Invasive Species Technician - Giant Hogweed

Hobart and William Smith Colleges Geneva, NY Full-time Farming / Fishing / Forestry

Posted on May 16, 2024

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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.

Application Instructions

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

Hobart and William Smith Colleges are committed to providing a non-discriminatory and harassment-free educational, living and working environment for all members of the HWS community, including students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and visitors. HWS prohibits discrimination and harassment in their programs and activities on the basis of age, color, disability, domestic violence victim status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected under the law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual assault, and other forms of sexual misconduct including stalking and intimate partner violence, and gender-based harassment that does not involve conduct of a sexual nature.

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