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

[Linda Rohleder]

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

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 on the Aquatic Invasives Strike Force Crew (AISF)!
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 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 three crew members who share our passion for
conservation of freshwater ecosystems and the Lower Hudson Valley.
The crew member is responsible for working with the AISF Crew Leader
and program coordinator to perform successful completion of projects.
Aquatic plant and animal identification, survey training, and steward
training will be provided.

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. While on duty, successful candidates will
wear a provided uniform.

Duties and Responsibilities:
* 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
* Work alongside leadership to fulfill responsibilities in supply and
equipment maintenance and data management
* Complete one seasonal research or education project (literature
review, develop outreach materials, update website AIS species
database, etc.)

Skills and Attributes Required:
* Interest in aquatic invasive species education and management
* Ability to remain calm and be comfortable with insect and animal
encounters, including snakes (rare), spiders, and other aquatic
insects and invertebrates
* 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, all weather, 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, as needed, rustic cabin housing at a local park, on a first
come first served basis
* Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance not to exceed $10,350 total
* Upon successful completion of the program, an education award of $3,097.50
* Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment and interest repayment
* 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/corpsmembers
Applications accepted until the positions are filled, with preference
given to those received before February 17th.

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