ENV is hiring Invasive Species Technicians for summer 2025
Summer job opportunity! Help be part of the team restoring the Blind Brook forest. Over the three year period of this grant, we hope to set the forest on a trajectory of recovery that will last for future generations. Learn skills that can help you get a full time job in the conservation field.
Funded through NYDEC Invasive Species grant
What the work involves:
Primary responsibilities will be conducting field work in the Blind Brook forest. All training will be provided, but technicians must be comfortable working outside in all conditions (including heat and bugs). Technicians will be responsible to setting up transects and identifying plants along those transects, then mechanically removing any invasive plants. Technicians will also identify trees, monitor for Spotted Lanternfly, and conduct control strategies. Secondary responsibilities involve data entry, map making, and public outreach and engagement (leading tours, organizing community volunteer days).
Skills required:
Some level of plant identification skills (or willingness to learn), attention to detail in data collection and management, ability to work independently and in a team, top communication skills, willingness to work outside.
Who should apply:
Preference will be given to ENV majors who have completed General Ecology, GIS, and Biostatistics, but all students and all majors are welcome to apply. If you plan on graduating in May, you are still eligible for this job.
Salary:
$20 per hour, for a total of 320 hours (total of $6400 stipend before taxes). Please be advised that the first paycheck will likely take 4 weeks after the start of work to arrive.
Days off.
The crew will not work on the following holidays: Memorial Day (Monday May 26), Juneteenth (Thursday June 19), and Independence Day (Friday July 4). Days off due to illness or personal needs/vacations can definitely be scheduled but will not be paid.
Work hours:
Work hours will generally be between 8am and 4pm Monday – Friday, but some weekend times might be necessary, depending on community outreach events and watering schedules.
Time period:
Work will take place between Monday May 19 and Friday July 25, 2025. We might have to cancel work on bad weather days (thunderstorms or extreme heat) but will make up the hours other times so that you get your full stipend by the end of the summer.
Housing:
Limited housing will be available on campus as part of a four person apartment in Alumni Village.
Cover letter due March 20, 2025:
Please write a cover letter, sent via email to Allyson.jackson@purchase.edu that addresses the following:
- The reason why you are interested in this work
- What skills you have that make you qualified for this job.
- Information about whether you have completed General Ecology, GIS, and Biostatistics at Purchase College and what grades you received in those classes.
- Whether you would need housing in Alumni Village.
- If you will be a returning student in the fall semester (does not impact eligibility, just needed to know for accounting purposes).
- Any other information you think is important.
Interviews:
Interviews will take place the week after spring break on campus. If selected for an interview, you will get an email to set up your interview time after you submit your cover letter.