[MAIPC] AmeriCorps Position Opening: Aquatic Invasives Strike Force Crew Leader

[Linda Rohleder]

Trail Conference Conservation Corps
AmeriCorps Position Opening: Aquatic ISF Crew Leader

Do you love the outdoors and want to protect it?  Thinking about a
career in the environment? Come join the movement!

Spend this field season protecting New York’s waters from aquatic
invasive species (AIS) on the Aquatic Invasives Strike Force Crew! As
part of the AISF Crew, members will conduct aquatic vegetation and
invertebrate surveys on various lakes and rivers throughout the Lower
Hudson Valley. These surveys are critical in early detection and rapid
response efforts of invasive species in the region. The crew will
assist in invasive plant management in several lakes and make a
tangible difference in controlling the spread of invasives. The AISF
Crew will also participate in the Lower Hudson PRISM Watercraft
Inspection Steward Program, providing critical education and outreach
to boaters on AIS identification and spread prevention methods while
performing voluntary boat inspections and collecting data on boater
habits.

We are seeking a crew leader who shares our passion for conservation
of freshwater ecosystems and the Lower Hudson Valley.  The crew leader
is responsible for working with the AISF program coordinator and park
partners while leading the crew to successful completion of projects.
Aquatic plant identification and survey training will be provided;
however, it is expected that the crew leader will have some
experience.

Program Overview:

Our AmeriCorps crews are trained by industry experts in sustainable
trail building, invasive species management, public outreach,
volunteer engagement, and outdoor leadership. You will receive a
living stipend for your service and are eligible for education awards
through our partnership with AmeriCorps.
TCCC members learn and serve in the greater NY metropolitan area in
one of the nation’s finest systems of public parks. From trail
construction to habitat restoration to visitor education, you can
provide vital resources to the public parks you enjoy. For more
information about our Corps, check out www.nynjtc.org/corps

Service Location: The Lower Hudson Valley of New York

Term of Service: A minimum of 900-hour term of service May 14 through
October 26, Thursday-Monday (hours may vary from 7:00 AM-7:00 PM).
Most workdays will be spent outdoors, in all weather, and will include
weekends and some holidays.

Duties and Responsibilities:
* Supervise, motivate, direct, and coordinate crew members and
volunteers as a team including project management, delegation of
tasks, quality control in field and office, maintaining a high level
of positive morale
* Lead the day-to-day activities of crew members under the direction
and with the support of Teatown’s AIS Program Manager
* Provide guidance and support to members, conflict resolution, and
build crew cohesion
* Communicate with program staff, crew members, and community
volunteers to ensure the execution of a quality program that is
consistent with the AmeriCorps provisions
* Conduct detailed field surveys of aquatic plants and invertebrates
(native and invasive) following specific procedures
* Perform manual invasive plant removals
* Educate boaters about aquatic invasive species and teach clean
boating practices, i.e. by distributing outreach and educational
material to watercraft users while performing voluntary boat
inspections
* 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
* Assist with training volunteers on invasive plant identification and
removal techniques
* Complete one seasonal research or education project (literature
review, develop outreach materials, update website AIS species
database, etc.)
* Members may not engage in any Prohibited Activities as outlined in
the Member Service Agreement

Skills and Attributes Required:

* Interest in aquatic invasive species education and management
* Ability to remain calm and be comfortable with stinging/biting
insect and animal encounters, including snakes (rare), spiders, and
other aquatic insects and invertebrates
* Team leadership experience, preferably in an outdoor setting
* Strong organizational, interpersonal and written communication skills
* Ability to maintain a positive attitude in adverse conditions
* Must be able to conduct moderate physical field work in rugged
terrain and aquatic environments
* Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license with access to a
reliable vehicle for transportation of self, tools, and supplies to
field sites (including kayaks/canoes with racks provided)
* Must have reliable cell phone
* Must be willing to travel throughout the Lower Hudson Valley to
assigned launches and survey locations (some travel reimbursement
provided)

Desired Qualifications:
* College education in ecology, biology, natural resources management
or related field.
* Basic knowledge and ability to identify native and invasive aquatic
vegetation of New York
* Experience with ArcGIS software and with using a hand-held GPS to
perform vegetation surveys
* Demonstrated outreach skills and teaching experience

Member Benefits:
* Free rustic, lakeside housing at a local park (as needed)
* Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance not to exceed $11,016 total
* Upon successful completion of the program, an education award of $3,097.50
* Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment
* Training in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED and Basic Kayak Safety

Enrollment Requirements:
An individual must be at least 18 years of age; have a high school
diploma or GED; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien; pass a
three-part national service criminal history check of the national
sex-offender registry, state repository check, and FBI fingerprint
check; and complete all pre-service orientation and training
requirements.  Documentation of age, education and citizenship are due
by the first day of orientation. Criminal history checks will be
initiated before the start of service; an individual will be
ineligible if s/he is required to register on the National Sex
Offender Registry, has been convicted of murder, or fails to disclose
any previous conviction. Other convictions or pending charges will be
evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with program policy.

To Apply:
Go to https://www.nynjtc.org/corpsapplication
Applications accepted until the positions are filled, with preference
given to those received before February 17th

For questions, feel free to email AIS Program Manager, Lindsay Yoder
at lyoder at teatown.org or Conservation Corps Manager, Tori Finn, at
vfinn at nynjtc.org