Individual Placement - Invasive Species and Biocontrol Steward

Student Conservation Association•Warrensburg, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The member will serve with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (NYS OPRHP) Invasive Species Unit, which works with biologists and stewardship staff 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 New York State invasive plants and insects, with a primary focus on releasing, recovering, and monitoring biological control agents. Projects may 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 use ESRI-based data collection applications, including Field Maps and Survey123, to enter data into ArcGIS Online and the iMap database, and will enter, track, and compile data in Microsoft Excel. Other work may include invasive species surveys and management, educational and guidance materials, and stewardship projects involving water quality, wildlife management, and ecology. The position is based at the Invasive Species Field Office at Minnewaska State Park Preserve near New Paltz, New York, with work primarily in and around the Hudson Valley and opportunities to travel elsewhere in Eastern New York. Work combines office, field, and laboratory tasks and includes regular interaction with the public and agency and partner staff. The role is part of a 10-month SCA AmeriCorps member placement, scheduled January 25 through November 19, 2027, at 40 hours per week. A $1,000 monthly housing allowance is provided; compensation is $500 per week. Health insurance and training and professional development opportunities are also provided.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively working to complete one.
Must be willing to undergo a National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks after an offer is made.
Must be able to work 40 hours per week during the service term.
Must possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle operated.
Must provide a state DMV driver’s abstract and pass New York State OPRHP Driver Training.
A personal vehicle is required for personal travel.
Must be comfortable hiking and working outdoors in varied terrain and all weather conditions.
Must be able to interact positively with people with varying perspectives.
Must submit timesheets on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and weekly output reports; training is provided at orientation.

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.
Interest in hands-on conservation work and natural resource stewardship.

Responsibilities

Contribute to biological control initiatives, including agent release and monitoring, recovery efforts, and site compatibility assessments.
Recover and process biological control samples and prepare them for submission 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 those involving water quality, wildlife management, and ecology.
Enter survey and monitoring data into ArcGIS Online and the iMap database using ESRI applications, and enter, track, and compile data using Microsoft Excel.
Submit timesheets and required weekly output reports and member narratives through SCA systems.

Benefits

$1,000 monthly housing allowance.
Health insurance.
AmeriCorps and SCA orientation and risk management training.
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.