Job description

No Civil Service Minimum Qualifications. See Operating needs and preferred skills in "Additional Comments."

Duties Description
Position Overview:
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation is seeking a Lead Stewardship Technician to work in the Taconic Region (Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties). The technician will work closely with the Natural Resource Steward (Biologist), Ecological Technician, and Statewide Stewardship staff to meet regional and statewide stewardship goals. This position will involve the coordination of field work in support of projects involving the protection of rare, threatened and endangered species and natural communities on park lands and historic sites throughout the region. This position will involve a mixture of field and office work. At times, the position will require work on uneven and steep terrain and in inclement weather. Some evening, night, and weekend work will be required.
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support regional stewardship staff in planning, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring restoration projects to meet regional stewardship goals. May involve communicating with contractors.
• Assist in gathering natural resource information for environmental review and planning efforts.

o Survey, manage, and monitor for rare, threatened, endangered or special concern wildlife and plant species (e.g., turtle trapping, tracking, and nest protection/monitoring).
o Survey, manage, and monitor for invasive species.
o Assist stewardship staff with managing wildlife conflicts (e.g., installing beaver flow devices). o Research best management practices and survey methods.

• Coordinate field work under supervision of Natural Resource Steward. o Assist in planning and scheduling field work for up to four field technicians. o Collect and manage field data using standardized methods (Survey123, ArcGIS Field Maps, GPS, GIS, paper data sheets, Microsoft Excel and Access). o Maintain project information and reports in statewide databases (DESP, AGOL, iMap). o Write technical reports from ecological field surveys and assessments.

o Provide guidance and support to parks staff and volunteers (ECC, SCA, partners, etc).
o Maintain communication with Park and Site Managers for their awareness. • Organize and participate in environmental education and outreach events, e.g., BioBlitz events. • Other duties to be determined by the Natural Resource Steward.

Additional Comments
Operating Needs:

• A degree in ecology, natural resources management, conservation biology, environmental studies, forestry, or a related field.
• One year experience in the environmental field.
• Familiarity with ecological monitoring methods, e.g., wildlife and vegetation surveys.
• Experience with data management and manipulation.
• Strong organizational, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with handheld GPS, data collection, and Geographic Information Systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude while performing light to heavy physical labor in a variety of field conditions and demonstrating safe working practices.
• Ability to interact effectively with other staff and park patrons and professionally represent the agency.
• Must possess and maintain a valid US Driver’s License.

Preferred Skills:

• One year experience coordinating and planning field work.
• Experience with leadership, time management, and project management.
• Knowledge of New York’s flora and fauna, conservation issues, and threats to species and ecosystems.
• Familiarity with reptile, amphibian, bird, mammal, and/or invertebrate surveys.
• Knowledge of habitat restoration techniques used to benefit plants, animals, and water quality.
• Experience with radiotelemetry and trail camera usage.
• Ability to create and edit maps and shapefiles using ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Online.
• Experience collecting data using Survey123 and ArcCollector or ArcGIS Field Maps.
• Experience using and maintaining hand tools and outdoor power equipment.
• Navigation and orienteering experience. First Aid/CPR certification.

Position Schedule and Duration:
This position is a 37.5 hour/week Monday-Friday, long-term seasonal position with NYS OPRHP in the Parks and Recreation Aide 6 title. This position will begin in April or May 2023 and is funded through March 2024. This is a one-year position with the potential for extension based on job performance, need, and availability of funds. The candidate must be available to work a variable schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Benefits:
The position has the option to join the NYS Employee’s Retirement System, is eligible for health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and the opportunity for paid time off in the form of vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave after enough time and service has been met.

Location: 9 Old Post Rd, Staatsburg, NY 12580

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.74 per hour

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