Hudson Valley Corps - Karner Blue Butterfly Steward

Student Conservation Association•Saratoga Springs, NY

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Aid in habitat restoration and management for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly in the Saratoga-Capital Region of NYS Parks. The position involves work at two Parks: At Saratoga Spa State Park, the SCA member will work as a site steward, leading on-the-ground conservation and outreach and assisting with habitat restoration projects at a Karner blue butterfly site. At Big Bend Preserve (Moreau Lake State Park) the SCA member will work directly with their supervisor, other staff, and volunteers to assist with restoration projects including invasive species management, vegetation and wildlife surveys, and support of prescribed fire operations. The extremely tenuous nature of the Karner blue population (in general but particularly at Saratoga Spa State Park) along with the unique local conditions combine to create a site that warrants very close attention. The partnership with AmeriCorps members helps provide the on-site presence needed to allow for a greater level of management for a species in desperate need, including other rare species like frosted elfin butterflies. And with large scale restoration getting underway at Moreau, assisting conservation there will help NYS Parks establish a viable metapopulation that is key to securing the long-term viability of Karner blues in New York. Through habitat restoration and education programming, AmeriCorps members will be directly addressing both the Environmental Stewardship and Education Focus Areas of the Serve America Act. This position furthers NYS Parks’ mission to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for allâ¯New York Stateâ¯residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.

Requirements

Must be able (and happy) to work outside, often in hot and sunny conditions
have a willingness to learn various restoration techniques using hand tools and other equipment
Personal Vehicle

Nice To Haves

GIS
GPS
Field survey experience with vegetation and insect monitoring
Entomology
Botany
Natural Resource Management
A willingness to become a Pesticide Apprentice to assist with invasive species control
a willingness to assist with prescribed fire operations (this could be through Wildlands Fire Training and active participation, or could be assistance with site preparation and post-fire monitoring, or both)
public speaking
education/outreach

Responsibilities

At Saratoga Spa State Park: monitor populations of Karner blues, frosted elfins, and other rare species
monitor/manage habitat and host plant quality
assist with habitat restoration projects
provide outreach to area visitors
improve compliance with protective measures
Complete and document monitoring for spring and summer butterfly broods
Conduct habitat monitoring in butterfly management areas
Assist with habitat restoration and management projects, including invasive species control, native plant restoration, and vegetation and wildlife surveys
Provide positive interpretive interactions with the public, including working with Park and patrons to provide information on restoration activities and improve compliance with area regulations

Benefits

AmeriCorps and SCA Training
SCA Risk Management
Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
Mental Health First Aid Training
Wilderness First Aid & CPR
Project WILD/Aquatic Curriculum
Environmental Leadership Institute
New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
Hudson River Ecology
Leave No Trace Level I Certification
Professional Development & Job Readiness
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required
Housing Provided
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $5,176.50
Living Allowance member will receive: $440/week