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@teatown.org or Conservation Corps Manager, Tori Finn, at vfinn@nynjtc.org
The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law. We pledge to uphold equality in our hiring and employment practices and to create an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work.