Title: Invasive Species Strike Team Leader

Position Type: Long term, year-round seasonal appointment. Full time (40 hours/week).

Program Description:  The NYS OPRHP Invasive Species Strike Team on Long Island works independently towards the Agency’s statewide Invasive Species Management strategy. The strike team primarily performs manual invasive plant removals, as well as surveys and other activities as assigned on State Park lands. The team will report to Connetquot River State Park Preserve in Oakdale and travel to other State Parks on Long Island using agency vehicles. The team will have four members, one of which will be the team leader. Work conditions include uneven terrain, heat, cold, and exposure to poison ivy, thorns, ticks, and biting insects. Appropriate protective equipment will be provided.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Organizing daily activities, troubleshooting minor logistical and mechanical issues
• Ensuring safety of team members
• Field data collection and entry
• Confirming data accuracy during collection
• Writing reports weekly on team activities and progress
• Manual and mechanical removal of invasive species
• Invasive species survey and detection
• Post-removal monitoring
• Restoration planting
• Assisting with creation and updates of invasive species management plans
• Park patron education

Qualifications:

• A degree in ecology, botany, environmental studies, forestry, natural resource management, or a relevant discipline, such as aquatic ecology, conservation biology, etc.
• Some supervisory experience.
• Experience with plant identification and a familiarity with invasive species.
• Familiarity with GPS/GIS and ecological monitoring methods.
• Ability to work, and maintain a good attitude, while performing physical work year-round.
• Strong interest in and commitment to environmental stewardship and team-oriented approach to solving environmental challenges.
• Backcountry orienteering and “Leave No Trace” experience a plus.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.