Invasive Species Technician - Giant Hogweed

Hobart and William Smith Colleges is hiring an Invasive Species Technician for summer positions in Syracuse and Avon, NY. Responsibilities include mapping giant hogweed infestations, conducting field surveys, and implementing manual and chemical control methods. The role requires physical fitness, expertise in invasive species, and proficiency in GPS and GIS. This is a seasonal, non-benefits-eligible job with a pay range of $18.00 - $19.50 per hour.
Invasive Species Technician - Giant Hogweed
Hobart William Smith Colleges

Location: Syracuse, NY and Avon, NY
Open Date: Feb 20, 2024

Description
Current positions are available for in Syracuse and Avon, NY through a partnership with the Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in conjunction with the Finger Lakes PRISM. The position's duties involve fieldwork on both public and private lands; mapping infestations, collecting site information, surveying for plants and implementing manual and chemical control of giant hogweed. Appropriate safety equipment and safety training will be provided at the outset of employment.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Communication and Permissions: Contact property owners to secure permission for survey and control activities.
• Site Location and Mapping: Utilize maps and GIS products to identify specific control sites accurately.
• Manual Control of Giant Hogweed: Execute labor-intensive manual control for sites with fewer than 100 plants, involving cutting taproots with a shovel.
• Chemical Control Implementation: Under certified supervision, apply Accord XRT II using backpack sprayers as per label instructions for effective giant hogweed control.
• Comprehensive Site Management: Safely remove and dispose of all giant hogweed flower/seed heads, conduct additional plant scouting within a 500-square foot radius, perform field surveys with GPS, and maintain detailed digital records of control activities.

OTHER INFORMATION
This is a seasonal (summer), non-benefits-eligible position. Position is based out of New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation Syracuse and Avon offices; crews will meet each morning and drive to worksites throughout the Finger Lakes region. The Finger Lakes PRISM is one of eight PRISMs supported via funding from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund as administered by NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation. This position description is not all-inclusive as other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned. Pay range is $18.00 - $19.50 per hour.

Qualifications
• Educational Background: Completed coursework in forestry, environmental studies, ecology, natural resource management, conservation biology, or wildlife biology.
• Invasive Species Expertise: Knowledgeable about invasive species, control techniques, and quick identification of giant hogweed and associated plants.
• Mapping and Field Skills: Proficient in using maps, GPS, and GIS for effective site location and recording during surveys.
• Physical Fitness: Demonstrates physical capability for labor-intensive tasks in diverse terrains and hot weather, including digging, cutting, spraying, and extended survey periods.
• Communication and Safety: Exhibits excellent interpersonal and communication skills, providing accurate information about giant hogweed. Displays a strong commitment to safety practices, with prior herbicide experience being a valuable asset for Avon and Syracuse office locations.

Hobart and William Smith is a liberal arts and sciences institution known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures. Through a relationship-rich educational environment, students have exceptional academic and co-curricular opportunities in career services, community service, global education and athletics. Located in Geneva, N.Y., a small, diverse city in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, HWS has an enrollment of approximately 1,800 students, and offers undergraduate, pre-professional and graduate programs.

Application Instructions

For more information and to apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/141405

The Colleges are an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment in their programs and activities against employees or applicants based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, caregiver status, military status, including past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, social class, or any other category or characteristic protected by applicable law.

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