Wildlife Technician

(Recreation Attendant) 

The Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation is responsible for the preservation and maintenance of 18,000 acres of parklands, trails and open spaces that host a variety of habitats and a diverse array of species. As new wildlife and plant populations emerge and established populations change, land managers and researchers monitor impacts and use adaptive management strategies to promote conservation efforts.

The Wildlife Technician is a field position to assist the Wildlife and Natural Resource supervisors in studying and managing wildlife, overseeing and assessing wildlife management programs, preventing negative human-wildlife interactions, mitigating wildlife damage, vegetation sampling, working with local partners and government agencies, implementing and adapting conservation management plans, and interfacing with the public.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge about local wildlife species, habitat management, wildlife management techniques, wildlife diseases, flora and fauna monitoring methodologies, conservation science, emerging threats to forest health, and New York State Environmental Conservation laws and regulations
• Create written reports from field surveys, compiled data, and published scientific papers
• Update and maintain existing databases, create new databases, and perform data analysis when required
• Perform site assessments to continue existing, or create new projects that mitigate wildlife damage or prevent negative human-wildlife interactions
• Assist with the oversight and operation of deer management programs
• Assist with Canada goose surveys and nest treatments
• Assist in construction and installation of beaver pond-leveling flow devices
• Collect and prepare biological samples for testing
• Use motion-sensing cameras to study or monitor assigned wildlife species
• Respond to nuisance and injured wildlife inquiries
• Support local conservation-based research efforts through shared fieldwork and collaboration with partner organizations and agencies
• Use GIS to map parcels, trails, habitat features, and project-specific data points
• Use Survey123 and other digital applications to design project-specific data collection surveys
• Perform vegetation surveys to support larger monitoring and sampling efforts
• Participate and assist in the supervision and management of volunteers, and part-time or seasonal personnel as needed
• Design and deliver presentations and workshops for the general public, program volunteers, and staff development trainings

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife biology, conservation biology, environmental science, ecology, or related field  
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and navigate rough terrain, thick vegetation, and water, during day and night operations
• Ability to comfortably lift 40 lbs. and to hike and paddle long distances
• Ability to navigate both on and off trail using maps, handheld GPS units, and assigned mobile device applications
• Ability to work independently
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency using Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access
• Ability to work flexible days and hours including weekends, holidays and evenings
• Background check required

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency using ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro or ArcMap, ESRI Survey123, and ESRI Field Maps
• Ability to independently create and execute research projects and associated reports
• Familiarity with carpentry, fabrication, and basic tool use
• Exposure to necropsies, dissections and collection of biological samples
• Experience with hunting and/or trapping, and is in possession of associated licenses
• Experience handling wildlife or working with livestock
• Experience in studying or applying the principles of wildlife ecology to habitat management, wildlife management, wildlife population study, natural resource management or mitigation of human-wildlife interactions
• Familiarity with New York State Environmental Conservation Law

Compensation

• This is an hourly position.
• Salary range: $17.10 - $20 per hour. Salary is commensurate with experience.
• Access to educational & professional development opportunities
• Option to participate in the NY State Retirement System

WESTCHESTER COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER