CCE of Saratoga County Temporary Invasive Species Technicians – Ballston Spa, NY

As part of CCE Saratoga’s Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) program Invasive Species Technicians help prevent the spread of invasive species by conducting early detection surveys, collecting data, and by performing removal of invasive species and landscape restoration techniques. Technicians also assist in educating the public on invasive species topics.
Invasive Species Technicians typically work for 12-14 weeks between May and August; dates may vary depending on program needs. Typical work schedules are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm with a 30-minute unpaid meal period; schedules can vary depending on the weather and travel time. Technicians work throughout the greater Capital Region including portions of the northern Catskills and Southern Adirondacks.

    

Application Instructions

In the My Information section be sure to enter your full name, address, email, and phone number(s).  

Include a cover letter, resume and at least three references (at least one who is a current or former supervisor or teacher).  To attach documents, under the My Experience section use the Select Files button to search for files or use the Drop Files Here box to drag documents into your application. If you plan to upload more than one document, click the Upload icon for each additional document. Please note, once your application is submitted you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments.  If you would like to add or update documents to your online application after submission, please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, via e-mail [email protected] .

External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) please refer to Applying for a Job with Cornell Cooperative Extension (External Candidate) for additional guidance.  

All Internal Applicants: Those who are currently employed by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting must apply online via their employee Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/

Apply By

All applications must be received on-line by 11:59 pm on March 29, 2024. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

Required Qualifications

• At least two years of college education in a natural resource field (e.g., environmental sciences, natural resource management, ecology, restoration sciences, conservation management, forestry, biology, environmental education, water resources, aquatic and fisheries science, water resources, etc.) or other related fields

• Experience relevant to the role of the position.

• Ability to help ensure diverse, equitable, and inclusive programs.

• Travel Requirements: Ability to meet frequent travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for Association insurance coverage are required.

• Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate. Occasional overnight travel.

• Program Skills: Serve as an effective subject matter resource. Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.

• Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with the public, volunteers, employees and others.  Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders.

• Technology Skills: Proficiency or ability to learn and effectively use software including use of the internet, program related software, and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel. Survey 1,2,3 and Arc GIS Applications on a provided tablet

• Work Environment: In addition to the Working Conditions; the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. This position frequently works in outdoors, natural environment settings with exposure to extreme heat, precipitation, humidity, and cold.   This position frequently walks and hikes on trails over varied, uneven terrain and elevations. This position frequently uses tools and equipment like shovels, pulaskis, weed whackers, brush cutters, etc. This position frequently lifts, moves, carries, and transports program equipment and materials.  This position wears personal protective equipment while performing some job functions, including but not limited to Tyvek suits.  This position frequently performs invasive species removal and restoration techniques including manually removing, moving, position small trees and shrubs, including those which can irritate skin (e.g. Giant Hogweed).

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in environmental science, natural resource management, ecology, restoration sciences, conservation management, forestry, biology, aquatic and fisheries science, wildlife technology, freshwater science, water resources, or related field.

• Experience in plant and or tree identification.

• Prior public speaking and writing experience.

• Prior conservation, biology, or forest technician experience.

• Working knowledge of ArcGIS applications, iMapInvasives and/or Survey 123 applications.

Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Program Responsibilities:

Program Delivery – 5%

• Assist in teaching basic plant identification and demonstrate detection and control methods.

• Assist in participating in tabling and outreach events.

• Serve as a subject matter resource, answering basic questions for the public.

Technician Responsibilities:

Technician Work – 90%

• Work primarily on public and private lands with very limited work on open waterbodies.

• Perform early detection surveys for invasive species.

• Assist in surveying and deploying monitoring networks regionally for invasive species.

• Monitor traps for invasive species and collect environmental DNA samples.             

• Perform manual and mechanical methods to control and treat invasive species.

• Use restoration practices to restore managed landscapes including reseeding, planting and propagating native plants.

• Serve on a response team for the control of hogweed and other invasive species.

• Collect and report presence points and polygons including treatment data using applications like survey 1,2,3 and ARC GIS On-Line.         

• Aid in partner and related state agency invasive species work actions.

• Assist in creating draft reports for data collected during search, detect, and treatment actions.

• Aid in biocontrol releases and associated assessments.

Professional Improvement – 5%

• In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.

• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions

• Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.

• Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.

• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy – Applied to all duties and functions

• Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.

• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.

• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Saratoga County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.

• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

Position Details

This is a temporary, part-time (37.5 hours/week), nonexempt position. Compensation paid at the rate of $19.05 per hour.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

For additional questions please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail [email protected] or phone (518) 765-3503.

https://ccesaratoga.org/

  

Job Title:

Association Tmp Program

Level:

No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contact Name:

Jim McNaughton

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State.  Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies.  This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.