Fish and Wildlife Technician 1

Background

The invasive aquatic plant water chestnut (Trapa natans) is native to Eurasia. It was first introduced to New York in the 1880s within the Mohawk River basin as an ornamental in Scotia, NY. It has spread to lakes, ponds and rivers and is among the worst invasive species in NY and water chestnut coverage has been increasing throughout New York State and this includes region 6. Region 6 includes Eastern Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence Seaway as well as inland lakes and rivers in the Western Adirondack Park and Tug Hill Region. This critical habitat needs extensive water chestnut management through various physical and mechanical management techniques. NYSDEC is seeking two seasonal technicians to assist with addressing water chestnut in the region.

Position Description

The Water Chestnut Strike Team Technician will be supervised by a Technician 2 and the R6 Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator and based in Dexter, NY. The Team will work throughout the region with a focus on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Lake Ontario, the Oswegatchie River, and Oneida Lake. The Region 6 Water Chestnut Strike Team will work closely with partners such as the St. Lawerence Eastern Lake Ontario (SLELO) Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM), Save the River and Lake Associations to organize and participate in both small and large water chestnut, and in some cases European frogbit, removal efforts. The Team will work closely with stakeholders to transport/compost vegetation biomass. In addition, technicians will assist with education and outreach and perform pre- and post-treatment aquatic plant surveys in management areas. Aquatic plant surveys employ a combination of point intercept method (rake toss at GPS points for repeated measures over time) and BioBase to detect vegetation hotspots. Data will be collected with SASPro (or comparable app) and uploaded into the iMap Invasives database.

The Water Chestnut Strike Team will also collect eDNA samples using a Smith-Root eDNA Citizen Science Sampler for early detection of water chestnut and other aquatic invasive species such as Carolina Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana), Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), and Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata).

Each position is full time (40 hours/week) for four months and will be based at the Brownville Maintenance Center in Dexter, NY for one season.

Required Qualifications

• College courses in ecology, biology, natural resources management or related field with 1+ years of experience working with aquatic invasive species management or other aquatic-based field work, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 1+ years experience in field operations.

• Strong interest in aquatic invasive species management.

• Ability to be comfortable with insects that bite and sting and animal encounters, including snakes (rare), spiders, and other aquatic insects and invertebrates.

• Experience with Microsoft and Google editing suites (Word, Excel, Docs, Sheets).

• Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Must be able to swim short distances unassisted.

• Ability to perform research underwater (wading and snorkeling).

• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather.

• Ability to physically work in field locations that can be difficult to access.

• Must be able to navigate uneven terrain, hills, etc.

• Knowledge of how to balance conflicting priorities, make informed decisions, and use sound judgment in completing urgent tasks.

• Proven ability to work independently and consult with supervisor when necessary.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Excellent organization skills.

• Ability to work well with others is required while creating high-quality and respectful work environment.

• Must be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team.

• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license.

• Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.

• Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and well-being.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates degree or higher in ecology, biology, natural resources management, or related field with at least 3+ years of experience working with aquatic invasive species management or other aquatic-based field work.

• Experience with heavy equipment operation, motorboat operation and trailering of various equipment.

• Basic knowledge and ability to identify native and invasive aquatic vegetation of New York.

• Experience with data collection applications (Survey123, BioBase, EcoSound).

• Experience using multiple GPS devices to navigate.

• Experience with using data analysis and visualization software (R, GIS, etc.)

• Demonstrated experience with aquatic invasive plant monitoring and management.

Minimum Qualifications

30 semester credit hours, including 12 semester credit hours in fisheries, marine resources or wildlife management; mariculture; marine biology; aquaculture; aquatic, marine or terrestrial ecology; zoology; marine technology; botany; limnology; hydrology; or oceanography.