CCE of Saratoga County Temporary Invasive Species Technicians – Ballston Spa, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

3d•$20•Onsite

About The Position

As part of CCE Saratoga’s Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) program Invasive Species Technicians help prevent the spread of invasive species by conducting early detection surveys, collecting data, and by performing removal of invasive species and landscape restoration techniques. Technicians also assist in educating the public on invasive species topics. Invasive Species Technicians typically work for 12-14 weeks between May and August; dates may vary depending on program needs. Typical work schedules are Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm with a 30-minute unpaid meal period; schedules can vary depending on the weather and travel time. Technicians work throughout the greater Capital Region including portions of the northern Catskills and Southern Adirondacks.

Requirements

At least two years of college education in natural resources or related fields.
Experience relevant to the role of the position.
Travel Requirements: Ability to meet frequent travel requirements associated with this position.
A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for Association insurance coverage are required.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Occasional overnight travel.
Program Skills: Serve as an effective subject matter resource.
Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and others.
Technology Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Survey 123 and Arc GIS Applications on a provided tablet.

Nice To Haves

Degree in natural resources or related fields.
Experience in plant and/or tree identification.
Prior conservation, biology, or forest technician experience.
Working knowledge of ArcGIS applications, iMapInvasives and/or Survey 123 applications.

Responsibilities

Assist in teaching basic plant identification and demonstrate detection and control methods.
Participate in tabling and outreach events.
Serve as a subject matter resource, answering basic questions for the public.
Work primarily on public and private lands with very limited work on open waterbodies.
Perform early detection surveys for invasive species.
Assist in surveying and deploying monitoring networks regionally for invasive species.
Monitor traps for invasive species and collect environmental DNA samples.
Perform manual and mechanical methods to control and treat invasive species.
Use restoration practices to restore managed landscapes including reseeding, planting and propagating native plants.
Serve on a response team for the control of hogweed and other invasive species.
Collect and report presence points and polygons including treatment data using applications like survey 1,2,3 and ARC GIS On-Line.
Aid in partner and related state agency invasive species work actions.
Assist in creating draft reports for data collected during search, detect, and treatment actions.
Aid in biocontrol releases and associated assessments.
In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.
Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.
Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Saratoga County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.