This position requires that you become enrolled in AmeriCorps. If you are selected for this program, please be sure to accept AmeriCorps during the SCA offer process. No travel allowance will be offered for this position even if it is stated on your confirmation of acceptance. Due to Covid-19, events and trainings are subject to change in response to an increase in the number of cases in upstate New York. Such changes include but are not limited to: trainings being held remotely, elimination of large-scale gatherings, and a reduction of education programs.
New York’s Central Region is seeking an enthusiastic Piping Plover Steward for the 2024 season. Apply to be a SCA New York State Parks Corps member today!
About the NYS Parks Corps: Service activities range from providing environmental education and interpretation, to trail restoration, wildlife management, and organizing volunteer events. All 21 Parks Corps members will gather regularly in Central NY for SCA trainings and other professional development opportunities as they arise. (**See Covid caveat above for potential exceptions to 2024 events) Members share housing in groups of 1-4 members per location. NYS Parks Corps members serve under the direction of regional Parks staff to assist in accomplishing the mission of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic, and cultural resources.
This position is located in New York’s Central Region, with a focus on Sandy Island State Beach Park. The partner will provide accommodations in Green Lakes State Park which will be shared with other SCA New York State Parks Corps members.
Purpose of the Position: To assist NYS Park staff with the Great Lakes Piping Plover Project through education, outreach, and monitoring for piping plovers and other shorebird species. This includes conducting interactive events, presentations, tabling, social media posts, and roving interpretation to the public. Monitoring and protecting piping plovers during their nesting season involves keeping daily track of brood and nest locations across the eastern Lake Ontario shoreline. Member will help install and maintain nest exclosures, trail cameras, and sanctuary fencing over piping plover nests. Member will also assist in the preservation of the Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Wetland system and piping plover habitat at Sandy Island Beach State Park by planting dune grass, trash removal, identifying and removing invasive species, and erecting sand collecting fencing. In addition, member will assist NYS Park staff with Selkirk Shores, Sandy Island Beach State Park, and other state parks that have operational needs and events.
Community Needs that the Position Serves: Public education about the endangered shorebirds, dune ecosystem, habitat protection, and human impact on the environment. Connect people to NYS Parks in a nature-oriented way.
Values and Standards of the Program/Position:
SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
The Mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreation and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.
AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:
- Create and conduct formal and informal education about the Great Lakes Piping Plover and its unique habitat (including games, crafts, presentations, informal conversations, etc.)
- Monitor and record data for Piping Plovers and other shorebirds
- Create and maintain positive relationships with the public
- Preserve and increase suitable habitat by transplanting dune grass, installing protective fencing, erecting snow fencing to capture sand, conducting shoreline beach clean ups, and mapping and removing invasive species
- Assist NYS Park staff with Selkirk Shores and Sandy Island Beach State Parks operational needs and events. These duties and tasks will support and enhance visitor experience in the parks, strengthen the academic programs of students, and allow students to develop life-long connections to NYS Parks.
How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
This AmeriCorps role directly supports our Agency’s mission by offering the safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities, as well as taking an active stewardship role towards our natural, historic, and cultural resources.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 1: To assist NYS Park staff with the Great Lakes Piping Plover Project by educating the public about the rare species and ecosystem, highly focusing on the endangered Great Lakes Piping Plover at Sandy Island Beach State Parks.
Goal 2: To ensure and participate in the preservation of the Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Wetland system.
Goal 3: To assist NYS Park staff at Selkirk Shores and Sandy Island Beach State Parks with park needs and events.
Candidate Qualifications:
- Valid driver license.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Two years of college or other post-secondary school experience in a relevant field.
Skills, Knowledge, and Training:
- Candidates must be self-motivated, able to initiate projects and tasks, have good time management and organizational skills, be comfortable on watercraft and in all weather conditions, and effectively work with the public in a positive and educational manner.
- Candidate must have a valid driver’s license and own personal vehicle for travel to and from work site.
- Experience with plant/insect/bird identification helpful but not necessary. Experience driving boats helpful, but not necessary.
- NYS Boaters Safety Course.
- A general knowledge of basic ecological principles and NYS flora and fauna. Candidates should have an understanding of the ecology of threatened and endangered species. Experience with customer service and education.
- Experience with hand tools and spending time outdoors helpful but not necessary.
Benefits
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $6,495
Amount of living allowance member will receive: $350/week living allowance
Healthcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for free health insurance
Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
Student loan forbearance and interest payments, (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.
Training Opportunities: All SCA NYS Parks Corps members receive Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Leave No Trace, Mental Health First Aid, and professional development. Environmental Education Stewards receive Certified Interpretive Guide training while Conservation Stewards receive Game of Logging 1 & 2. Optional trainings include NYSOEA, the American Canoe Association Quick Start Your Canoe Training, and other opportunities that arise through the SCA and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
SCA1957
Position ID: PO-00736009
Expected Dates: January 22, 2024 - November 18, 2024
Location:
Central Region Office
6105 E Seneca Turnpike
Jamesville, NY 13078
US
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Recommended
A personal vehicle is required to access amenities such as grocery store, libraries, etc. as well as travel to NYS Parks Corps trainings and events.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
This position is located in New York’s Central Region, with a focus on the FORCES program. The partner will provide accommodations in Green Lakes State Park which will be shared with other SCA New York State Parks Corps members.
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: Yes