Parks and Recreation Aide 4 (Invasive Species Technician)

Job Description:

Parks and Recreation Aide 4 (Invasive Species Technician)

Description

Duties Description

The Parks and Recreation Aide 4 (Invasive Species Technician) position is a full-time, long-term seasonal position that starts July 17, 2025 and runs through July 15, 2026. The role renews annually and is dependent on funding. This position will work with the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) regional Environmental Stewardship Biologist, Environmental Stewardship Specialist, and Invasive Species Unit staff to meet regional and statewide stewardship goals. The work of the Invasive Species Technician will focus largely on supporting projects that involve the protection of rare, threatened, and endangered species and natural communities on park lands and historic sites. Work conditions include uneven terrain, heat, cold, and exposure to poison ivy, thorns, ticks, and biting insects.

Duties will include:
• Supports regional stewardship staff in planning projects to meet regional goals.
• Surveys, removes, and/or monitors invasive species (aquatic and terrestrial plants, forest pest/pathogens).
• Provides guidance and support to field staff, volunteers, and partners including Excelsior Conservation Corps (ECC), Student Conservation Association (SCA), Friends of Outdoor Recreation Conservation and Environmental Stewardship (FORCES), etc.
• Collects and manages field data using standardized methods.
• Maintains up-to-date project information in statewide databases: Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning (DESP), AGOL ArcGIS Online (AGOL), and iMap.
• Responds to statewide early detection/rapid response needs.
• Organizes and participates in education and outreach events.
• Plans and implements projects based on stewardship needs and priorities.
• Performs native plantings/other restoration duties.
• Assists with wildlife management efforts and data entry.
• Performs site restoration and monitoring.
• Manages databases and Geographic Information System (GIS)systems.
• Educates patrons and staff and performs community outreach.
• May be assigned other duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

There are no Civil Service minimum qualifications.

See 'Additional Comments

' for operating needs.

Additional Comments

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 able to perform physical work in a variety of seasonal conditions.
• A working knowledge of Global Positioning System/GIS and ecological monitoring methods.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
• A degree or experience in forestry, environmental studies, ecology, natural resources management, or a relevant discipline, such as aquatic ecology, conservation biology, etc.
• Strong interest in, and commitment to, environmental stewardship and team-oriented approach to solving environmental challenges.
• One or more years of experience with plant identification.
• Backcountry orienteering and Leave No Trace experience.

BENEFITS:
This position has the option to join the NYS Employee’s Retirement System. Is eligible for health insurance, dental and vision coverage. Opportunity for paid time off in the form of vacation, sick, personal and holiday leave after time & service requirements has been met. For more information, please visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Closing Date/Time: 07/03/25

Salary:

From $19.04 to $19.04 Hourly