Facility Operations Assistant 2

Duties Description

The invasive aquatic plant water chestnut (Trapa natans) is native to Eurasia. It was first introduced to New York in the 1880s within theMohawk River basin as an ornamental in Scotia, NY. It has spread to lakes, ponds and rivers and is among the worst invasive species in NY. It is currently Prohibited by New York’s Part 575 https://dec.ny.gov/nature/invasive-species/resources-regulations/regulations Along the Mohawk River water chestnut coverage has been increasing. The 2020-2022 aquatic plant survey found the most extensive and large-scale infestations are found in the easternmost third of the survey area with a total of 827.20 acres of water chestnut. NYSDEC is seeking two seasonal technicians to assist with managing water chestnut in the Mohawk River.

Position Description
The Water Chestnut Strike Team Technician 2 will be supervised by the Invasive Species Coordination Section in NYSDEC Central Office and work in Region 4 along the Mohawk River. Technicians will be responsible for supervising a technician 1, overseeiing the day to day operations of the the strike the strike tam, assisting with education and outreach, performing pre- and post-treatment aquatic plant surveys in management areas, and coordinating/participating in water chestnut removal efforts using a combination of hand-pulling and mechanical harvesting.Technicians may also assist with management efforts for other invasive species (e.g. frogbit [Hydrocharis morsus ranae],yellow floating heart [Nymphoides peltata]). In addition, technicians will collect environmental DNA (eDNA) samples for early detection of water chestnut and other aquatic invasive species.

The Region 4 Water Chestnut Strike Team will work closely with the Mohawk River Water Chestnut Working Group stakeholders and the Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (CR PRISM) to organize and participate in water chestnut removal efforts throughout the Erie Canal and Mohawk River with a focus on infestations that impede either emergency access points or public access. The water chestnut Strike Team will use water chestnut harvesters for large-scale infestations and hand remove small infesations of aquatic plants. Harvesting and handpulling by the Strike Team will occur in collaboration with municipalities, marina owners, and recreational groups. The team will be involved in working with stakeholders to schedule events, conduct outreach and education, perform management activities (harvesting and hand-pulling), and transport/compost biomass when possible.

The Water Chestnut Strike Team will also collect eDNA samples from each site for processing (community-based analysis). The eDNA samples and additional surveys will establish a baseline to measure change in species assemblages of plants and animals and allow NYSDEC to detect the early arrival of non-native plants or animals to a location. Results will inform and direct future efforts to control priority species including water chestnut and European frogbit. The Teams will conduct their monitoring, harvesting, handpulling, data collection, data entry, and data analysis.
Aquatic plant surveys will employ a combination of point intercept method (rake toss at GPS points for repeated measures over time), snorkel/dive surveys, and the use of BioBase to detect vegetation hotspots. Data will be collected with SASPro (or comparable app) and uploaded into the iMapInvasive database. All data and management results will be reported to www.NYiMapInvasives.org.

The position is full time (40 hours/week) for four months and will be based at the NYSDEC Central Office in Albany, NY.

Required Qualifications

•College courses in ecology, biology, natural resources management or related field with 1+ years of experience working with aquatic invasive species management or other aquatic-based field work, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
•1+ years experience in field operations.
•Strong interest in aquatic invasive species management.
•Ability to be comfortable with insects that bite and sting and animal encounters, including snakes (rare), spiders, and other aquatic insects and invertebrates.
•Experience with Microsoft and Google editing suites (Word, Excel, Docs, Sheets).
•Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.
•Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
•Must be able to swim short distances unassisted.
•Ability to perform research underwater (wading and snorkeling).
•Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather.
•Ability to physically work in field locations that can be difficult to access.
•Must be able to navigate uneven terrain, hills, etc.
•Knowledge of how to balance conflicting priorities, make informed decisions, and use sound judgment in completing urgent tasks.
•Proven ability to work independently and consult with supervisor when necessary.
•Excellent written and oral communication skills.
•Excellent organization skills.
•Ability to work well with others is required while creating high-quality and respectful work environment.
•Must be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team.
•Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license.
•Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.
•Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.
•Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and well-being.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Associates degree or higher in ecology, biology, natural resources management, or related field with at least 3+ years of experience working with aquatic invasive species management or other aquatic-based field work.
•Experience in a supervisory role
•Experience with operation and trailering of a motorboat.
•Basic knowledge and ability to identify native and invasive aquatic vegetation of New York.
•Experience with data collection applications (Survey123, BioBase EcoSound).
•Experience using multiple GPS devices to navigate.
•Experience with using data analysis and visualization software (R, GIS, etc.)
•Demonstrated experience with aquatic invasive plant monitoring and management.

Minimum Qualifications

One year of service as a Facility Operations Assistant 1 or Motor Vehicle Operator; OR, two years of full-time, verifiable experience in custodial, grounds, or maintenance operation or assisting in a journey-level trade. When required to operate motor vehicles, incumbents must possess a valid New York State driver's license appropriate for the type of vehicle being operated.

Additional Comments

Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Travel may be required.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).

Salary : $42,536