Facility Operations Assistant 2
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Slingerlands, NY, United States
Duties Description
The invasive aquatic plant water chestnut (Trapa natans) is native to Eurasia and was first introduced to New York in the 1880s as an ornamental. It has since spread to lakes, ponds, and rivers and is one of the most problematic invasive species in NY. It is prohibited under New York’s Part 575. Along the Mohawk River water chestnut coverage has been increasing, with a 2020‑2022 survey finding the largest infestations in the eastern third of the area covering 827.20 acres. NYSDEC is seeking two seasonal technicians to assist with managing water chestnut in the Mohawk River.
Description
The Water Chestnut Strike Team Technician 2 will be supervised by the Invasive Species Coordination Section in NYSDEC Central Office and work in Region 4 along the Mohawk River. Technicians will be responsible for supervising a Technician 1, overseeing the day‑to‑day operations of the strike team, assisting with education and outreach, performing pre‑ and post‑treatment aquatic plant surveys, and coordinating/participating in water chestnut removal using hand‑pulling and mechanical harvesting. Technicians may also assist with management efforts for other invasive species such as frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus ranae) and yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata). In addition, technicians will collect environmental DNA (eDNA) samples for early detection of water chestnut and other aquatic invasive species.
The Region 4 Water Chestnut Strike Team will work closely with the Mohawk River Water Chestnut Working Group stakeholders and the Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (CR PRISM) to organize and participate in removal efforts throughout the Erie Canal and Mohawk River, focusing on infestations that impede emergency or public access. The team will use water chestnut harvesters for large‑scale infestations and hand‑remove small infestations. Harvesting and hand‑pulling will occur in collaboration with municipalities, marina owners, and recreational groups. The team will schedule events, conduct outreach and education, perform management activities, and transport/compost biomass when possible.
eDNA samples will be collected from each site for community‑based analysis, establishing a baseline to monitor changes in species assemblages and detect early arrival of non‑native species. Data will be collected using point‑intercept methods, snorkel/dive surveys, and BioBase to detect vegetation hotspots, entered into SASPro (or comparable app), and uploaded to the iMapInvasive database. All results will be reported to www.NYiMapInvasives.org.
The position is full‑time (40 hours/week) for four months and will be based at the NYSDEC Central Office in Albany, NY.
Required Qualifications
College courses in ecology, biology, natural resources management or related field with 1+ years 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 tolerate insects that bite or sting, 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.
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 are difficult to access and navigate uneven terrain.
Knowledge of balancing conflicting priorities, making informed decisions, and using sound judgment for urgent tasks.
Proven ability to work independently and consult with a supervisor when necessary.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent organization skills.
Ability to work well with others and create a high‑quality respectful work environment.
Must have reliable transportation and a valid, unrestricted New York State driver’s license.
Experience and 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 experience in aquatic invasive species management or other aquatic‑based field work.
Experience in a supervisory role.
Experience operating and trailering a motorboat.
Basic knowledge and ability to identify native and invasive aquatic vegetation of New York.
Experience with data collection applications (Survey123, BioBase EcoSound).
Experience with multiple GPS devices.
Experience using data analysis and visualization software (R, GIS, etc.).
Demonstrated experience with aquatic invasive plant monitoring and management.
EEO & Diversity Statement
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.
Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E‑Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (e.g., H‑1B, Self‑Sponsorship, STEM OPT).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The invasive aquatic plant water chestnut (Trapa natans) is native to Eurasia and was first introduced to New York in the 1880s as an ornamental. It has since spread to lakes, ponds, and rivers and is one of the most problematic invasive species in NY. It is prohibited under New York’s Part 575. Along the Mohawk River water chestnut coverage has been increasing, with a 2020‑2022 survey finding the largest infestations in the eastern third of the area covering 827.20 acres. NYSDEC is seeking two seasonal technicians to assist with managing water chestnut in the Mohawk River.
Description
The Water Chestnut Strike Team Technician 2 will be supervised by the Invasive Species Coordination Section in NYSDEC Central Office and work in Region 4 along the Mohawk River. Technicians will be responsible for supervising a Technician 1, overseeing the day‑to‑day operations of the strike team, assisting with education and outreach, performing pre‑ and post‑treatment aquatic plant surveys, and coordinating/participating in water chestnut removal using hand‑pulling and mechanical harvesting. Technicians may also assist with management efforts for other invasive species such as frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus ranae) and yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata). In addition, technicians will collect environmental DNA (eDNA) samples for early detection of water chestnut and other aquatic invasive species.
The Region 4 Water Chestnut Strike Team will work closely with the Mohawk River Water Chestnut Working Group stakeholders and the Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (CR PRISM) to organize and participate in removal efforts throughout the Erie Canal and Mohawk River, focusing on infestations that impede emergency or public access. The team will use water chestnut harvesters for large‑scale infestations and hand‑remove small infestations. Harvesting and hand‑pulling will occur in collaboration with municipalities, marina owners, and recreational groups. The team will schedule events, conduct outreach and education, perform management activities, and transport/compost biomass when possible.
eDNA samples will be collected from each site for community‑based analysis, establishing a baseline to monitor changes in species assemblages and detect early arrival of non‑native species. Data will be collected using point‑intercept methods, snorkel/dive surveys, and BioBase to detect vegetation hotspots, entered into SASPro (or comparable app), and uploaded to the iMapInvasive database. All results will be reported to www.NYiMapInvasives.org.
The position is full‑time (40 hours/week) for four months and will be based at the NYSDEC Central Office in Albany, NY.
Required Qualifications
College courses in ecology, biology, natural resources management or related field with 1+ years 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 tolerate insects that bite or sting, 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.
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 are difficult to access and navigate uneven terrain.
Knowledge of balancing conflicting priorities, making informed decisions, and using sound judgment for urgent tasks.
Proven ability to work independently and consult with a supervisor when necessary.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent organization skills.
Ability to work well with others and create a high‑quality respectful work environment.
Must have reliable transportation and a valid, unrestricted New York State driver’s license.
Experience and 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 experience in aquatic invasive species management or other aquatic‑based field work.
Experience in a supervisory role.
Experience operating and trailering a motorboat.
Basic knowledge and ability to identify native and invasive aquatic vegetation of New York.
Experience with data collection applications (Survey123, BioBase EcoSound).
Experience with multiple GPS devices.
Experience using data analysis and visualization software (R, GIS, etc.).
Demonstrated experience with aquatic invasive plant monitoring and management.
EEO & Diversity Statement
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.
Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E‑Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (e.g., H‑1B, Self‑Sponsorship, STEM OPT).
#J-18808-Ljbffr