Invasives Strike Force Crew Member Position Program 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 2,150 miles of hiking trails throughout southern New York and northern New Jersey. Our ISF crew completes invasive species surveys, control work, and leads volunteer removal teams throughout the region. The ISF crew works with a wide range of park partners at multiple sites throughout southern NY and northern NJ and will be supported by an existing base of volunteers and the Director of Land Stewardship. We are seeking 3 individuals who share our passion for conservation and the outdoors to join our crew. The crew will perform both manual removal and chemical treatment of invasive plants. All crew members will become NY Pesticide Apprentices and NJ Pesticide Operators and may then be eligible to take exams for licensing. Crew members may also assist with training workshops to teach volunteers. Occasionally crew members may represent the Trail Conference at public events to recruit volunteers.
Plant identification and eradication training will be provided (some experience is preferred). This is primarily an outdoor position and will include periods of camping for multiple days at work sites. Crew members will manage data and write reports on weekly activities. Weekend work is required - days off will be during the week. Service Location: Lower Hudson Valley Region of New York and Northern New Jersey Term of Service: 675 hour term of service, May 18 through September 18, weekend work required Duties and Responsibilities: • Become certified in New York and New Jersey pesticide application and follow all applicable rules and regulations regarding the use of pesticides • Keep accurate, timely and detailed records of activities • Prepare reports on work completed and log data collected • Work professionally at all times with crew members, community volunteers, and park partners. • Lead and co-lead invasive removal volunteer work days • Conduct independent invasive removals and treatments along hiking trails, including mechanical removal and/or application of herbicides • Conduct surveys of hiking trails for a targeted set of invasive plants, includes use of hand-held GPS. • Assist with training volunteers on invasive plant identification and removal techniques • Informally educate the public about invasive plants and recruit volunteers • Properly use and care for tools and equipment and follow all safety precautions 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 teamwork skills and/or experience leading volunteers • Must be organized, responsible and detail-oriented • Must have excellent oral and written communication skills • Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license • Must have access to a reliable vehicle for transportation of self, tools, and supplies to field sites Preferred Skills and Attributes: • NY licensed pesticide applicator or technician, or 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 and New Jersey • Experience using a hand-held GPS • Demonstrated outreach skills and teaching experience • Backpacking experience, camping experience and/or outdoor field work experience Benefits for Members • Free rustic, lakeside housing at a local park • Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance not to exceed $9,950 total • Upon successful completion of the program, an education award of $2,199.92 • Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment • Training in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED and Leave No Trace Principles • Training as a NY pesticide apprentice and NJ pesticide operator, or continuing education for licensed pesticide applicators or technicians • Opportunity to work in a variety of different parks and preserves throughout the region and network with many local park managers and environmental professionals. • Opportunity to serve local communities and the public by making a difference in the environment and improving habitats in a tangible way Enrollment Requirements: An individual must be at least 18 years of age; have a high school diploma or GED; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien; pass a three-part national service criminal history check of the national sex-offender registry, state repository check, and FBI fingerprint check; and complete all pre-service orientation and training requirements. Documentation of age, education and citizenship are due by the first day of orientation. Criminal history checks will be initiated before the start of service; an individual will be ineligible if s/he is required to register on the National Sex Offender Registry, has been convicted of murder, or fails to disclose any previous conviction. Other convictions or pending charges will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with program policy. To Apply: Go to https://www.nynjtc.org/corpsmembers Applications accepted until the positions are filled, with preference given to those received before February 20th. To Learn more about our Invasives programs: Go to: https://www.nynjtc.org/invasives Linda Rohleder, PhD Director of Land Stewardship New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Coordinator, Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management 600 Ramapo Valley Road | Mahwah, NJ 07430 T 201.512.9348 x 821 [email protected] | www.nynjtc.org
