NY/NJ Trail Conference Conservation Corps
Position Opening: Invasives Strike Force Crew Member
Spend your summer outdoors protecting natural resources, gaining valuable
experience in the field, and making a difference in ecosystem-level
conservation! If you are looking to prevent ecological damage before it
happens, join the Invasives Strike Force. Employing the most effective
techniques to stop invasive plants, Invasives Strike Force crew members
spend nearly every work day outside in the beautiful Lower Hudson Valley of
New York State and northern New Jersey, working to contain and eliminate
invasive plants from the extensive parks and wild areas just outside of New
York City. If you want to work with a team of peers, network with regional
leaders in conservation, protect the environment, build a solid base in
field botany and invasive plant control, and maximize your environmental
impact, a position with the Invasives Strike Force might be a good fit for
you.
Program Overview:
The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a non-profit organization
focused on the stewardship of more than 2,150 miles of hiking trails
throughout southern New York and northern New Jersey. The New York-New
Jersey Trail Conference Conservation Corps (TCCC) program encompasses our
seasonal crews focused on trail construction or invasive species control.
Our Invasives Strike Force (ISF) crews are TCCC crews which survey areas
for emerging invasive species and respond quickly to priority species with
aggressive control tools. ISF Crew members work with a wide range of park
partners at multiple sites throughout southern NY and northern NJ and will
be supported by an existing base of volunteers, the Terrestrial Invasive
Species Project Manager and the Director of Land Stewardship. For more
information about our Corps, check out https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.nynjtc.org%2Fcorps&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C98345a350fd345f944d108d6c895cda1%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636916943074126367&sdata=amVf4OzTOhO9hsXYBqmG5ONpZ5WqOuXPNBaPMpSIZPI%3D&reserved=0
We are seeking an individual who shares our passion for conservation and
the outdoors to join our crew in controlling non-native invasive plant
species entering our region. The 4-person crew will perform both manual
removal and chemical treatment of invasive plants. All crew members will
become NY Pesticide Apprentices and NJ Pesticide Operators and may then be
eligible to take exams for licensing. Crew members may also assist with
training workshops to teach volunteers.
Plant identification and eradication training will be provided (some
experience is preferred). This is primarily an outdoor position and will
include periods of camping for multiple days at work sites. Crew members
will manage data and write reports and create maps on activities
weekly. Weekend work is required – work week is Thursday to Monday with
Tuesday and Wednesdays off.
Service Location: Lower Hudson Valley Region of New York and Northern New
Jersey
Term of Service: 900 hour term of service, May through October, weekend
work required
Start Date: May 2 or May 28.
Duties and Responsibilities:
* Learn proper techniques for pesticide application in New York and New
Jersey and follow all applicable rules and regulations regarding the use of
pesticides
* Keep accurate, timely and detailed records of activities
* Prepare reports on work completed and log data collected
* Work professionally at all times with crew members, community volunteers,
and park partners.
* Lead and co-lead invasive removal volunteer work days
* Conduct independent invasive removals and treatments along hiking trails,
including mechanical removal and/or application of herbicides
* Conduct surveys of natural areas for targeted invasive plants, includes
use of hand-held GPS
* Create maps in ArcMap utilizing data gathered in the field with GPS units
* Assist with training volunteers on invasive plant identification and
removal techniques
* Informally educate the public about invasive plants and recruit volunteers
* Properly use and care for tools and equipment and follow all safety
precautions
Skills and Attributes Required:
* Must be able to conduct physically strenuous field work in rugged terrain
* Must be able to hike up to 4 miles carrying up to 30 lbs of equipment
over uneven and/or steep terrain
* Must have demonstrated teamwork skills and/or experience leading
volunteers
* Must be organized, responsible and detail-oriented
* Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
* Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license
* Must have access to a reliable vehicle for transportation to field sites
Preferred Skills and Attributes:
* NY licensed pesticide applicator or technician, or be a licensed
applicator in a state which has reciprocal licensing with NY (NJ, PA, OH,
VT, RI, CT and IN).
* Ability to identify native and invasive vegetation of New York and New
Jersey
* Experience using a hand-held GPS
* Knowledge of ArcMap/ArcGIS
* Demonstrated outreach skills and teaching experience
* Backpacking experience, camping experience and/or outdoor field work
experience
* Experience using power equipment such as weedwhacker/brush cutters
Benefits for Members
* Free rustic, lakeside housing at a local park
* Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance $12,071 total
* Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,047.50 available upon successful
completion of the program
* Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment
* Training in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED and Leave No Trace Principles
* Training as a NY pesticide apprentice and NJ pesticide operator, or
continuing education for licensed pesticide applicators or technicians
* Opportunity to work in a variety of different parks and preserves
throughout the region and network with many local park managers and
environmental professionals.
* Opportunity to serve local communities and the public by making a
difference in the environment and improving habitats in a tangible way
* Being recognized as a member of an accomplished AmeriCorps Program
Enrollment Requirements:
An individual must be at least 18 years of age; have a high school diploma
or GED; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien; pass a three-part
national service criminal history check of the national sex-offender
registry, state repository check, and FBI fingerprint check; and complete
all pre-service orientation and training requirements. Documentation of
age, education and citizenship are due by the first day of orientation.
Criminal history checks will be initiated before the start of service; an
individual will be ineligible if s/he is required to register on the
National Sex Offender Registry, has been convicted of murder, or fails to
disclose any previous conviction. Other convictions or pending charges will
be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with program policy.
To Apply:
Applications accepted until the position is filled.
Linda Rohleder, PhD
Director of Land Stewardship, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Coordinator, Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species
Management
600 Ramapo Valley Road | Mahwah, NJ 07430
lrohleder@nynjtc.org | https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.nynjtc.org&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C98345a350fd345f944d108d6c895cda1%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636916943074136381&sdata=IlGXSWS5Yx80WgS2AAquyAMaWf8bLwTIYIjvnkcrYZM%3D&reserved=0 | lhprism.org