Position Information

NY HELPNo

AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of

TitlePark and Recreation Aide 6/7 - Invasive Species Strike Team Leader - Long Island

Occupational CategorySkilled Craft, Apprenticeship, Maintenance

Salary GradeHourly

Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)

Salary RangeFrom $21.57 to $24.13 Hourly

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Temporary

Jurisdictional Class Labor Class

Travel Percentage 0%

Schedule

Workweek Other (see below)

"Other" Explanation Long Term, Year-round Seasonal, Monday-Friday, rarely Saturday

Hours Per Week 40

Workday

From 8 AM

To 4:30 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

Location

County Suffolk

Street Address Connetquot River State Park Preserve

4090 Sunrise Highway

City Oakdale

StateNY

Zip Code11769

Job Specifics

Duties Description Invasive Species Strike Team Leader is a full-time, year-round seasonal position that assists the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) on Long Island in implementing the Agency’s statewide Invasive Species Management strategy. The strike team primarily performs manual invasive plant removals, as well as surveys, education, 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 include, but are not limited to:
• 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
• Performing other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications No minimum qualifications per Civil Service.

Preferred 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.

Additional Comments OPERATIONAL NEEDS:
• 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.
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must possess strong organizational and critical thinking skills and the ability to work independently or on a team.
• Must be able to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time outside and lift up to 50 lbs.
• A degree or coursework in ecology, environmental studies, forestry, natural resource management, or a relevant discipline, such as aquatic ecology, conservation biology, etc.
• Familiarity with invasive species and/or biological surveys.
• Familiarity with GPS/GIS.
• Backcountry orienteering and “Leave No Trace” experience a plus.

BENEFITS:
This position has the option to join the NYS Employee’s Retirement System and may be eligible for health insurance, dental and vision coverage as well as the opportunity for paid time off in the form of vacation, sick, personal and holiday leave after time and service requirements has been met.

To learn more about our benefits, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx

This position may require a background check and/or medical exam prior to appointment.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

How to Apply

Name Yuriy Litvinenko

Telephone

Fax

Email Address yuriy.litvinenko@parks.ny.gov

Address

Street Connetquot River State Park Preserve

4090 Sunrise Highway

City Oakdale

State NY

Zip Code 11769

 

Notes on ApplyingIf you feel you meet the minimum qualifications and the agency’s operating needs and are interested in being considered for this vacancy, you can obtain an Employment Application from your local park office your region’s administrative headquarters, or you can download an application from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation by visiting the website https://parks.ny.gov/regions/long-island/default.aspx.

Please forward your application, resume, cover letter, and three references Yuriy.litvinenko@parks.ny.gov by 4/30/2026.
For any questions regarding the position, please reach out by email to Yuriy.Litvinenko@parks.ny.gov and/or by phone at (631) 481-3035.

NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to ensuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities and workplace diversity.

New York State (NYS) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Law prohibits discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, domestic violence victim status, carrier status, gender identity or prior conviction records, or prior arrests, youthful offender adjudications or sealed records unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.

Executive Order 31 commits New York State government to becoming a model employer for people with disabilities, increasing the participation of people with disabilities in state service and ensuring equal access to opportunities. OPRHP encourages people with disabilities to apply. If an employee or job applicant believes that they need a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the Equal Opportunity Unit at ReasonableAccommodation@parks.ny.gov or (518) 486-7754.