New York Corps- Karner Blue Butterfly Steward

Position Summary

Aid in habitat restoration and management for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly in the Saratoga-Capital Region of NYS Parks. The position involves work at two Parks: At Saratoga Spa State Park, the SCA member will work as a site steward, leading on-the-ground conservation and outreach and assisting with habitat restoration projects at a Karner blue butterfly site. At Big Bend Preserve (Moreau Lake State Park) the SCA member will work directly with their supervisor, other staff, and volunteers to assist with restoration projects including invasive species management, vegetation and wildlife surveys, and support of prescribed fire operations.

The extremely tenuous nature of the Karner blue population (in general but particularly at Saratoga Spa State Park) along with the unique local conditions combine to create a site that warrants very close attention. The partnership with AmeriCorps members helps provide the on-site presence needed to allow for a greater level of management for a species in desperate need, including other rare species like frosted elfin butterflies. And with large scale restoration getting underway at Moreau, assisting conservation there will help NYS Parks establish a viable metapopulation that is key to securing the long-term viability of Karner blues in New York. Through habitat restoration and education programming, AmeriCorps members will be directly addressing both the Environmental Stewardship and Education Focus Areas of the Serve America Act.

Schedule

January 20, 2025 - November 21, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

At Saratoga Spa State Park: monitor populations of Karner blues, frosted elfins, and other rare species: monitor/manage habitat and host plant quality; assist with habitat restoration projects; provide outreach to area visitors; and improve compliance with protective measures. At Moreau Lake State Park: under direct supervision of the Restoration Ecologist, assist with various restoration projects, vegetation monitoring, wildlife surveys, and working with volunteers.

Goal 1: Complete and document monitoring for spring and summer butterfly broods;

Goal 2: Conduct habitat monitoring in butterfly management areas;

Goal 3: Assist with habitat restoration and management projects, including invasive species control, native plant restoration, and vegetation and wildlife surveys;

Goal 4: Provide positive interpretive interactions with the public, including working with Park and patrons to provide information on restoration activities and improve compliance with area regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred = GIS, GPS, Field survey experience with vegetation and insect monitoring

Preferred = Entomology, Botany, Natural Resource Management

Preferred = A willingness to become a Pesticide Apprentice to assist with invasive species control; a willingness to assist with prescribed fire operations (this could be through Wildlands Fire Training and active participation, or could be assistance with site preparation and post-fire monitoring, or both); public speaking; education/outreach.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Free housing provided on-site

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.