Parks and Recreation Specialist 1 - Lead Stewardship Assistant

The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description This position entails applying ecological and conservation biology principles to stewardship activities within the diverse Long Island Region of the New York State Parks System. The selected applicant will have a wide range of responsibilities such as responding to regional environmental issues and needs, report writing, and data management. All of these tasks involve communicating closely with other OPRHP staff and partners. The Lead Stewardship Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Environmental Stewardship Manager.• Serve as a resource for park managers and staff to help coordinate operational needs with natural resource protection.• Apply professional-level skills, with a focus on applied environmental stewardship including biodiversity, conservation, and species and natural community protection.• Develop and implement on-the-ground stewardship projects and environmental monitoring such as invasive plant removal, restoration planting, vegetation surveys, deer surveys, etc.• Working closely with regional biologists and other regional staff to implement environmental policies, guidelines, principles, and provide specific guidance into daily activities, project development, plans, and actions. • Assist OPRHP capital staff in gathering information for (1) environmental review (SEQRA) and permitting requirements, (2) identification of needs for and assistance with resource inventory and assessment, (3) environmental health issues such as assistance with regional beach and lake monitoring programs, and (4) assistance in natural resource planning efforts. • Maintaining close communication with other staff on matters pertaining to environmental protection and fostering communication throughout the regional offices and facilities.• Utilizing NY Natural Heritage Program data and other information to guide plans and actions. • Helping develop, implement, and maintain pollinator habitat projects throughout region.• Coordinate with greenhouses in region to identify plant needs, seed collection, planting, etc.• Assist with planning and implementing Forestry management practices such as basal area surveys, Southern Pine Beetle surveys, vegetation surveys, etc. • Assist with issuance of Scientific Research permits.• Review trail cam footage and compile data.• Assist with administrative duties such as scheduling meetings, personnel issues, etc.

The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications There are no minimum qualifications for this title per Civil Service.

Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments Preferred qualifications: • B.S. in Biology, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field is required. At least one year experience in conservation biology, applied resource management, or related field. A Master’s degree can be substituted for 1 year of experience.• 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.• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs• Must be able to work outdoors in extreme conditions (long hours, inclement weather, heat, humidity, cold, exposure to poison ivy, thorns, ticks and other biting insects).• Must be able to perform work on unpaved, uneven surfaces (tripping hazards).• Must be able perform work in, on, and around water (rivers, lakes, oceans, etc.)• Must be physically able to perform strenuous physical labor such as walking long distances carrying field equipment, using hand tools such as shovels, rakes, pruners, etc.The ideal candidate possesses the following qualifications: • Knowledge of New York’s flora and fauna, conservation issues and threats to species and ecosystems• Plant identification skills.• Knowledge of invasive plant species of New York.• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills with attention to detail.• Working knowledge of GPS and GIS.• Able to work independently and as part of a team.• Excellent communication, data management, technical writing, and creative problem-solving skills.*This position is a full time, year-round position. Work schedule is Monday through Friday – 8-hour days

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