Parks & Recreation Aide 6 – Stewardship Assistant

DUTIES:

The Stewardship Assistant for DESP (Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning) will report to the Biologist 2 (Ecology) in the Long Island region of OPRHP. This position involves applying ecological and conservation biology principles to stewardship activities within the diverse Long Island Region of the New York State Parks System. The selected applicant will have a wide range of responsibilities such as responding to regional environmental issues and needs, conducting biological surveys and other field work, report writing, and data management. These tasks involve communicating closely with other OPRHP staff and partners. The Stewardship Assistant will work with the Lead Stewardship Assistant under the direct supervision of the Regional Environmental Stewardship Manager.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Serve as a resource for park managers and staff to help coordinate operational needs with natural resource protection.
• Apply professional-level skills, with a focus on applied environmental stewardship including biodiversity, conservation, and species and natural community protection.
• Develop and implement on-the-ground stewardship projects and environmental monitoring such as invasive plant removal, restoration planting, vegetation surveys, deer surveys, etc.
• Working closely with regional biologists and other regional staff to implement environmental policies, guidelines, principles, and provide specific guidance into daily activities, project development, plans, and actions.
• Maintaining close communication with other staff on matters pertaining to environmental protection and fostering communication throughout the regional offices and facilities.
• Utilizing NY Natural Heritage Program data and other information to guide plans and actions.
• Helping develop, implement, and maintain pollinator habitat projects throughout region.
• Coordinate with greenhouses in region to identify plant needs, seed collection, planting, etc.
• Assist with planning and implementing forestry management practices such as basal area surveys, Southern Pine Beetle surveys, vegetation surveys, etc.
• Assist with issuance of scientific research permits.
• Review trail cam footage and compile data.
• Assist with administrative duties such as scheduling meetings, personnel issues, etc.
• This position involves excellent organizational and record-keeping skills with attention to detail, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• This position involves excellent communication, data management, technical writing, and creative problem-solving skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

There are no minimum qualifications per Civil Service. Please review Operational Needs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree in biology, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field and at least one year experience in conservation biology, applied resource management, or related field is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of New York’s flora and fauna, conservation issues, and threats to species and ecosystems is preferred but not required.
• Plant identification skills are preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of invasive plant species of New York is preferred but not required.
• Working knowledge of GPS and GIS is preferred but not required.

OPERATIONAL NEEDS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver‘s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office programs.
• Must be able to work outdoors in extreme conditions.
• Must be able to perform work on unpaved and uneven surfaces.
• Must be able perform work in, on, and around water (rivers, lakes, oceans, etc.)
• Must be physically able to perform strenuous physical labor such as walking long distances carrying field equipment, using hand tools such as shovels, rakes, pruners, etc.

BENEFITS:

This position has the option to join the NYS Employees’ Retirement System and may be eligible for health insurance, dental and vision coverage as well as the opportunity for paid time off in the form of vacation, sick, personal and holiday leave after time and service requirements have been met.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you feel you meet the agency’s operating needs, and are interested in being considered for this vacancy, please email a resume, cover letter, college transcript, 2-3 references, and the completed Part 1 Application to: Walter.Burak@parks.ny.gov.

Pay: $21.57 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22