Individual Placement - Land Stewardship and Research Assistant

Position Summary 

The Land Steward and Research Assistant will work closely with the Preserve Director to deepen our connections to and understanding of the natural world through research, recreation, teaching, and caring for the land. The assistant will take a leadership role in coordinating teams of Vassar student interns who work on stewardship, monitoring, restoration, and native plant propagation. They will assist with monitoring that informs land management decisions and helps to assess the health of conservation targets. Our current projects include surveying vegetation, monitoring invasive species, assessing restoration projects, measuring deer impacts, and mapping ecological communities. The member will assist with the maintenance of the Preserve, ongoing restoration projects, and our network of trails. They will interact with Preserve stakeholders by answering questions, hosting educational events, and organizing volunteer events.

Hosting Organization

The Preserve at Vassar

Location 

Poughkeepsie, 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.

Schedule 

January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027

Weekly Schedule

M-F 9-5 with some seasonal variability. Occasional weekend work is required.

Corps members are expected to serve approximately 40 hours a week for a period of 10 months.

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The Land Steward and Research Assistant will work closely with the Preserve Director to deepen our connections to and understanding of the natural world through research, recreation, teaching, and caring for the land. The assistant will take a leadership role in coordinating teams of Vassar student interns who work on stewardship, monitoring, restoration, and native plant propagation. They will assist with monitoring that informs land management decisions and helps to assess the health of conservation targets. Our current projects include surveying vegetation, monitoring invasive species, assessing restoration projects, measuring deer impacts, and mapping ecological communities. The member will assist with the maintenance of the Preserve, ongoing restoration projects, and our network of trails. They will interact with Preserve stakeholders by answering questions, hosting educational events, and organizing volunteer events.

Marginal Duties 

• 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. • Quarterly Narrative Reports: Member narratives are collected on a monthly basis in the members’ output report.

Required Qualifications 

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.
• The member should have strong plant and animal identification skills, knowledge of GIS, the ability to follow protocols, and familiarity with databases.
• They should be familiar with using hand and power tools.
• They must have strong leadership skills.
• Best suited for individuals with a BS/BA in Ecology, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Natural Resources Management or a related field.
• The member must have knowledge and excitement to learn about the natural world.
• A driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle is required.

Preferred Qualifications 

They should be familiar with environmental monitoring techniques, ecological restoration, and land stewardship.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

$1,000/month housing allowance for positions outside of NYC

Member is responsible for securing their own housing within reasonable commuting distance to Poughkeepsie, NY

Compensation  

• Compensation: (weekly living allowance): $500/week
• Minimum AmeriCorps Award: Full-Time Award
• AmeriCorps Hours Requirement: 1700 hours
• Education Award amount upon successful completion of program: $7,395
• Healthcare coverage: Eligible for free health insurance
• Childcare coverage: Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps

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

Personal Vehicle Information

A personal vehicle is required for both personal and professional travel

Driving

Driving an SCA motor vehicle is a requirement for this position.

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

• Possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.
• Have a minimum of three years of state permitted and licensed driving experience.
• Be a minimum of 21 years old.
• Complete and pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check upon hire (or re-hire) and annually, thereafter.
• Able to complete and pass SCA’s driver training, including both online and behind-the-wheel assessment (commentary) components.

Additional Benefits 

Health Insurance

SCA provides the following training opportunities to members:

• Member AmeriCorps and SCA Training: Members will receive an AmeriCorps 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
• Environmental Education Curriculum
• Environmental Leadership Institute
• 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
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement 

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