NY Corps- Turtle Conservation Steward

Position Summary

Purpose of the Program: The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is 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 and historic resources.

Taconic regional stewardship staff is part of the Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning (DESP) within OPRHP. Environmental stewardship is the responsible use and protection of the natural environment. DESP has identified four main strategic goals that uphold the Agency’s guiding principle of conserving, protecting, and enhancing our natural and ecological resources within the park system:

1. Protect, Conserve, and Improve Native Biodiversity, Resilient Natural Communities, and Connected Habitats

2. Integrate Environmental Stewardship Throughout the Agency and Enhance Communication and Information Sharing

3. Improve External Information Sharing and Communication

4. Demonstrate Leadership and Foster Employee Excellence in Environmental Stewardship.

Schedule

April 29, 2025 - November 4, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The turtle conservation steward will work closely with regional and statewide stewardship staff and other Parks staff to meet regional and statewide stewardship goals. The work will focus largely on supporting projects that involve the protection of flora, fauna, and natural communities on park lands and historic sites throughout the region. The primary responsibilities of this position will involve assisting in long-term monitoring efforts for the Blanding’s turtle in Dutchess County. However, other stewardship work may occur in Columbia, Putnam, and Westchester counties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

§ Conduct turtle trapping, tracking using radiotelemetry, vegetation surveys, and nest protection and monitoring for turtle hatchlings; collect and organize data related to those activities (50%)

o Data will be collected using paper datasheets and electronic devices.

o Radiotelemetry will require evening/night/weekend work during the turtle nesting season (end of May through beginning of July).

o Weekend work may be required in August and September for nest checks.

o The member will be expected to coordinate turtle monitoring activities with external partners.

o The member will work in challenging environmental conditions while carrying gear. Conditions will include heat, biting insects, swamps, mud, uneven terrain, and walking long distances to remote locations.

§ Conduct literature reviews and gather information to develop guidance documents, protocols, and reports to be used by regional stewardship staff and partners. Create maps using ArcGIS software. (15%)

o Summary reports will be required for all field work.

§ Assist with other stewardship projects (20%)

o E.g., biocontrol release, invasive species mapping and removal, water quality monitoring, potential habitat improvements and plantings, potential monitoring for other wildlife species.

§ Participate in SCA trainings, service projects and other member development events (15%)

Required Qualifications

- Four-year degree, preferably in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Conservation Biology, or a related field. - Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. - Must be flexible and adaptable to shifting schedules based on project needs and weather. - Valid US Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• General comfort hiking and working outdoors in varying terrain and in all weather conditions, including wading through forested swamps in chest waders while carrying equipment in hot weather. • Ability to maintain a positive attitude while performing light to heavy physical labor in challenging field conditions and demonstrating safe working practices. • Must have strong organization skills. • Ability to follow written and verbal protocols and instructions. • Must be able to communicate effectively with other staff and park patrons. • Strong interest in and commitment to environmental stewardship and team-oriented approach to solving environmental challenges. • Some knowledge and identification skills of flora and fauna, including native wildlife (particularly turtles) and invasive species common to New York State is desirable, but not required. • A working knowledge of GPS/GIS and ecological monitoring methods is preferred, but not required. • Experience collecting data and creating/editing maps is a plus, but not required. On-the-job training will be provided to ensure the member can fulfill the position duties to the best of their abilities and develop professionally. Training opportunities provided but not limited to: • Radiotelemetry • Turtle trapping • GIS/GPS and data collection applications

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing provided by site partner

Compensation

$435/week

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR

Health Insurance

LNT Level 1 Certification

Mental Health First Aid

$100 Professional Development Stipend

Environmental Leadership Institute

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.