Position: NY-NJ Trail Conference AmeriCorps Invasives Strike Force Crew Member
Overview The Invasives Strike Force (ISF) is a program of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, a non-profit organization focused on the stewardship of more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails throughout southern New York and northern New Jersey. We are seeking a seasonal AmeriCorps member to join our crew which completes invasive species surveys and control work and leads volunteer removal teams. The AmeriCorps member will become a NY Pesticide Apprentice and a NJ Pesticide Operator and may then be eligible to take exams for licensing. He/she will work with a wide range of partners at multiple sites throughout southern NY and northern NJ and will be supported by an existing base of volunteers. The AmeriCorps member may also assist with training workshops to teach volunteers how to survey for invasive plants and assist with creation or revision of training materials. Occasionally the AmeriCorps member may represent the Trail Conference at public events to recruit volunteers. Plant identification and eradication training will be provided (some experience is preferred). The AmeriCorps member will manage data on a weekly basis using both Excel and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). This is primarily an outdoor position. AmeriCorps members must attend weekly status meeting in Mahwah. Some weekend work is required. Weekly hours are flexible. Days off during the week may be taken when weekend work is required. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Train for and become certified in New York and New Jersey pesticide application and follow all applicable rules and regulations regarding the use of pesticides * Prepare and submit work permit applications for invasive removals to various parks * Organize and recruit volunteers for invasive removal workdays along hiking trails * Publicize invasive removal workdays via email and web site notifications * Lead and co-lead invasive removal workdays, including mechanical removal and/or application of herbicides * Conduct independent invasive removals and treatments along hiking trails * Conduct surveys of hiking trails for a targeted set of invasive plants, includes use of hand-held GPS. * Keep accurate, timely and detailed records of activities * Assist with training volunteers for invasive plant surveying * Create and/or update volunteer training materials and presentations * Create and/or update volunteer recruitment materials * Attend appropriate environment-focused events to educate the public about invasive plants and recruit volunteers Skills and Attributes Required * Must be able to conduct physically strenuous field work in rugged terrain * Must be able to hike up to 4 miles carrying up to 30 lbs of equipment over uneven and/or steep terrain * Must have demonstrated leadership skills, outdoor group leadership preferred * Must be organized, responsible and detail-oriented * Must have excellent oral and written communication skills * Eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award and ability to follow all AmeriCorps policies and procedures (visit www.americorps.gov for more details) * Must be at least 18 years of age, no upper age limit * Must hold and maintain a valid driver's license * Must have access to a reliable vehicle for transportation to field sites Preferred Qualifications * NY licensed pesticide applicator or technician, be a licensed applicator in a state which has reciprocal licensing with NY (NJ, PA, OH, VT, RI, CT and IN). * Ability to identify native and invasive vegetation of New York * Experience using a hand-held GPS * Familiarity with ArcGIS * Familiarity with Microsoft Excel * Demonstrated outreach skills * Teaching experience * Hiking experience and/or outdoor field work experience Benefits for Members * Free rustic, lakeside housing * Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance not to exceed $4,260 total * Upon successful completion of the program, an education award of $1,175 * Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment * Making a difference in a local community and the opportunity to continue one's service to his/her country * Training in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED and Leave No Trace Principles * Training as a NY pesticide apprentice, NJ pesticide operator, or continuing education for licensed pesticide applicators or technicians Schedule This is a 300 hour service commitment to be filled in an 8-11 week period. Work schedule is flexible, but must start May 16 and complete by October 15. Closing Date: April 21, 2014. To Apply: Please submit the following items via email attachments (start all attachment filenames with your last name) to [email protected] Subject line: ISF AmeriCorps; "Your Last Name" * Resume * Cover letter addressing why you are interested in this position and why we should be interested in you * Contact information (include email and phone) for three references who can testify to your capabilities Linda Rohleder, PhD Director of Land Stewardship NY-NJ Trail Conference Mahwah, NJ
