Ecological Field Technician – Part-time, Seasonal (May-August)

About the Position:
As a member of the Conservation Programs team, the Ecological Field Technician will assist with conducting both bird and vegetation surveys in forested and grassland habitat. Field data collection on birds includes monitoring for abundance, nest phenology, and density. Field data collection on vegetation includes monitoring composition,  structure, and regeneration. The Technician will follow established field protocols in both new and existing monitoring sites.

The Technician will also be responsible for entering and managing the collected data and preparing a project assessment report summarizing seasonal findings. This position will support departmental initiatives, outreach opportunities, and carrying out the Preserve’s mission.

The position is supervised by the Research Ecologist and requires working closely with other Conservation Programs and Mohonk Preserve staff. This hourly, grant-funded position runs for approximately 10-12 weeks, May-August 2023, for a maximum of 400 hours.

 

Classification:

Part-time, Seasonal, Non-exempt

Compensation:

$18.00/hour; housing available upon request

Essential Functions:

• Bird point-count surveys in hemlock and pitch pine forests
• Grassland bird monitoring including nest phenology and placement, pair density, and reproductive success
  o Target species include Bobolink, Eastern meadowlark, and Savannah sparrow Assist with placement of new vegetation and insect monitoring plots/transects
• Vegetation surveys (including species identification and data collection of plant heights, percent cover, and habitat quality) using transects and quadrats
• Record, manage, enter, and perform quality checks on scientific data
• Prepare project assessment report summarizing seasonal findings
• Perform other related duties to support department and Preserve as assigned by the Conservation Programs Department

Desired Skills and Experience:
At Mohonk Preserve, our priority is finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the qualifications or have a less traditional background.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Forestry, Ecology, or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience conducting field research essential
• Experience identifying Northeastern birds by sight and sound is preferred, or the ability and desire to learn (training is provided)
• Experience identifying Northeastern vegetation is preferred, or the ability and desire to learn (training is provided)
• Experience navigating off-trail using GPS coordinates (training is provided)
• Capable (and enthusiastic!) to occasionally walk several miles in a given day carrying a backpack over uneven terrain in potentially adverse field conditions (biting insects, rain, heat, humidity, etc.)
• Proficient computer skills – Microsoft Office 365 applications, remote work platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with both field work and managing data
• Have a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice to ensure that all people are respected and welcomed at the Mohonk Preserve. This includes participating in ongoing education and other work the organization undertakes to develop and incorporate these principles
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally with a variety of Preserve stakeholders
• Ability to work some irregular hours, including early mornings and possibly some weekends
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally with a variety of Preserve stakeholders
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Bonus Skills:
  • Experience with songbird nest searching
  • Experience with ArcGIS software
  • Bi-lingual

Location:

Mohonk Preserve’s main offices are located at our Visitor Center in Gardiner, NY. This position will be based out of the Preserve’s Daniel Smiley Research Center (DSRC) on the grounds of the Mohonk Mountain House resort. Mohonk Preserve offers hybrid work schedules at this time – coordinated with their supervisor and depending on the job, staff may be able to split time working remotely, as well as in the office and in-person on the land. Generally standard working hours, with some flexibility, to be coordinated with supervisor.

Benefits:

• Direct Payroll Deposit
• Mohonk Preserve membership for duration of position
• Access to lands and some activities of Mohonk Mountain House resort

Eligibility for certain benefits is dependent upon a variety of factors including employment status.

COVID-19 Considerations:

The health and safety of our employees and their families is of the utmost importance. Mohonk Preserve requires all staff either to provide proof of being fully vaccinated or, if they cannot provide such proof for any reason, to wear a mask per CDC guidelines CDC Mask Guidance. Regular testing may be required for the unvaccinated. All employees are expected to adhere to required Mohonk Preserve COVID-19 protocols.

Mohonk Preserve is a smoke-free campus.

Physical Demands:

• Frequently uses a computer keyboard, reads, writes
• Frequently works outdoors
• May require standing, walking, hiking, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, carrying equipment
• Occasional events indoors or outdoors outside standard office hours and in other locations around the Preserve

How to Apply:

Applications accepted via e-mail only. Please submit as a single PDF: cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for 3 professional references by 5PM EST March 17th, 2023 to: research@mohonkpreserve.org
Include “Ecological Field Technician” in email subject line.

The anticipated start date of this position is May 15, 2023.
No phone calls please

Additional Information:

More information about Mohonk Preserve can be found at https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/

This job announcement is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.