Trail Conference Conservation Corps Position Opening: Invasives Strike Force Crew Members
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 work with 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 an existing base of volunteers, 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 3 individuals who share our passion for conservation and the outdoors to join us in controlling non-native invasive plant species entering our region. 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. 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 and create maps on activities weekly. Weekend work is required – work week is Thursday to Monday with Tuesday and Wednesdays off. Service Location: Lower Hudson Valley Region of New York and Northern New Jersey Term of Service: 900 hour term of service, May 2 through October 28, weekend work required Duties and Responsibilities: * Learn proper techniques for pesticide application in New York and New Jersey 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 natural areas for targeted invasive plants, includes use of hand-held GPS * Create maps in ArcMap utilizing data gathered in the field with GPS units * 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 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 * Knowledge of ArcMap * Demonstrated outreach skills and teaching experience * Backpacking experience, camping experience and/or outdoor field work experience * Experience using power equipment such as brush cutters Benefits for Members * Free rustic, lakeside housing at a local park * Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance $12,071 total * Education award of $2,960 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.
