Individual Placement - Natural Resources Assistant

Position Summary 

Assist Scenic Hudson’s Science and Stewardship Team with the stewardship of various parks and preserves throughout the Hudson Valley. The Natural Resources Assistant will help implement natural resource management projects such as habitat restoration, invasive plant control, ecological monitoring/assessments, and data management. Additional work includes interacting with park visitors, communicating park rules, introducing and explaining park projects, and assisting other Scenic Hudson SCA members and other Scenic Hudson staff with other duties as assigned. This work will include frequent and regular visitation to Scenic Hudson parks. Use of personal vehicle is necessary, and weekend work will be required on occasion.

 

Hosting Organization

Scenic Hudson, Inc.

 

 

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.
• This position may conduct work in a backcountry setting where emergency services are limited and may be delayed by several hours to days. Access to public transportation at work site is not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

 

Schedule 

January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027

 

Weekly Schedule

M-F 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some early starts, weekends, and evening work required.

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

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

- Assist Scenic Hudson’s Natural Resource Manager with the stewardship of Scenic Hudson lands through habitat restoration (i.e. tree plantings and invasive plant control), ecological inventories and monitoring (including forestry and botanical surveys), and other tasks relating to stewardship of natural resources. Duties also include documenting all work performed in the field and the management of natural resource databases and GIS data. Other responsibilities may include organizing and leading volunteer workdays and producing public outreach materials. The Natural Resources Assistant will collaborate with other Scenic Hudson SCA members to implement other work throughout Scenic Hudson parks and preserves. (80%) - Participate in all SCA Corps-wide training and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting (10%) - Assist with events in Scenic Hudson parks, including non-natural resources volunteer workdays, and other recreational activities. (5%) - As needed, assist with park infrastructure projects such as trail building, replacing/creating trail improvements, and replacing/creating park structures. (5%)

 

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 one
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.
• Associate’s degree in natural resource management, environmental science, ecology, biology, or related field.
• Valid driver’s license and personal transportation is required.
• Member must be able to perform physical work outdoor in semi-remote locations in varying weather conditions independently and as part of a group.
• Member must be physically able to walk 4+ miles a day over varied terrain and to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Experience with pesticide application, or willingness to learn.

 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with ArcGIS software and GPS mapping.
• Experience with identification of native and invasive plants, with a focus on the Northeastern United States.
• Experience operating power and hand tools such as shovels, rakes, loppers, cordless drills, brush-cutters, and weed-whackers.
• Enjoys working and interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds and brings a positive attitude and a desire to enhance the natural world.

 

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
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.

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

 

Personal Vehicle Information

A personal vehicle is required for personal and professional travel

 

Driving

Driving a motor vehicle is a requirement for this position.

 

Additional Benefits 

Health Insurance

 

SCA provides the following training opportunities to members:

o  Member AmeriCorps and SCA Training: Members will receive an AmeriCorps training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more

o  SCA Risk Management

o  Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace

o  Mental Health First Aid Training

o  Wilderness First Aid & CPR

o  Environmental Education Curriculum

o  Environmental Leadership Institute

o  New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events

o  Hudson River Ecology

o  Leave No Trace Level 1

o  Professional Development & Job Readiness

o  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.