Trail Conference Conservation Corps Position Opening: Invasives Strike Force Crew Leader
Spend your summer outdoors protecting natural resources, gaining valuable experience in the field, and making a difference in ecosystem-level conservation! If you are looking to prevent ecological damage before it happens, join the Invasives Strike Force. Employing the most effective techniques to stop invasive plants, Invasives Strike Force crew members spend nearly every work day outside in the beautiful Lower Hudson Valley of New York State and northern New Jersey, working to contain and eliminate invasive plants from the extensive parks and wild areas just outside of New York City. If you want to lead a team of peers, network with regional leaders in conservation, protect the environment, build a solid base in field botany and invasive plant control, and maximize your environmental impact, a position with the Invasives Strike Force might be a good fit for you. Program Overview: The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is 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. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Conservation Corps (TCCC) program encompasses our seasonal crews focused on trail construction or invasive species control. Our Invasives Strike Force (ISF) crews are TCCC crews which survey areas for emerging invasive species and respond quickly to priority species with aggressive control tools. ISF Crew members work with a wide range of park partners at multiple sites throughout southern NY and northern NJ and will be supported by the Terrestrial Invasive Species Project Manager and the Director of Land Stewardship. For more information about our Corps, check out www.nynjtc.org/corps We are seeking a crew leader who shares our passion for conservation and the outdoors. The crew leader is responsible for working with the ISF Terrestrial Invasives Project Manager and park partners to prioritize, plan and schedule crew work throughout the summer and will work with and lead the crew to successful completion of projects. 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 will be eligible to take exams for licensing. Plant identification and eradication training will be provided; however it is expected that the crew leader will have some experience already. This is primarily an outdoor position and will include periods of camping for multiple days at work sites. The crew leader will begin work approximately 1 weeks prior to the rest of the crew so that he/she may attend leadership training, plan crew work and scout work sites. Weekend work is required – work week is Thursday to Monday with Tuesday and Wednesdays off. Service Location: The Lower Hudson Valley of New York and Northern New Jersey Term of Service: 900 hour term of service April 25 through October 28, weekend work required Duties and Responsibilities: * Supervise, motivate, direct, and coordinate crew members and volunteers as a team including project management, delegation of tasks, quality control in field and office, maintaining a high level of positive morale * Coordinate project logistics with the Terrestrial Invasives Project Manager * Instructing crew members and groups of volunteers in a safe manner, including proper use of equipment * Manage the day-to-day activities of crew members and community volunteers under the direction and with the support of the Terrestrial Invasives Project Manager * Serve as role model, facilitator, and educator to crew mates and community volunteers while working alongside them to encourage good work ethic and to set the work pace * Provide guidance and support to members, conflict resolution, and build crew cohesion * Communicate with program staff, crew members, and community volunteers to ensure the execution of a quality program that is consistent with the AmeriCorps provisions * 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 * Ensure that tools and equipment are properly used and cared for and all safety precautions are followed * Conduct independent invasive removals and treatments in natural areas, 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. * Prepare maps utilizing ArcMap and GPS data collected in the field * Assist with training volunteers on invasive plant identification and removal techniques * Informally educate the public about invasive plants and recruit volunteers ISF Crew Leaders are NOT responsible for signing crew member timesheets, evaluating crew member performance, disciplining crew members, enrolling/dismissing crew members, writing and/or signing program reports, managing the program’s payroll and budget. Skills and Attributes Required: * Ability to inspire, encourage and lead the team to successful completion of projects * Must have project management and team leadership experience, preferably in an outdoor setting. * Must be organized, responsible and detail-oriented * Ability to maintain a positive attitude in adverse conditions and under last-minute changes of plans * Work professionally at all times with crew members, volunteers and park partners. * 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 excellent oral and written communication skills * Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license * Must have access to a reliable vehicle for transportation to field sites Preferred Skills and Attributes: * College education in ecology, biology, natural resources management or related field. * 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 with ArcGIS software and with using a hand-held GPS * Experience using power equipment * Demonstrated outreach skills and teaching experience * Backpacking experience, camping experience and/or outdoor field work experience Member Benefits: * Free rustic, lakeside housing at a local park * Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance $13,110 total * Education award of $2,960 available upon successful completion of the program * 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. * Being recognized as a member of an accomplished AmeriCorps Program 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/content/corps-application Applications accepted until the positions are filled, with preference given to those received before February 20th. Linda Rohleder, PhD Director of Land Stewardship Coordinator, Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management New York - New Jersey Trail Conference 600 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, NJ 07430
