Individual Placement - Turtle Conservation Steward

Position Summary 

The SCA turtle conservation steward will play an integral role in the Taconic Region’s stewardship program by working closely with the other SCA turtle conservation steward, regional and statewide stewardship staff, other Parks staff, and partners to meet regional and statewide stewardship goals. The work will focus largely on supporting projects involving the protection of flora, fauna, and natural communities on park lands and historic sites throughout the region. Primary responsibilities of will focus on assisting in long-term monitoring efforts for the Blanding’s turtle in Dutchess County. However, other stewardship work, including invasive species management, water quality monitoring, and natural resource surveys, may occur in Dutchess, Columbia, Putnam, and Westchester counties.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, historic landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.

The SCA New York partners with state agencies and nonprofit organizations across the state of New York. SCA New York members serve in 10-month positions alongside conservation professionals, engaging in conservation stewardship projects and education services for the general public.

Hosting Organization

James Baird State Park NYS OPRHP

Location 

Pleasant Valley, NY

• This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
• This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

Schedule 

January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027

Key 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 (40%)
• Collect data using paper datasheets and electronic devices.
• Radiotelemetry will require evening/night/weekend work during the turtle nesting season (end of May through beginning of July).
• Weekend work will be required in August and September for nest checks.
• Coordinate turtle monitoring activities with external partners.
• Work in challenging outdoor conditions while carrying gear. Conditions will include heat, biting insects, swamps, mud, uneven terrain, and walking long distances to remote locations.
• Assist with other stewardship projects (30%)
• E.g., biocontrol release, invasive species mapping and removal, water quality monitoring, potential habitat improvements and plantings, potential monitoring for other wildlife species.

Marginal Duties 

• Participate in SCA trainings, service projects, and other member development events (15%)
• Gather information to update/develop guidance documents, protocols, and reports to be used by regional stewardship staff and partners. (15%)
• Summary reports will be required for all field work.

Required Qualifications 

• Member Evaluation: A Mid-term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the midpoint of a members’ term of service. An End of Term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the members’ end of service.
• Reporting Requirements: Members are required to submit timesheets on a Weekly/Bi-weekly basis via SCA’s timekeeping system,
• ADP Monthly Data Reports: Members are required to submit weekly output reports; training is provided at Introduction.
• Quarterly Narrative Reports: Member narratives are collected on a monthly basis in the members’ output report.
• Reliable vehicle to get to reporting location (a work vehicle will be provided from there).
• Strong interest in and commitment to stewardship and team-oriented approach to solving challenges.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude while performing light to heavy physical labor in challenging field conditions and demonstrating safe working practices.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal protocols and instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other staff and park patrons.

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
• Being at least 18 years or older
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.

Preferred Qualifications 

• 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.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Housing is provided at Mills Norrie State Park. Housing is shared between four Student Conservation Association members, each with their own room. There is also a room for traveling researchers, but a schedule will be provided for awareness. There are three bathrooms, and a shared living room, dining room, and kitchen. Laundry is available in the house. All utilities are included except internet. 

Compensation  

• $500/Week

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

Personal Vehicle Information

A personal vehicle is required for personal travel. 

Driving

Driving an OPRHP Vehicle is required for this position.

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the NY OPRHP, you must:

Possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.

Provide your State Driver's Abstract from your State's DMV (reimbursable)

Pass New York State OPRHP Driver Training

Additional Benefits 

• Member AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation: Members will receive an AmeriCorps orientation which includes training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more
• SCA Risk Management
• Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Wilderness First Aid & CPR
• Project WILD & Project AQUATIC
• New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
• Hudson River Ecology
• Leave No Trace Level 1
• Professional Development & Job Readiness
• Service events including but not limited to: Earth Day/Arbor Day, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day, Patriots Day of Service and Remembrance, A Day in the Life of the Hudson River
• Health Insurance
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Additional training/service opportunities offered by the host site:

• Radiotelemetry
• Turtle trapping
• GIS/GPS and data collection applications (e.g., ESRI products)

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.