[MAIPC] AmeriCorps Position Opening: Invasive Species Biocontrol Program Coordinator

[Linda Rohleder]

Trail Conference Conservation Corps
AmeriCorps Position Opening: Invasive Species Biocontrol Program Coordinator

Do you love the outdoors and want to protect it? Thinking about a
career in the environment? Come join the movement!
The Trail Conference Conservation Corps (TCCC) provides great
opportunities for outdoor lovers to become leaders in environmental
conservation.

Spend your summer outdoors protecting natural resources, gaining
valuable experience in the field, and making a difference in
ecosystem-level conservation. The Invasive Species Biocontrol Program
Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining our on-going
biocontrol programs and planning for new programs addressing
additional invasive species. This position supports the regional
strategy of the Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species
Management. If you want to make a difference in environmental
protection, network with regional leaders in conservation, build field
botany and invasive species management skills, and gain experience in
independent research, a position as the Invasive Species Biocontrol
Program Coordinator might be right for you!

Program Overview:
The TCCC AmeriCorps crews are trained by industry experts in
sustainable trail building, invasive species management, public
outreach, volunteer engagement, and outdoor leadership. TCCC members
learn and serve outside of the greater NY metropolitan area in one of
the nation’s finest systems of public parks. The Biocontrol Program
started with a focus on managing mile-a-minute vine (Persicaria
perfoliata) through surveying, releasing biocontrol weevils, and
manual removals, and is expanding to utilize other biocontrol agents.
The Coordinator will work with a wide range of park partners at
multiple sites throughout southern NY. For more information about our
Corps, visit www.nynjtc.org/corps.
We are seeking an individual who shares our passion for conservation
and the outdoors to become our seasonal Invasive Species Biocontrol
Project Coordinator. The Coordinator will be responsible for
independently managing the field and research aspects of this project
with guidance provided by the Director of Land Stewardship. Training
will be provided, however it is expected that the Coordinator will
have some scientific research experience already. In addition to
managing the existing mile-a-minute vine projects, this position
involves data management and reporting, volunteer engagement, and
preparation for new biocontrol programs, with a final analytical
report due at the end of the season. This position has an outdoor
focus but indoor office work is required. Weekend work is required
with Tuesdays and Wednesdays off.

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, weekend work required. This is an independent project and
the majority of work will be done in an individual capacity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
* Independently manage the on-going mile-a-minute vine biocontrol program
* Conduct surveys of specified mile-a-minute weevil release sites as
detailed in protocol, including the use of hand-held GPS
* Release of biocontrol agent (weevils) at designated sites
* Conduct independent manual invasive removals where biocontrol has
not been released
* Validate new reports of invasive species
* Keep accurate, timely and detailed records of activities
* Record and enter data into the Trail Conference’s Invasives Database
and either iMapInvasives or EDDMaps public databases
* Plan and prepare for a new biocontrol program to be implemented in 2021
* Contact landowners, park managers, and others to coordinate releases
and volunteer workdays
* Train volunteers on invasive plant identification and removal and
lead volunteer workdays
* Conduct training workshops regarding mile-a-minute vine
* Create final report summarizing work season
* Work professionally at all times with NYNJTC staff, community
volunteers, and park partners
* Properly use and care for tools and equipment and follow all safety
precautions
* Manage Facebook page and e-mail addresses
* Members may not engage in any Prohibited Activities as outlined in
the AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement
Required Skills and Attributes:
* Self-starter with demonstrated independent work experience
* Research experience with lab protocols and statistical analysis
(especially biology or ecology)
* Experience using a hand-held GPS and ESRI ArcMap software
* Experience with spreadsheets and databases, such as Microsoft Excel or Access
* Able to conduct physically strenuous field work in rugged terrain
and strenuous environmental conditions (heat, cold, rain, ticks,
mosquitos, bees, bears, snakes, spiders, etc.)
* Demonstrated teamwork skills and/or experience leading volunteers
* Organized, responsible and detail-oriented
* Excellent oral and written communication skills
* Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license
* Must have access to a reliable vehicle for transportation of self,
tools, and supplies to field sites

Preferred Skills and Attributes:
* Ability to identify native and invasive vegetation of the northeast
* Experience leading or training volunteers
* Demonstrated outreach skills and teaching experience
* Backpacking, camping, and/or outdoor field work experience

Benefits for Members
* Free, as needed, rustic cabin housing at a local park, on a first
come first served basis
* Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance $13,110 total, pending USDA APHIS
program approval
* Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,097.50 available upon
completion of program
* Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment and interest repayment
* Eligible for SNAP (food stamp) benefits
* Mileage reimbursement
* Training in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED and Leave No Trace Principles
* Work in many parks and network with land managers and environmental
professionals
* Being recognized as a member of an accomplished AmeriCorps Program

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/content/corpsapplication

Applications accepted until position is filled, preference given to
those received by February 17th.