Ecological Field Technician
As a member of the Conservation Science team, the Ecological Field Technician will help carry-out initiatives associated with our Climate-adapted Forest Management Plan and Invasive Species Program, assist with on-going ecological monitoring and community science projects, and assist with mentoring seasonal undergraduate interns.
Field work includes but is not limited to: peregrine falcon monitoring; assisting with forestry activities; surveying invasive insects (e.g. SLF, SPB, Spongy moth); vernal pool monitoring; monitoring forest vegetation composition, structure, and regeneration; and invasives species removal/mapping. The Technician will follow established field protocols in both new and existing monitoring sites. It is anticipated that this position will be working 70% in the field and 30% in the office. Ongoing training will be provided. The Technician will also be responsible for entering and managing the collected data and preparing project assessment reports summarizing results. This position will support departmental initiatives, outreach opportunities, and carrying out the Preserve’s mission.
The position is supervised by the Associate Director of Conservation Science & Research and requires working closely with other Conservation & Community Education department and Mohonk Preserve staff. This hourly, temporary position runs for approximately 34-36 weeks, February-October 2025, for up to 1360 hours.
Primary Responsibilities and Expectations:
- Peregrine falcon monitoring including using a spotting scope to document behavior and location along cliff lines.
- Assist with forestry activities including but not limited to: tree marking, planting, and mechanical removal of invasive species or competing vegetation.
- Vernal pool monitoring including surveying for species occupancy and reproductive success as well as assessing water quality.
- Forest vegetation, soil, microclimate surveys (including species identification and data collection plant heights/percent cover, tree dbh, canopy cover, deer-browse presence, and habitat quality) using transects, quadrats, soil probes, and other forestry equipment.
- Recording phenology observations on various flora & fauna species throughout the Preserve.
- Record, manage, enter, and perform quality checks on scientific data.
- Assist with analysis of forest inventory and ecological data using statistical and GIS software.
- Invasive species surveys/mapping.
- Assist Community Science Coordinator with Invasive Species Program administration.
- Assist with Intern mentorship which includes field work and data management oversight.
- Perform other related duties to support department and Preserve as assigned by the Associate Director of Conservation Science & Research.
What You’ll Bring:
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 work
- Experience identifying Northeastern vegetation
- Familiarity with using forestry equipment including but not limited to wedge prisms, DBH tape, densitometer, compass, clinometer, and quadrats
- Experience navigating off-trail using GPS coordinates
- Working knowledge of GIS including familiarity with ESRI ArcGIS products
- Capable 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).
- Excellent communication abilities including written, oral, and presentation skills
- 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.
- 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
- Bonus skills
- Bird identification skills (sight & sound)
- Experience with bioacoustic monitoring using ARUs
- Experience with data management and analysis
- Experience with ArcGIS software
- Bi-lingual
Physical Demands:
- Frequently uses a computer keyboard, reads, writes.
- Frequently works outdoors.
- Requires standing, walking, hiking, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, carrying equipment, sometimes for an extended period of time.
- Occasional events indoors or outdoors outside standard office hours and in other locations around the Preserve
Total Rewards Package:
This is a grant-funded, seasonal, non-exempt position offering the following:
- $21.00 per hour
- Housing available upon request
- 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.
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 their supervisor. Mohonk Preserve is a smoke-free campus.
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 February 6th, 2025 to: research@mohonkpreserve.org
Include “Ecological Field Technician” in email subject line.
The anticipated start date of this position is February 24th, 2025; start date somewhat flexible.