Terrestrial Invasive Species Assistant

The Nature Conservancy • Town of Keene, NY

1d • $21 • Onsite

About The Position

What We Can Achieve Together: 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 Terrestrial Invasive Species Assistant will help protect the Adirondack Park from the threat of invasive species, including forest pests, by conducting invasive species monitoring and management field work. The Terrestrial Invasive Species Assistant performs invasive species surveys and mechanical, biological, and chemical management of invasive species across the Adirondack region of upstate New York, collects and analyzes data, and provides education about invasive species We’re Looking for You: The Adirondack Terrestrial Invasive Species Assistant is responsible for the monitoring and management of invasive species, especially early phenology terrestrial species and forest pest species throughout the Adirondack PRISM on both public and private lands. Daily activities will include, but are not limited to, the following: early detection surveys, including those for forest pests; data collection with mobile monitoring tools; mechanical, biological, and/or chemical/pesticide invasive plant management; public education/outreach; data analysis; forest pest trap monitoring; and writing reports. The Terrestrial Invasive Species Assistant will work under the direction of APIPP’s Terrestrial Invasive Species Manager and may also work closely with other APIPP program staff, including aquatic invasive species staff, communications staff, and the seasonal campground steward, and other projects that advance APIPP’s contract with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and at least three years of education or experience in land management or a science-related field.
• Ability to identify invasive plant and animal species.
• Knowledge of field data collection techniques.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, natural resources, forestry, or a related field and experience working in invasive species prevention or management.
• Experience, training, and NYS certification in herbicide application.
• Knowledge of invasive plant/animal biology.
• Experience with 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, and Survey123 and writing scientific reports.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Responsibilities

• Performs early detection and monitoring surveys for invasive plant and forest pest species.
• Deploys mechanical, chemical, and biological management techniques to control invasive species following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles in priority areas.
• Collects invasive species distribution and management data using mobile monitoring tools and GPS.
• 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.
• Works alone long hours in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, 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