What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hudson Valley Corps - Karner Blue Butterfly Steward position at Student Conservation Association, Inc?
Position Summary
Karner Blue Butterfly Steward
Aid in habitat restoration and management for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly in the Saratoga-Capital Region of NYS Parks.
The position involves work at two Parks: At Saratoga Spa State Park, the SCA member will work as a site steward, leading on-the-ground conservation and outreach and assisting with habitat restoration projects at a Karner blue butterfly site. At Big Bend Preserve (Moreau Lake State Park) the SCA member will work directly with their supervisor, other staff, and volunteers to assist with restoration projects including invasive species management, vegetation and wildlife surveys, and support of prescribed fire operations. The extremely tenuous nature of the Karner blue population (in general but particularly at Saratoga Spa State Park) along with the unique local conditions combine to create a site that warrants very close attention.
The partnership with AmeriCorps members helps provide the on-site presence needed to allow for a greater level of management for a species in desperate need, including other rare species like frosted elfin butterflies. And with large scale restoration getting underway at Moreau, assisting conservation there will help NYS Parks establish a viable metapopulation that is key to securing the long-term viability of Karner blues in New York. Through habitat restoration and education programming, AmeriCorps members will be directly addressing both the Environmental Stewardship and Education Focus Areas of the Serve America Act.
This position furthers NYS Parks’ mission to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.
Location
Saratoga Springs, NY
Schedule
March 2, 2026 - October 16, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
At Saratoga Spa State Park: monitor populations of Karner blues, frosted elfins, and other rare species: monitor/manage habitat and host plant quality; assist with habitat restoration projects; provide outreach to area visitors; and improve compliance with protective measures.
Goals in mind for the candidate are:
Goal 1: Complete and document monitoring for spring and summer butterfly broods;
Goal 2: Conduct habitat monitoring in butterfly management areas;
Goal 3: Assist with habitat restoration and management projects, including invasive species control, native plant restoration, and vegetation and wildlife surveys;
Goal 4: Provide positive interpretive interactions with the public, including working with Park and patrons to provide information on restoration activities and improve compliance with area regulations.
Marginal Duties
At Moreau Lake State Park: under direct supervision of the Restoration Ecologist, assist with various restoration projects, vegetation monitoring, wildlife surveys, and working with volunteers.
Required Qualifications
Must be able (and happy) to work outside, often in hot and sunny conditions, and have a willingness to learn various restoration techniques using hand tools and other equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred = GIS, GPS, Field survey experience with vegetation and insect monitoring
Preferred = Entomology, Botany, Natural Resource Management
Preferred = A willingness to become a Pesticide Apprentice to assist with invasive species control; a willingness to assist with prescribed fire operations (this could be through Wildlands Fire Training and active participation, or could be assistance with site preparation and post-fire monitoring, or both); public speaking; education/outreach
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing Provided
Compensation
- Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $5,176.50
- Living Allowance member will receive: $440/week
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
- AmeriCorps and SCA Training
- SCA Risk Management
- Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
- Mental Health First Aid Training
- Wilderness First Aid & CPR
- Project WILD/Aquatic Curriculum
- Environmental Leadership Institute
- New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
- Hudson River Ecology
- Leave No Trace Level I Certification
- Professional Development & Job Readiness
- AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
Salary : $440
