Adirondack Invasive Species Seasonal Educator

The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) is an award-winning invasive species program housed at the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy in Keene Valley, New York and is one of the eight established Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs) in New York State.  APIPP’s mission is to protect the Adirondack region from the negative impacts of invasive species. Program goals are to collaborate with partners, communities, and the public to prevent new introductions of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species to the region, detect and rapidly respond to new infestations, and mitigate harmful impacts of established infestations.  APIPP uses a landscape-level, comprehensive, integrated approach and strategies in coordination, prevention, early detection surveys, rapid response, monitoring, mapping, management, education, research, restoration, policy, and funding. Visit www.adkinvasives.com to learn more.

The Adirondack Invasive Species Seasonal Educator position provides hands-on exposure to all aspects of the APIPP’s work throughout the Adirondack region. Working with APIPP’s Coordinator, Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species Project Coordinators, and conservation partners, the seasonal educator will be involved in developing and participating in invasive species public education and outreach projects and events throughout the region.
 

Education and Outreach responsibilities may include the following

• Organize, publicize, and participate in activities across the region during the NY’s Invasive Species Awareness Week
• Assist with development and implementation of education programs for key audiences and communities. Examples include outreach regarding specific species of concern, such as black swallow-wort, spiny waterflea, hydrilla, emerald ash borer and hemlock woolly adelgid, among others
• Assist with preparation and assembly of supporting materials for, and delivery of, invasive species trainings, such as aquatic invasive species identification and survey trainings, terrestrial invasive plant identification and management trainings, and forest pest and pathogen identification and survey trainings
• Identify and attend community events in the region at which to have an invasive species display and information table
• Develop new educational materials and/or displays and provide ideas for promoting invasive species awareness and APIPP in the Adirondacks. For example, and dependent upon the skills and interests of the selected candidate, assist in the creation of invasive species management and prevention videos for the APIPP website
• Write seasonal weekly updates for APIPP’s blog

Surveys, Mapping and Management

• As needed assist Project Coordinators with terrestrial (roadside, trails, Forest Preserve) and aquatic invasive species surveys (lakes and ponds), including mapping invasive species occurrences using a GPS
• As needed assist Project Coordinators with terrestrial and aquatic invasive plant management projects (site preparation, hand-cutting/pulling/bagging of plants)

General:  The seasonal educator will work closely with APIPP staff and partners and will report directly to the APIPP Coordinator. The seasonal educator will also assist the Project Coordinators as opportunities arise. In addition to the listed duties, there may be other work required as summer work priorities evolve, and as the selected candidate’s interests dictate.

Additional Training Opportunities

The selected candidate will be exposed to a range of educational opportunities during the course of the summer field season.  These will include training sessions in identification of various invasive species, control methods, survey and monitoring protocols, and data collection systems. Opportunities may arise to assist with other Conservancy and partner activities. Working with a regional conservation program will broaden the selected candidate’s knowledge of ecoregional and global conservation issues and strategies for addressing threats to biodiversity.

• Will interact frequently with the general public
• Works under close or infrequent supervision

• High school diploma and at least 6 months of related experience
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• College junior, senior, or recent graduate with at least 1 year’s experience in a natural resources and/or communications related field or related experience in public outreach on invasive species (can be a combination of past job experience, academic work, volunteer work, etc.)
• Willingness to lead and organize educational invasive species programs to all groups and ages of people
• Strong communications background; excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong inter-personal savvy and public speaking skills
• Strong environmental studies background; demonstrated interest in conservation issues; experience with plant and animal taxonomy, invasive species identification and issues, basic terrestrial and aquatic ecology
• Conflict resolution skills and experience
• Experience using Microsoft Publisher, PowerPoint and Word Press
• Experience operating various audio visual equipment
• Well-organized and flexible
• Motivated self-starter, able to work independently with minimal direction
• Enjoys working in an office environment and outdoors in various weather conditions

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

• May at times work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances

This is a full-time position with a 12-16 week employment duration.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
 

To apply to position number 42700, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 4, 2015.

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The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer