two coordinators and two specialists. Projects include surveying, monitoring and management of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species, and forest pests and pathogens.

Invasive species are non-native species that can cause harm to the environment, the economy or to human health. Invasive species threaten nearly every aspect of our world and are one of the greatest threats to New York’s biodiversity. They have changed the way our natural areas look, feel, and function. They cause or can contribute to habitat degradation and loss, the loss of native flora and fauna, loss of recreational opportunities and income and even threaten our food supply and drinking water. The cost of invasive species on the United States has been estimated at as much as $120 billion in damages every year. The ISU works to identify, monitor, control and/or eradicate invasive species throughout New York State Parks.

Schedule

January 20, 2025 - November 21, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The member will receive a thorough introduction to the invasive plants and insects that can be found in New York State. They will gain hands-on experience in the field of invasive species management and will be able to participate in all aspects of management – from assisting in invasive species surveys and identification, to hands-on control and monitoring, to the development of educational and guidance documents and assisting with trainings. Example projects include (but aren’t limited to): Biological control insect emergence monitoring, Biological control recovery and identification, surveying and mapping of Japanese hops in Minnewaska State Park Preserve, and assisting with educational programs. The member will receive formal training in iMap Invasives– an online database which is used by organizations throughout New York State to track and monitor infestations. During the field season, the member will assist field staff with invasive species surveys, monitoring and control projects and will use various ESRI-based data collection techniques (Field Maps, Survey123) to enter information into ArcGIS Online and the iMap database. The position will be based out of the Invasive Species Field Office located at Minnewaska State Park Preserve near New Paltz, NY. There will be the opportunity to travel throughout eastern New York visiting some of the system’s most spectacular parks. The member will be introduced to a wide array of projects and topics relating to natural resource stewardship and get the chance to interact with staff from across the agency and its partners. The position will entail a combination of office and field work designed to suit the experience, skills, and interests of the member.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Contribute to on-the-ground invasive species management including biocontrol release and monitoring, manual/mechanical control, and site restoration efforts (20%) 

Recover and analyze biological control specimens and prepare them to be sent out to partner labs for identification (20%). 

Conduct literature reviews and gather information to develop guidance documents, manuals, management plans and reports to be used by Invasive Species Unit and other staff (15%) 

Participate in SCA trainings, service projects and other member development events (15%)

Goal 1: Complete stewardship projects aimed to safeguard and enhance the intrinsic values of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in New York State Parks and Historic Sites through the prevention, control, and management of invasive species.

Goal 2: Assist in the creation of educational and guidance documents such as manuals, fact sheets, and Invasive Species Management Plans.

Goal 3: Contribute towards data quality control and analysis for the purpose of improving the agency’s ability to understand and manage invasive species.

Marginal Duties

 Conduct invasive species surveys and monitoring including early detection of new species, site assessments, and pre- and post-treatment monitoring (10%) 

Develop education materials, assist with trainings and events (10%) 

Manage data and create maps using ArcGIS software (5%) 

Assist with other stewardship projects, including those related to water quality, wildlife management and ecology (5%)

Required Qualifications

General comfort hiking and working outdoors in varying terrain and in all weather conditions.

Desire to learn about invasive species identification and management.

Some knowledge and identification skills of flora and fauna including invasive species and forest pests common to New York State is desirable, but not required.

Strong interest in and commitment to environmental stewardship and team-oriented approach to solving environmental challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

$1,000/month housing allowance

Compensation

$400/week Living Allowance

Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $7,395

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR

Wilderness First Aid Training

Health Insurance

LNT Level 1 Certification

Mental Health First Aid

$100 Professional Development Stipend

Environmental Leadership Institute

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.