Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
Occupational CategoryNo Preference
Bargaining UnitASU - Administrative Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $13.55 to $13.55 Hourly
Minimum Qualifications •An undergraduate degree or 3 years’ experience related to forestry, environmental studies, forest/stream ecology, natural resource management, invasive species management, or a relevant discipline such as general biology
•Experience in collection of field data
•Ability to navigate in backcountry conditions
•Working knowledge of GPS, GIS and ecological monitoring methods
•Experience in interacting with and/or educating the public
•Familiarity with invasive insects
•Interest in and commitment to environmental stewardship
•Strong level of physical fitness with no fear of heights
•Comfort camping in State Park campgrounds
•First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain required, WFR desired
•A valid driver’s license
Duties Description The Forest Health Specialist team will work for and report to Invasive Species staff. Assistance from Regional Natural Resource Steward-Biologists, regional Forestry staff, Natural Heritage Program scientists and educators will be provided. These Forest Health Specialists are a crucial component of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) statewide Invasive Species Management Program.
Specialists are responsible for performing detailed invasive insect surveys, ensuring accurate data collection, educating the public and performing monitoring activities, including climbing hemlock trees. Specialists are expected to be able to function independently with minimal day to day oversight.
The primary goal is to discover early detection infestations of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Emerald Ash Borer across Western New York. Forest Health Specialists will cover the following OPRHP Regions: Allegany, Genesee, Niagara, Finger Lakes, and Central (see http://nysparks.com/regions/default.aspx for OPRHP regional delineations). Regional travel in a state vehicle and some overnight camping will be necessary.
Please note these positions do not include healthcare benefits or paid leave.
These positions are for the purpose of performing Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) data collection and survey, monitoring, public education, facilitating partnerships, and volunteer coordination. Primary duties include systematic HWA/EAB surveys and monitoring along trail networks and backcountry for the purpose of determining presence or absence and collection of field data. Specialists are expected to be self-starters, highly independent problem solvers, reliable and motivated with an interest in forest health, environmental stewardship and education. Excellent communication with park staff and park patrons are a crucial aspect of these positions.
Forest Health Specialists also participate in the rigorous OPRHP pre and post treatment monitoring surveys, which involve climbing hemlocks and collecting samples from the canopy. Successful Forest Health Specialists will need a strong level of physical fitness and no fear of heights to capably perform canopy monitoring.
Specialists are expected to travel during 60% their employment, and be willing to camp in Park campgrounds for overnight stays when necessary. Successful applicants can expect to work 40 hours/week, generally Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. Occasional weekend or evening work may be necessary.
Several forms of data collection and data management are necessary, including GIS. A final report summarizing the season’s work, with GIS maps, will be submitted at the end of the season.
Additional Comments There are two positions available.
Allegany State Park
Salamanca, NY 14779
Positions will require regular travel using agency vehicle.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.