Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
TitleFORCES Stewardship Corps Lead (Parks and Recreation Aide 6) 2 positions
Occupational CategoryNo Preference
Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $14.67 to $14.67 Hourly
Minimum Qualifications • Extensive knowledge of invasive species identification and plant identification in general.
• Prior experience with manual removal of numerous invasive plant species.
• Experience with mapping and GPS/ GIS. Must be able to make concise and usable maps using data collected on handheld Garmin devices throughout the season.
• Strong, effective, communication skills and ability to interact with the public and park staff.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility, problem solving, delegation, and strong leadership skills are necessary.
• A degree or equivalent experience in natural resources, biology, environmental studies, or a related field.
• Reliable transportation to and from all the three parks listed as work location and able to transport tools in personal vehicles.
• Able and excited to work outside for 40 hours a week, potentially in inclement weather, and to spend the majority of the summer manually removing invasive plants.
Duties Description FORCES Stewardship Corps Leads are expected to work under the FORCES Program Specialist to lead the FORCES Stewardship Corps in daily activities. The two Corps Leads will be responsible for coordinating six total Corps members. The FORCES Stewardship Corps forms a fundamental component of the Three Gorges Project being initiated by the OPRHP’s Environmental Field Team. The Three Gorges Project is a two-year initiative targeting invasive plants within the gorge and riparian areas of the Taughannock Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and Robert H. Treman State Parks. The FORCES Stewardship Corps will assist by performing manual invasive plant removals, as well as surveys, education and other activities as assigned on State Park lands.
Leads are responsible for receiving weekly schedules from the FORCES Program Specialist and submitting weekly progress reports, organizing daily activities, communicating with additional park staff, troubleshooting minor logistical and mechanical issues, keeping team members safe, ensuring accurate data collection, and working hard alongside crew members. Leads are also responsible for tracking and reporting crew hours and any injuries to the FORCES Program Specialist. Leads will work a half hour longer each day and an additional three weeks at the end of the season, beyond the work schedule of the Corps members. This will allow for ongoing tool and data management, data processing, and generation of final reports.
Work conditions include uneven terrain, heat, cold, and frequent exposure to poison ivy, thorns, ticks, wild parsnip, and biting insects.
• Manual removal, survey, and mapping of invasive species (72.5 %)
• Receiving weekly schedules and submitting weekly progress report to the FORCES Program Specialist (2.5%)
• Organizing daily activities, keeping track of tools, equipment and crew hours, troubleshooting minor logistical and mechanical issues (5%)
• Field data collection and entry, ensuring accurate data collection, and processing of data to create maps and final reports (5%)
• Coordination of team members to complete designated tasks and maintain morale (5%)
• Weekly maintenance of Spring 2019 plantings: checking fencing, watering, and pruning (as needed)
ANDREW M. CUOMO Governor ROSE HARVEY Commissioner
• Check-ins with the Plant Materials Program about the phenology of local species (1.25%)
• Assist in mapping, collecting and processing native plant materials (1.25%)
• Pre- and post-removal monitoring of infestations (2.5%)
• Regular communications with park staff and partners about logistics and work plans (2.5%)
• Outreach and education to park patrons (2.5%)
Additional Comments DURATION: May 28th, 2019- September 6th, 2019
Two overnights will be required for training May 30th & June 3rd
Please note that the end date of this position is later than the beginning of most college semesters.
WORK LOCATION: Taughannock Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and Robert H. Treman State Parks.
Stewardship Corps supervisors should be located within commuting distance of all three parks. Both Stewardship Corps Leads will work in all three locations. Transportation and housing will not be provided.
*Other invasive species positions may be available. Please visits https://statejobs.ny.gov/ to view job announcements for
• Forest Health Technician (April-January)
• Long Island Strike Team Crew Member (April-September)
• Long Island Strike Team Summer Crew Member (June-August)
• Forest Health Specialists (May-October)
• Eastern/Western Strike Team Specialists (May-October)
If you are interested but do not meet the qualifications for these positions, please consider getting involved with the FORCES (Friends of Recreation, Conservation and Environmental Stewardship) Program within NYS Parks. The FORCES Program offers a variety of internship and volunteer opportunities that give students the skills and experience to allow them to meet qualifications for job postings similar to this one. https://parks.ny.gov/environment/forces.aspx
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address Chenga.Drury@parks.ny.gov
Address
Street 2221 Taughannock Falls Road
Notes on ApplyingPlease send a resume, cover letter, and three references to Chenga.Drury@parks.ny.gov no later than March 8th, 2019. Interviews and hiring will begin on March 11th, 2019. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Please specify whether you would be interested in being considered for a position as a Corps member as well as a supervisor.