[MAIPC] Job: Aquatic Invasives Strike Force crew leader - NY

Fri Jan 8 06:51:02 PST 2021

Trail Conference Conservation Corps
1200-Hour Aquatics 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) as 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 an AmeriCorps education award upon
successful completion of the term of service.

Members learn and serve in the greater New York metropolitan region, which
features the nation’s finest system of trails outside of a major urban
area. 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 1200-hour term of service April 6th through
November 19th, Thursday-Monday (hours may vary from 7:00 AM-7:00 PM),
including weekends and some holidays. Members are also required to take a
1/2 hour lunch which does not count towards service hours. While on duty,
successful candidates will wear a provided uniform.

Duties and Responsibilities:
* Assist Teatown’s AIS Program Manager with season planning, including
scouting locations and preparing training materials
* 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 the 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), as well as water quality, 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
* Responsible for weekly entry of collected data, management of database,
end of season analysis and creation of final reports
* 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
* Members may not engage in any Prohibited Activities as outlined in the
Member Service Agreement

Aquatics Crew Leaders are prohibited from signing crew member timesheets,
evaluating crew member performance, disciplining crew members,
enrolling/dismissing crew members, writing and/or signing program reports,
managing the program’s payroll and budget.

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
* Crew 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
* Familiarity with video production and editing, photography, and social
media
* Experience with ArcGIS software and with using a hand-held GPS to perform
vegetation surveys
* Demonstrated outreach skills and/or experience with environmental
education

Member Benefits:
* Free rustic, lakeside housing at a local park may be provided from May
13th-October 26th (dependent upon COVID-19 regulations); Work will be done
remotely outside of the above timeframe.
* Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance of $848.48; $14,000 total
* Eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of
the term of service totaling $4,336.50
* Training in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED, Leave No Trace Principles, and
Basic Kayak Safety
* Extensive opportunity for professional development and networking with
other field professionals
* Opportunity to serve local communities and the public by making a
difference in the environment and improving habitats in a tangible way
* Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment

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.

Go to https://www.nynjtc.org/corps
Applications accepted until the positions are filled.

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

Linda Rohleder, PhD
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret
Mead
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