Individual Placement - Natural Resources Assistant

Student Conservation Association

City of Poughkeepsie (NY)

On-site

USD 20,000 - 25,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Housing allowance

Weekly stipend

Education Award

Healthcare coverage

Job summary

The Natural Resources Assistant supports Scenic Hudson’s Science and Stewardship Team in preserving Hudson Valley parks and preserves. You’ll help with habitat restoration, invasive species control, ecological monitoring, data management, and public outreach.

This AmeriCorps position requires weekend work on occasion, a valid driver’s license, ability to hike 4+ miles, and housing support as you serve near Poughkeepsie, NY.

Qualifications

Be a US citizen, permanent resident, or national.
At least 18 years old with HS diploma or equivalent.
Willing to undergo National Service background checks.
Physically able to perform outdoor work in varied weather.
Valid driver's license and transportation required.

Responsibilities

Assist with habitat restoration, invasive plant control, and ecological inventories.
Document field work and manage natural resource databases and GIS data.
Lead volunteer workdays and create outreach materials.
Collaborate with Scenic Hudson SCA members on park projects.

Skills

Physically able to walk 4+ miles

Valid driver’s license

Public interaction

Education

Associate’s degree in natural resource management or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

Position Summary

Assist Scenic Hudson’s Science and Stewardship Team with the stewardship of various parks and preserves throughout the Hudson Valley. The Natural Resources Assistant will help implement natural resource management projects such as habitat restoration, invasive plant control, ecological monitoring/assessments, and data management. Additional work includes interacting with park visitors, communicating park rules, introducing and explaining park projects, and assisting other Scenic Hudson SCA members and other Scenic Hudson staff with other duties as assigned. This work will include frequent and regular visitation to Scenic Hudson parks. Use of personal vehicle is necessary, and weekend work will be required on occasion.

Hosting Organization

Scenic Hudson, Inc.

Location

Poughkeepsie, NY

This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
This position may conduct work in a backcountry setting where emergency services are limited and may be delayed by several hours to days. Access to public transportation at work site is not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

Schedule

January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027

Weekly Schedule

M-F 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some early starts, weekends, and evening work required.

Corps members are expected to serve approximately 40 hours a week for a period of 10 months.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

- Assist Scenic Hudson’s Natural Resource Manager with the stewardship of Scenic Hudson lands through habitat restoration (i.e. tree plantings and invasive plant control), ecological inventories and monitoring (including forestry and botanical surveys), and other tasks relating to stewardship of natural resources. Duties also include documenting all work performed in the field and the management of natural resource databases and GIS data. Other responsibilities may include organizing and leading volunteer workdays and producing public outreach materials. The Natural Resources Assistant will collaborate with other Scenic Hudson SCA members to implement other work throughout Scenic Hudson parks and preserves. (80%)

- Participate in all SCA Corps-wide training and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting (10%)

- Assist with events in Scenic Hudson parks, including non-natural resources volunteer workdays, and other recreational activities. (5%)

- As needed, assist with park infrastructure projects such as trail building, replacing/creating trail improvements, and replacing/creating park structures. (5%)

Marginal Duties

Reporting Requirements: Members are required to submit timesheets on a Weekly/Bi-weekly basis via SCA’s timekeeping system, ADP • Monthly Data Reports: Members are required to submit weekly output reports; training is provided. • Quarterly Narrative Reports: Member narratives are collected on a monthly basis in the members’ output report.

Required Qualifications

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
Being at least 18 years or older
Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete one
Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.
Associate’s degree in natural resource management, environmental science, ecology, biology, or related field.
Valid driver’s license and personal transportation is required.
Member must be able to perform physical work outdoor in semi-remote locations in varying weather conditions independently and as part of a group.
Member must be physically able to walk 4+ miles a day over varied terrain and to lift up to 50 lbs.
Experience with pesticide application, or willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with ArcGIS software and GPS mapping.
Experience with identification of native and invasive plants, with a focus on the Northeastern United States.
Experience operating power and hand tools such as shovels, rakes, loppers, cordless drills, brush-cutters, and weed-whackers.
Enjoys working and interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds and brings a positive attitude and a desire to enhance the natural world.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

$1,000/month housing allowance for positions outside of NYC Member is responsible for securing their own housing within reasonable commuting distance to Poughkeepsie, NY

Compensation

Compensation: (weekly living allowance): $500/week
Minimum AmeriCorps Award: Full-Time Award • AmeriCorps Hours Requirement: 1700 hours
Education Award amount upon successful completion of program: $7,395
Healthcare coverage: Eligible for free health insurance
Childcare coverage: Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
Student loan forbearance and interest payments (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

A personal vehicle is required for personal and professional travel

Driving

Driving a motor vehicle is a requirement for this position.

Additional Benefits

Health Insurance

oMember AmeriCorps and SCA Training: Members will receive an AmeriCorps training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more
oSCA Risk Management
oSexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
oMental Health First Aid Training
oWilderness First Aid & CPR
oEnvironmental Education Curriculum
oEnvironmental Leadership Institute
oNew York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
oHudson River Ecology
oLeave No Trace Level 1
oProfessional Development & Job Readiness
oService events including but not limited to: Earth Day/Arbor Day, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day, Patriots Day of Service and Remembrance, A Day in the Life of the Hudson River