StateJobsNY

NY HELPNo

AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of

TitleForest Health Specialist

Occupational CategoryNo Preference

Salary GradeHourly

Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)

Salary RangeFrom $13.82 to $13.82 Hourly

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Temporary

Jurisdictional Class Labor Class

Travel Percentage 40%

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 9 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

County Cattaraugus

Street Address Allegany State Park

City Salamanca

StateNY

Zip Code14779

Minimum Qualifications • An undergraduate degree or 4 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 and ecological monitoring methods.
• Ability to navigate in backcountry conditions with map and compass and/or GPS.
• Working knowledge of GIS to create maps with collected data.
• Experience in interacting with and/or educating the public.
• Familiarity with invasive insects and their impacts.
• Interest in and commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Comfortable working in a team of two with minimal day to day oversight.
• Strong level of physical fitness with little to no fear of heights.
• Excellent organizational skills in a field setting.
• Some knowledge of New York flora and fauna, particularly tree identification.
• Committed to environmental stewardship and a team-oriented approach to solving day to day challenges.
• Must have some personal camping equipment and be comfortable camping frequently for the duration of employment.
• A valid driver’s license

Duties Description These positions are for the purpose of performing Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) surveys and data collection, tree canopy monitoring, public education, facilitating partnerships, treatment verification and volunteer coordination. 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 pre and post treatment canopy 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 have little to no fear of heights to capably preform canopy monitoring.
Several forms of data collection and data management are necessary, including working with GIS. Other survey and map making tasks may be assigned as needed by supervising staff. A final report summarizing the season’s work, complete with GIS maps, will be submitted at the end of the season.
Specialists are expected to travel frequently (40-50% of their time) during their employment, and be willing to camp in Park campgrounds for overnight stays when necessary.

Additional Comments The Forest Health Specialist team will work for and report to Invasive Species Program 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.
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, Saratoga, Taconic Palisades and Central (see http://nysparks.com/regions/default.aspx for OPRHP regional delineations). Regional travel in a state vehicle and regular overnight camping in State Park facilities will be necessary.

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

Name Robert O’Brien

Telephone (845) 256-0579

Fax

Email Address robert.obrien@parks.ny.gov

Address

Street PO Box 893

City New Paltz

State NY

Zip Code 12561

Notes on ApplyingE-mail or send by FAX a completed pre-employment application a letter of interest and resume. Include three work references with contact name and email, name of business/facility and phone number. Part 1 Pre-Employment application can be found at http://nysparks.com/employment/park-employment.aspx
You can FAX your completed application, letter and resume to (845) 255-3505. Email preferred.

Deadline:
All position specific cover letters and resumes must be received by 5 pm Friday, July 1, 2016.