Overview: The Invasives Strike Force (ISF) is a program of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, a non-profit organization focused on the stewardship of more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails throughout southern New York and northern New Jersey. Our 4-person ISF crew completes invasive species surveys, control work, and leads volunteer removal teams throughout the region. The ISF crew works with a wide range of park partners at multiple sites throughout southern NY and northern NJ and will be supported by an existing base of volunteers.
We are seeking a crew who shares our passion for conservation and the outdoors. The crew leader will be responsible for working with the ISF program coordinator and park partners to prioritize, plan and schedule crew work throughout the summer and will work with and lead the crew to successful completion of projects. The crew will perform both manual removal and chemical treatment of invasive plants. Plant identification and eradication training will be provided; however it is expected that the crew leader will have some experience already. This is primarily an outdoor position and will include periods of camping for multiple days at work sites. The crew leader will begin work approximately 3 weeks prior to the rest of the crew so that he/she may attend training, plan crew work and scout work sites. The crew leader will also continue work approximately 2 weeks after the crew has completed their service in order to write final reports. Weekend work is required - days off will be during the week. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Plan and arrange details for work crew projects * Become certified in New York and New Jersey pesticide application and follow all applicable rules and regulations regarding the use of pesticides * Lead the crew members and volunteers to successful completion of projects while ensuring all have a positive experience * Keep accurate, timely and detailed records of activities * Prepare reports on work completed and log data collected * Ensure that tools and equipment are properly used and cared for and all safety precautions are followed * Conduct independent invasive removals and treatments along hiking trails, including mechanical removal and/or application of herbicides * Conduct surveys of hiking trails for a targeted set of invasive plants, includes use of hand-held GPS. * Assist with training volunteers on invasive plant identification and removal techniques * Occasionally attend appropriate environment-focused events to educate the public about invasive plants and recruit volunteers Skills and Attributes Required: * Ability to inspire and lead the team to successful completion of projects * Leader must have project management and team leadership experience, preferably in an outdoor setting. * Must be organized, responsible and detail-oriented * Ability to maintain a positive attitude in adverse conditions and under last-minute changes of plans * Work professionally at all times with crew members, volunteers and park partners. * Must be able to conduct physically strenuous field work in rugged terrain * Must be able to hike up to 4 miles carrying up to 30 lbs of equipment over uneven and/or steep terrain * Must have excellent oral and written communication skills * Be a US Citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien * Must possess a high school diploma or GED * Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards). * All position offers are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry as well as state and federal criminal background checks. * Must be at least 18 years of age, no upper age limit * Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license * Must have access to a reliable vehicle for transportation to field sites Preferred Qualifications: * College education in ecology, biology, natural resources management or related field. * NY licensed pesticide applicator or technician, or be a licensed applicator in a state which has reciprocal licensing with NY (NJ, PA, OH, VT, RI, CT and IN). * Ability to identify native and invasive vegetation of New York and New Jersey * Experience with ArcGIS software and with using a hand-held GPS * Demonstrated outreach skills and teaching experience * Backpacking experience, camping experience and/or outdoor field work experience Benefits for Members: * Free rustic, lakeside housing at a local park * Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance not to exceed $9,600 total for leader and $5,624 for members * Upon successful completion of the program, an education award of $2,150 for leader and $1,493 for members * Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment * Training in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED and Leave No Trace Principles * Training as a NY pesticide apprentice and NJ pesticide operator, or continuing education for licensed pesticide applicators or technicians * Opportunity to work in a variety of different parks and preserves throughout the region and network with many local park managers and environmental professionals. * Opportunity to serve local communities and the public by making a difference in the environment and improving habitats in a tangible way. Schedule: Leader position is a 675 hour service commitment to be filled beginning April 30 and ending August 31. Member positions are a 450 hour service commitment to be filled beginning May 21 and ending August 17. Applicants must be available to serve the full commitment period. Closing Date: February 16, 2015 To Apply: Please submit the following items via email attachments (start all attachment filenames with your last name) to [email protected] Subject line: AmeriCorps; “Your Last Name” * Resume * Cover letter addressing why you are interested in this position and why we should be interested in you, how you meet required expectations, and rank NYNJTC AmeriCorps Positions you are interested in * Contact information for three references To see all our open positions go to http://nynjtc.org/job-openings Linda Rohleder, Ph.D. Director of Land Stewardship Coordinator, Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management New York-New Jersey Trail Conference 156 Ramapo Valley Rd Mahwah, NJ 07430
