Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
TitleForest Health Specialists
Occupational CategoryNo Preference
Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $16.94 to $16.94 Hourly
Minimum Qualifications Coursework related to forestry, environmental studies, ecology, natural resources management, or a relevant discipline, such as aquatic ecology, conservation biology, etc.
Familiarity with invasive insects and their impacts
Experience with GPS/GIS and ecological monitoring methods
Comfortable working in a team of two with minimal day-to-day oversight
Must have the ability to climb trees using provided safety equipment, and hike for long distances on uneven terrain in various weather conditions
Excellent organizational skills in a field setting
Ability to work, and maintain a good attitude, while performing physical work in spring, summer, and fall conditions
Some knowledge of invasive New York flora and fauna, particularly tree identification
Strong interest in and commitment to environmental stewardship and team-oriented approach to solving environmental challenges
Experience in interacting with and/or educating the public
Backcountry orienteering and Leave No Trace experience a plus
Must have some personal camping equipment and be comfortable camping weekly for some or most of the field season. Tents, cook stoves and cook sets will be provided for use throughout the season.
Duties Description The NYS OPRHP Forest Health Specialists are broken into two distinct field teams that work independently towards the Agency’s statewide Invasive Species Management strategy. Forest Health Specialists’ primary focus will be the monitoring of hemlock stands that have been treated for infestations of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), as well as early detection surveys for HWA, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) and other emerging forest pests and pathogens throughout New York State. Field crews will travel extensively using agency vehicles across assigned OPRHP Regions (see http://nysparks.com/regions/default.aspx for OPRHP regional delineations).
Duties & Responsibilities:
These positions are for the primary purpose of locating and monitoring infestations of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) and other emerging forest pests and pathogens. Specialists are expected to be self-starters, highly independent problem solvers, reliable and motivated with an interest in forest health, environmental stewardship and education. Excellent communication with park staff and park patrons are a crucial aspect of these positions. Duties will include:
Survey and detection of known and emerging forest pests
Field data collection and entry
Pre- and post-treatment tree canopy monitoring (involves tree-climbing, and the collection of samples from within the canopy)
Post-treatment verification
Park patron education
Volunteer coordination
Additional Comments This is a seasonal appointment (late May – mid November). Full time (40 hours/week). Mandatory multi-day training will be held in late May.
A total of 4 positions are available statewide:
The Eastern Forest Health Specialists will cover the following regions: Long Island, Taconic, Palisades, Saratoga-Capital, and the eastern portion of Thousand Islands. This team will report to Minnewaska State Park Preserve, located in Gardiner in Palisades region, for weekly briefing and debriefing.
The Western Forest Health Specialists will cover the following regions: Central, Finger Lakes, Genesee, Niagara, Allegany, and the western portion of Thousand Islands. This team will report to Allegany State Park, located outside Salamanca in Allegany region, for weekly briefing and debriefing.
These positions will require extensive overnight travel and camping, and necessitate the ability to deal with external environmental conditions such as thorns, poison ivy, ticks, biting insects, etc.
Team Home Base Locations:
Eastern Forest Health Specialists
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Gardiner, NY, 12525
Western Forest Health Specialists
Allegany State Park, Salamanca, NY, 14779
Compensation:
Pay rate is $16.94/hour, plus per-diem when traveling (averages $200-$250 per week when traveling).
Positions do not include health care benefits or paid leave.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address invasives@parks.ny.gov
Address
Notes on ApplyingE-mail a completed part 1 pre-employment application, resume, cover letter, and three references to invasives@parks.ny.gov no later than March 23, 2018. Applicants should also indicate their preferred work location(s) in their cover letter. Applicants should title their email LastName_Forest Health Application (i.e., Smith_Forest Health Application). Part 1 Pre-employment application can be found at http://nysparks.com/employment/park-employment.aspx
Contact: Please contact the following for more information about the Forest Health Specialists
Eastern/Western Forest Health Specialists
Nick Marcet
(845) 633-8073