Conservation Corps- Land Steward and Research Assistant with the NY Hudson Valley Corps
Position Summary
Purpose of the Program:
The mission of the Vassar Ecological Preserve is to protect and preserve the ecological diversity of the land to ensure that its educational value will be maintained in perpetuity. The Vassar Ecological Preserve promotes increased understanding and appreciation of the natural systems on the preserve through field-based education and research.
Schedule
January 20, 2025 - November 21, 2025
Key Duties and Responsibilities
AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:
The Land Steward and Research Assistant will work closely with the Preserve Director to protect the Vassar Preserve and promote its use as an educational resource. They take a leadership role in coordinating teams of Vassar student interns who work on stewardship, monitoring, and restoration. They assist with biological monitoring that informs land management decisions and helps to assess the health of conservation targets. Current projects include monitoring invasive species, vegetation, deer impacts, water quality, and habitat mapping. They assist with the maintenance of the preserve and ongoing restoration projects. The member works to increase the educational usage of the preserve by developing and implementing educational project(s) and engaging volunteers. They maintain and improve the existing network of trails. They will interact with users of the preserve to answer questions, host educational events, and organize volunteer efforts.
How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
The monitoring efforts the member assists with helps to ensure sound management of the land. The stewardship and volunteer opportunities that the member provides ensures that the land will remain a valuable educational resource. The outreach and volunteer events that they host increases the educational usage of the Preserve and promotes environmental literacy.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 1:
The member will assist with data collection and management of existing and new monitoring and research projects.
Goal 2:
The member will maintain trails and improve conditions on the preserve.
Goal 3: The member will work to engage the community outreach and volunteer projects. They will work to engage students in the monitoring and management of the Preserve.
Marginal Duties
Values and Standards of the Program: SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
Required Qualifications
- Is the member a High School graduate, GED recipient or working towards attaining a high school Diploma or GED?
- Does member agree to obtain either a high school diploma or a GED before using their education award?
- Does member agree to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Criminal History Check as outlined in §2522.202?
- Does member adhere to all member eligibility requirements in §2522.200(a)
List any specific qualifications for AmeriCorps member:
Skills/Knowledge/Training Necessary to be a successful AmeriCorps Member in this position:
Skills:
The member must be familiar with using hand and power tools. They should have excellent written and oral communication skills. They must have plant and animal identification skills, GIS and GPS skills, and be able to maintain databases. They must have strong leadership skills.
Knowledge:
The member must be familiar with using hand and power tools. They should have excellent written and oral communication skills. They must have plant and animal identification skills, GIS and GPS skills, and be able to maintain databases.
Training:
BS/BA in Ecology, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, or a related field; a valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications
Community Needs that the Program Serves:
The community heavily uses the Vassar Ecological Preserve for recreation. There are 7 miles of trail that need maintenance and improvement to allow for the community to enjoy this resource. The Vassar Ecological Preserve is one of the few open spaces in the City of Poughkeepsie. The Preserve provides access to nature that fills an urgent need of this urban/suburban community. Part of the preserve’s mission is to improve the community’s understanding of the natural world. The outreach and volunteer opportunities that our program provides engages students and community members in experiential learning about the natural world. The stewardship and restoration of the Vassar Ecological Preserve ensures that the land continues to provide valuable ecosystem services to the community. The preserve helps improve water and air
quality and provides valuable habitat to wildlife and pollinators.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
SCA providing housing allowance to member to acquire local housing on their own.
Compensation
$400/week LA
$1000/month HA
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR
Leave No Trace Master Educator Certification
Wilderness First Aid Training
Health Insurance
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required
Equal Opportunity Statement
SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.