Habitat Survey Technicians (7)

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Title: Habitat Survey Technician, Seasonal (up to 7 positions)

Work location: Fort Drum, NY (free housing available upon request)

Salary: $19-22/hour, Depending on Qualifications

The New York Natural Heritage Program is hiring up to seven field technicians to conduct habitat surveys at the Fort Drum Military Installation. Surveys will focus on invasive plants and milkweeds. Start date of the project is TBD, likely during June 2024. Work will continue until the end of August, with a strong possibility of extension to the end of September. Hiring is contingent on funding. Positions could be filled by college students or professionals with relevant experience. Work will occur Monday through Thursday, 10 hours per day, 37.5 hours per week. Weekend or holiday work may be required to access certain areas of the installation.

Duties

• Field crew will work as a team to document the presence and abundance of milkweed and invasive plant species on the
  Fort Drum Military Installation.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Collect data using tablets equipped with GIS apps and Trimble GPS units.
• Assist with quality control using GIS if needed.
• Opportunities for professional development will be available.
  

Required Qualifications

• Course work or field experience in one or more of the following areas: community ecology, wetland systems, zoology, botany, wildlife management, or other related natural resource topics.
  
• Familiarity with plants of the Northeastern U.S.
• Willingness and capability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• As per Fort Drum requirements, applicants must be U.S. citizens and a background check will be conducted.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience identifying plants, particularly invasive species.
• Experience with GPS, GIS, and computer applications.
  
• Familiarity with field navigation using aerial imagery and topographic maps.
• Familiarity with taxonomic keys and field guides.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
  

Working Conditions/Physical Effort: 

• Will work outdoors 10 hours per day (4 days per week) in variable weather conditions, at times in remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances, in isolated settings. 
• Will be working on an active military installation. Cellular service may not always be
  present.
  
  

How to Apply: Apply soon for optimal consideration! Review of applications will take place until positions are filled.
Send cover letter and resume including contact information for three references to Greg Welter at
gregory.welter@dec.ny.gov.