Adirondack Aquatic Invasive Species Assistant

The Nature Conservancy • Keene Valley, NY

7d • $21 • Onsite

About The Position

The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) is an award-winning invasive species program that leads the Conservancy’s invasive species work in the Adirondack Park in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). APIPP serves as the host of the Adirondack Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM), one of eight such partnerships in NY. The Adirondack PRISM’s mission is to work in partnership to minimize the impact of invasive species on the Adirondack region’s communities, lands, and waters. Program goals are to prevent new invasive species introductions to the region, to detect and rapidly respond to new infestations, and to mitigate harmful impacts of established infestations. APIPP advances a comprehensive, integrated approach that incorporates awareness building, prevention, early detection, rapid response, monitoring, restoration, and innovation strategies. Visit www.adkinvasives.com to learn more. The Adirondack Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Seasonal Assistant will help monitor and manage aquatic invasive species in the Adirondack Park and reduce the spread of AIS throughout waterbodies in the Park. The AIS Seasonal Assistant conducts invasive species surveys, collects and analyzes data, provides education about invasive species, updates databases, and helps manages invasive species across the Adirondack region of upstate New York. The Adirondack AIS Seasonal Assistant conducts invasive species field work throughout the Adirondack Park. Daily activities will include, but are not limited to, the following: early detection surveys, data collection with mobile monitoring tools, mechanical invasive plant management, public education/outreach, data analysis, and report writing. Some specific projects will include monitoring invasive species on Lake Champlain as part of a project to assess management effectiveness, removing water chestnut from various waterbodies, confirming identification of species reported by volunteers, and collecting water samples for eDNA and water quality processing. The Adirondack AIS Seasonal Assistant will work under the direction of APIPP’s Aquatic Invasive Species Manager and may also work closely with other APIPP program staff, including the program manager and terrestrial invasive species stewards, on projects that advance APIPP’s contract with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and at least two years of education or experience in AIS monitoring or a science-related field.
• Ability to identify aquatic invasive plant and animal species.
• Knowledge of field data collection techniques.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to swim and paddle a boat.
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
• Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."
• Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environmental monitoring, ecology, or a related field and experience working in aquatic invasive species prevention or management.
• Knowledge of aquatic invasive plant/animal and native look alike species.
• Experience with aquatic invasive species management tools and techniques.
• Demonstrated experience collecting scientific data with mobile monitoring tools, GPS, etc.
• Experience safely operating small watercraft.
• Ability to take quality photos while in the field.
• Experience using software applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems like ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, or Survey123 and writing scientific reports.
• Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Responsibilities

• Performs on water early detection surveys for aquatic invasive species.
• Collects invasive species distribution and management data using mobile monitoring tools and GPS.
• Deploys mechanical management techniques to control invasive species.
• Educates the public about invasive species identification and spread prevention measures.
• May be required to attend one or more public events on a weekend to represent APIPP and provide invasive species education.
• Collects water samples for laboratory analysis.
• Works alone long hours in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on various waterbodies, and under physically demanding circumstances and assesses risks associated with working conditions.
• Resolves routine issues independently and may work under infrequent supervision.
• Requires moderate physical exertion and/or muscular strain.

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED