Parks and Recreation Aide 5 (Fairhaven Beach Stewardship Project Technician)

Job Description:

Parks and Recreation Aide 5 (Fairhaven Beach Stewardship Project Technician)

Description

Duties Description

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) Finger Lakes Environmental Stewardship Team is seeking an Environmental Stewardship Technician for a seasonal, field-based position. The technician will work primarily outdoors during the summer months, dedicating approximately 90% of their time to hands-on habitat restoration and invasive species management. The role is integral to enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities while prioritizing the restoration of critical habitats.

The technician’s responsibilities include establishing and maintaining suitable nesting and basking areas for spiny softshell turtles by stabilizing dunes and managing vegetation. This involves installing temporary fencing, transplanting American beachgrass (Calamagrostis breviligulata), and redistributing sand to expand dune habitats. The presence of spiny softshell turtles will be monitored using camera traps. Additionally, the technician will support the design and installation of signage and boardwalks to ensure that public access is balanced with habitat protection.

A key focus of the role is invasive species management. The technician will conduct manual removal of water chestnut (Trapa natans) across 200 acres of aquatic habitat in Sterling Pond and Creek, and assist licensed pesticide applicators with chemical treatments—applying foliar treatments to manage pale swallow-wort across 14.6 acres and Japanese knotweed along 4.6 acres of trails, campgrounds, and maintenance areas. Monitoring of invasive species regrowth will be performed using standardized field surveys, GPS mapping, and vegetation assessments.

The technician will also lead volunteer groups during water chestnut removal and dune restoration activities, while coordinating daily with the Finger Lakes Regional Biologist, maintenance teams, and FORCES volunteers. Data collected through transect and plot-based vegetation surveys will be compiled into progress reports, helping to guide ongoing management and restoration efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

There are no minimum qualifications for this title per Civil Service.

Additional Comments

OPERATING NEEDS:
• NYS terrestrial and aquatic native and invasive plant identification experience.
• Experience with detailed data management.
• Experience with mapping and GPS/GIS. Must be able to make concise and usable maps using data collected on handheld Garmin devices or tablets throughout the season.
• Experience with field surveys and monitoring, and ability to perform repetitive work carefully and diligently.
• Independent, organized, and comfortable leading a volunteer team in a field setting.
• Professionalism and clear communication will be exceptionally important to aid in the success of this project.
• Reliable transportation to and from work location and a valid Driver’s License.
• When required to operate motor vehicles, candidates must possess a valid New York State driver's license appropriate for the type of vehicle to be operated.
• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to interact with the public and park staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pesticide license in categories 3A or 2 for New York State or willingness to obtain.
• A degree or equivalent experience in natural resources, biology, environmental studies, or a related field.

BENEFITS:
This position has the option to join the NYS Employees’ 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 have been met.

Duration of this position: May 5th - September 15th,2025

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

Closing Date/Time: 04/06/25

Salary:

From $19.85 to $19.85 Hourly