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 the Hudson Valley region. Such changes include, but are not limited to: trainings being held remotely, requesting symptomatic members to stay home from events, and asking members to test prior to Corps gatherings.
SCA Hudson Valley AmeriCorps partners with State and non-profit agencies to address the conservation needs of the Hudson River Watershed region. Corps members are placed at individual host sites, where service activities range from providing environmental education to underserved youth, to restoring stream banks along the Hudson River, and beyond. Members join together regularly for trainings, service projects, or other events.
Values and Standards of the Program:
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.
Purpose of the Program: This position will help to monitor, conserve, restore, and rehabilitate biodiversity and natural systems, and increase the public understanding of the Hudson Valley’s natural history.
Community Needs that the Program Serves: Scenic Hudson is a regional Hudson Valley land trust and environmental organization that operates throughout 11 counties in New York, from Albany to New York City. We have 25,000 members and welcome thousands of annual visitors to our parks and preserves each year. Our scientists and planners offer their expertise free of charge to dozens of communities
AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:
Assist Scenic Hudson’s Science, Climate and Stewardship Team with the stewardship of various parks and preserves throughout the Hudson Valley. The Natural Resources Assistant will help implement natural resource management projects such as habitat restoration, ecological monitoring/assessments, and data management. Additional work includes interaction with park visitors on a regular basis, communicating park rules, introducing and explaining park projects, and assisting staff with other duties as assigned. This work will include frequent and regular visitation to Scenic Hudson parks. Use of personal vehicle is necessary and weekend work will be required on occasion.
- Assist Scenic Hudson’s Natural Resource Manager with the stewardship of Scenic Hudson lands through habitat restoration (i.e. tree plantings and invasive plant control), ecological inventories and monitoring (including forestry and botanical surveys), and other tasks relating to stewardship of natural resources. Duties also include documenting all work performed in the field and the management of natural resource databases and GIS data. Other responsibilities may include organizing and leading volunteer workdays and producing public outreach materials. The Natural Resources Assistant will collaborate with other Scenic Hudson members to implement other work throughout Scenic Hudson parks and preserves. (80%)
- Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting (10%)
- Assist the Parks and Trails Assistant by monitoring and managing invasive vegetation along the park trails (5%)
- Assist with events in Scenic Hudson parks, including non-natural resources volunteer workdays, education programs, and other recreational activities. (5%)
- As needed, assist with park infrastructure projects such as trail building, replacing/creating trail improvements, and replacing/creating park structures. (5%)
How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
The Natural Resources Assistant supports the Science, Climate and Stewardship Team in ensuring Scenic Hudson’s conserved lands restore biodiversity, build climate resiliency, and increase public understanding of the region’s natural history and vulnerability to a changing climate.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 1: Successfully plan and lead at least one volunteer workday that contributes toward achieving one of Scenic Hudson’s property goals.
Goal 2: Create a portfolio of maps and written products that contribute toward Scenic Hudson natural resources program initiatives.
Goal 3: Present the findings or progress towards goals of one of our various program initiatives, either to Scenic Hudson staff or to a larger regional group.
Candidate Requirements:
-Valid Driver’s License for 3+ years and personal transportation is necessary
-Ability to pass a federal background check and a motor vehicle background check
Candidate Qualifications:
- Ability to perform physical work outdoors in semi-remote locations in varying weather conditions independently and as part of a group.
- Must be physically able to walk 4+ miles a day over varied terrain and to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience operating power and hand tools such as shovels, rakes, loppers, picks, cordless drills, brush-cutters and weed-whackers.
- Enjoys working and interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds, and brings a positive attitude and a desire to enhance the natural world.
- Experience in public parks or natural resource fieldwork
- Experience with identification of native and invasive plants preferred, with a focus on the Northeastern United States.
Knowledge:
Associate’s degree in natural resource management, environmental science, ecology, or related field.
Experience in ArcGIS software and GPS mapping preferred.
Benefits:
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Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $6,895
Amount of living allowance member will receive:
$350/week living allowance
$1000/month housing allowance upstate (if housing is not provided)
$1100/month housing allowance in NYC (if housing is not provided)
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 Hudson Valley Corps members receive Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Environmental Leadership Institute, Hudson River Citizen Science curricula, Trail Skills, Project WILD curricula, and professional development. Optional trainings include Leave No Trace, Mental Health First Aid, and other opportunities that arise.
Position ID: PO-00736123
Expected Dates: January 22, 2024 - November 18, 2024
Location:
85 Civic Center Plaza
Suite 300
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
US
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
A personal vehicle is required to access amenities such as grocery store, libraries, etc. as well as travel to Hudson Valley Corps trainings and events.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
A four bedroom house will be provided in Poughkeepsie NY. The house will be shared by four SCA members in total. SCA members can move in early January of 2024 and must vacate by mid-December of 2024.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes