WORK SCHEDULE: Mon.-Fri., 8:00 am-4:30 pm, 40 hours/week, with some flexibility in schedule and 75% local travel.

(Positions will begin late May/early June 2025 and last approximately 16 weeks).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is seeking two Stewardship Technicians to work in the Taconic Region, which covers the State Parks in Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties. The technicians will work closely with regional and statewide stewardship staff to meet stewardship goals. The work will focus largely on conducting the field work on projects that involve the protection of rare, threatened, and endangered species and natural communities on State Park lands and historic sites throughout the region. At times, this position will require hiking long distances, as well as working on uneven and steep terrain and in inclement weather. There will be some evening/night and weekend work required for Blanding’s turtle nest monitoring.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support regional stewardship staff in planning and implementing on-the-ground projects (primarily invasive species and habitat restoration projects) to meet regional goals.
• Survey, manage, and monitor invasive species in the field (aquatic and terrestrial plants, forest pests/pathogens).
• Collect and manage field data using standardized methods (Survey123, ArcGIS Field Maps, GIS).
• Maintain project information and reports in statewide databases (DESP, AGOL, iMap).
• Provide guidance and support to Facility Management, field staff, and volunteers (ECC, SCA, partners, etc.).
• Assist with other field-based stewardship projects (e.g., Blanding’s turtle work, coverboards, water quality).
• Other duties to be determined by senior regional stewardship staff.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• The candidate must be available to work a variable schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
• Have one season or more of experience with invasive species identification and control methods.
• Ability to communicate in writing and to read and comprehend written material. 
• Must be able to communicate effectively with other staff and park patrons and professionally represent the agency.
• Experience creating and editing maps, shapefiles, ecological methods using ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Online.
• Experience collecting data using mobile applications.
• Experience using and maintaining hand tools and outdoor power equipment.

The ideal candidate possesses the following qualifications:

• Backcountry orienteering and Leave No Trace experience.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• A degree or experience in forestry, environmental studies, ecology, natural resources management, or a relevant discipline.
• Excellent organizational skills in a field setting.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude while performing light to heavy physical labor in a variety of field conditions and demonstrating safe working practices.
• Strong interest in and commitment to environmental stewardship and team-oriented approach to solving environmental challenges.