Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
TitleInvasive Species Strike Team Specialists (Crew Members) - 12 positions
Occupational CategoryNo Preference
Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $13.04 to $13.04 Hourly
Minimum Qualifications Coursework related to forestry, environmental studies, ecology, natural resources management, or a relevant discipline, such as aquatic ecology, conservation biology, etc.
Experience with GPS/GIS and ecological monitoring methods
Ability to work, and maintain a good attitude, while performing physical work in spring, summer, and fall conditions.
Some knowledge of invasive New York flora and fauna
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.
Eastern/Western Terrestrial and Aquatic Strike Teams only: Must have some personal camping equipment and be comfortable camping weekly for some or most of the field season. Tents and cook sets will be provided for use throughout the season.
Duties Description The NYS OPRHP Strike Teams are broken into four distinct field teams that are positioned statewide, all working independently towards the Agency’s statewide Invasive Species Management strategy. Strike teams primarily perform manual invasive plant removals, as well as surveys, education and other activities as assigned on State Park lands. Strike Teams will travel extensively using agency vehicles across assigned OPRHP Regions (see http://nysparks.com/regions/default.aspx for OPRHP regional delineations). A total of 12 positions are available statewide; 3 crew members with each Strike Team.
***Work conditions include uneven terrain, heat, cold, and exposure to poison ivy, thorns, ticks, and biting insects. Appropriate protective equipment will be provided.***
The Eastern Terrestrial Invasive Species Strike Team will cover the following regions: Long Island, Taconic, Palisades, Saratoga-Capital, and the eastern portion of Thousand Islands. This team will report to Minnewaska State Park Preserve, located in Gardiner in Palisades region, for weekly briefing and debriefing. Requires frequent overnight travel and camping.
The Western Terrestrial Invasive Species Strike Team will cover the following regions: Central, Finger Lakes, Genesee, Niagara, Allegany, and the western portion of Thousand Islands. This team will report to Clark Reservation State Park, located outside Syracuse in Central region, for weekly briefing and debriefing. Requires frequent overnight travel and camping.
The Aquatic Invasive Species Strike Team will cover the following regions within the Great Lakes Basin: Allegany, Niagara, Genesee, Finger Lakes, Central, and Thousand Islands. This team will report to DeVeaux Woods State Park, located in Niagara Falls in Niagara Region, for weekly briefing and debriefing. Requires frequent overnight travel and camping.
The Long Island Invasive Species Strike Team will cover the Long Island Region. This team will report to Connetquot River State Park Preserve, located in Oakdale, for briefing and debriefing.
Team Home Base Locations:
Eastern Terrestrial Invasive Species Strike Team
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Gardiner, NY, 12525
Western Terrestrial Invasive Species Strike Team
Clark Reservation State Park, Jamesville, NY, 13078
Aquatic Invasive Species Strike Team
DeVeaux Woods State Park, Niagara Falls, NY, 14305
Long Island Invasive Species Strike Team
Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale, 11769
Duties & Responsibilities:
Manual and mechanical removal of invasive species
Invasive species survey and detection
Field data collection and entry
Post-removal monitoring
Park patron education
Additional Comments Position Type: Seasonal appointment (late May – mid November). Full-time (40 hours/week). Mandatory multi-day training will be held in late May.
Compensation:
Eastern/Western Terrestrial and Aquatic Strike Teams
Pay rate is $13.04/hour, plus meal per-diem when traveling (averages $200-250 per week when traveling).
Long Island Strike Team
Pay rate is adjusted for cost of living and is $14.38/hour. Housing may be available.
All positions do not include health care benefits or paid leave.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address invasives@parks.ny.gov
Address
Notes on ApplyingE-mail a completed part 1 pre-employment application, resume, cover letter, and three references to invasives@parks.ny.gov no later than March 9, 2018. Applicants should also indicate their preferred work location(s) in their cover letter. Applicants should title their email LastName_Strike Team Application (i.e., Smith_Strike Team Application). Part 1 Pre-employment application can be found at http://nysparks.com/employment/park-employment.aspx
Contacts: Please contact the following people for more information about each Strike Team
Eastern/Western Terrestrial Strike Teams
Sarah Travalio
Sarah.Travalio@parks.ny.gov
(716) 299-0808
Aquatic Invasive Species Strike Team
Logan West
Logan.West@parks.ny.gov(845) 633-8073
Long Island Strike Team
Annie McIntyre
Annie@McIntyre@parks.ny.gov
(631)581-1072