Lead Invasive Species Technician (Park & Recreation Aide 6)

Job Description:

Lead Invasive Species Technician (Park & Recreation Aide 6)

Description

Duties Description

Position Overview:
The Taconic Region of NYS Parks is seeking a Lead Invasive Species Technician who will work closely with regional staff from Environmental and Statewide Stewardship teams to meet regional and statewide stewardship goals. This position will coordinate regional invasive species field work in support of projects involving the protection of rare, threatened and endangered species and natural communities. This will involve a mixture of field and office work. At times, the position will require work on uneven and steep terrain and in inclement weather. Some evening, night, and weekend work will be required.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Plan and schedule field work for two to three summer seasonal field technicians.
• Collect and manage invasive species data using standardized methods.
• Maintain project information and reports in statewide databases (DESP, AGOL, iMap).
• Write technical reports from invasive species field surveys, monitoring, and treatments.
• Provide guidance and support to parks staff and volunteers (ECC, SCA, partners, etc).
• Support regional stewardship staff in planning, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring restoration projects to meet regional stewardship goals.
• Assist in gathering natural resource information for environmental review and planning efforts.
• Survey, manage, and monitor for rare, threatened, endangered or special concern wildlife and plant species.
• Research best management practices and survey methods.
• Other duties to be determined by the Environmental Stewardship Biologist.

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Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

: No minimum qualifications per Civil Service. See preferred qualifications and operational needs below.

Additional Comments

Preferred Qualifications:
• A degree or experience in forestry, environmental studies, ecology, natural resources management, or a relevant discipline, such as aquatic ecology, conservation biology, etc.
• One season or more experience with invasive species identification and control methods.
• One year experience coordinating and planning field work.
• Experience with leadership, time management, and project management.
• Knowledge of New York’s flora and fauna, conservation issues, and threats to species and ecosystems.
• Experience using and maintaining hand tools and outdoor power equipment.
• Experience collecting data using mobile applications.
• Ability to create and edit maps and shapefiles using ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Online.
• Knowledge of habitat restoration techniques used to benefit plants, animals, and water quality.
• Familiarity with reptile, amphibian, bird, mammal, and/or invertebrate surveys.

Operating Needs:
• Ability perform light to heavy physical labor in a variety of field conditions and demonstrating safe working practices.
• Strong organizational, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with handheld GPS, data collection, and Geographic Information Systems.
• Experience with data management and manipulation.
• Provide excellent customer service to park visitors, answering questions, providing information, and ensuring a positive experience.
• Must be available to work a variable schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.

*This position is a 12 month long position.

BENEFITS:
This position has the option to join the NYS Employee’s Retirement System and may be eligible for health insurance, dental and vision coverage as well as the opportunity for paid time off in the form of vacation, sick, personal and holiday leave after time and service requirements has been met.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Closing Date/Time: 02/07/25

Salary:

From $20.94 to $20.94 Hourly