Individual Placement - Invasive Species and Biocontrol Steward

Student Conservation Association•Warrensburg, NY

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The member will serve with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation’s Invasive Species Unit, which works with biologists and stewardship staff statewide to manage invasive species and protect rare and threatened species and significant natural communities. Supervised by the Unit’s Invasive Plant and Biocontrol Coordinator, the member will gain hands-on experience detecting, identifying, and managing invasive plants and insects in New York State. The position focuses on the state’s biological control program, including releasing, recovering, and monitoring biological control agents. Other work includes invasive species surveys and identification, control and monitoring, and developing educational and guidance documents. Example projects include monitoring the emergence of hemlock woolly adelgid biocontrol agents, recovering and identifying emerald ash borer biocontrol agents, and surveying and mapping invasive plants and forest pests. The member will collect field data using ESRI applications such as Field Maps and Survey123, enter data into ArcGIS Online and the iMap database, and use Microsoft Excel to enter, track, and compile data. The position is based at the Invasive Species Field Office at Minnewaska State Park Preserve near New Paltz, New York. Projects will mostly take place in the Hudson Valley, with opportunities to travel elsewhere in Eastern New York. Work combines office, field, and lab activities and involves interaction with agency and partner staff. The member will serve as an SCA AmeriCorps member in a 10-month position. The stated service dates are January 25, 2027, through November 19, 2027.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national.
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively working to complete one.
Be willing to undergo a National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks after an offer is made.
Hold a current, valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle operated.
Provide a state DMV driver’s abstract and pass New York State OPRHP driver training.
Submit timesheets weekly or biweekly through SCA’s ADP timekeeping system and submit required output and narrative reports.
A personal vehicle is required for personal travel.

Nice To Haves

Desire to learn about invasive species identification and management.
Strong interest in and commitment to stewardship.
Team-oriented approach to solving challenges.
Comfort hiking and working outdoors on varied terrain and in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

Contribute to on-the-ground biological control initiatives, including releases, monitoring, recovery efforts, and site compatibility assessments.
Recover and process biological control samples and prepare them for shipment to partner laboratories for identification.
Survey for, monitor, and manage invasive species, including early detection, site assessments, pre- and post-treatment monitoring, manual or mechanical control, and site restoration.
Participate in SCA trainings, service projects, and member development events.
Conduct literature reviews and gather information for guidance documents, manuals, management plans, and reports.
Develop educational materials and assist with trainings and events.
Manage data and create maps using ArcGIS software.
Assist with other stewardship projects, including work related to water quality, wildlife management, and ecology.
Submit timesheets and required output and narrative reports.
Drive an OPRHP vehicle as required.

Benefits

$1,000 monthly housing allowance to procure housing.
Health insurance.
AmeriCorps and SCA orientation and training, including risk management, reporting requirements, and benefits.
Mental Health First Aid training.
Wilderness First Aid and CPR training.
Project WILD and Project AQUATIC training.
New York State Outdoor Educator Association conferences and events.
Hudson River Ecology training.
Leave No Trace Level 1 training.
Professional development and job readiness support.
Service events, including Earth Day/Arbor Day, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day, Patriots Day of Service and Remembrance, and A Day in the Life of the Hudson River.