The TCCC AmeriCorps crews are trained by industry experts in sustainable trail building, invasive species management, public outreach, volunteer engagement, and outdoor leadership. TCCC members learn and serve outside of the greater NY metropolitan area in one of the nation’s finest systems of public parks. The ISF crew surveys areas for new invaders and responds quickly to priority species using best management practices. Members work with a wide range of park partners at multiple sites throughout southern NY and will be supported by the Terrestrial Invasive Species Project Manager and the Director of Land Stewardship. For more information about our Corps, visit www.nynjtc.org/corpsmembers.
Service Activities
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Conduct manual and chemical invasive removals and treatments in natural areas
• Conduct surveys of natural areas for targeted invasive plants, includes use of hand-held GPS
• Learn proper techniques for pesticide application and follow all applicable rules and regulations regarding the use of pesticides
• Keep accurate, timely and detailed records of activities
• Collect and log data and prepare reports on work completed
• Prepare maps utilizing ArcMap and GPS data collected in the field
• Work professionally at all times with crew members, community volunteers, and park partners
• Lead and co-lead invasive species removal volunteer work days
• Assist with training volunteers on invasive plant identification and removal techniques
• Informally educate the public about invasive plants and recruit volunteers
• Properly use and care for tools and equipment and follow all safety precautions
• Members may not engage in any Prohibited Activities as outlined in the Member Service Agreement
Community Need Addressed
The Invasives Strike Force program works to preserve biodiversity in our natural environments by monitoring the presence of invasive species in our public lands, especially along hiking trails, and planning and implementing programs to control the spread of invasive species into our natural areas.
Position Outcomes
The TCCC Invasives Strike Force (ISF) crew mitigates ecological damage by employing the most effective techniques to stop invasive plants in southern NY. Crew members spend most of their time managing invasive plants in the field and will also gain office experience managing data. If you want to be on a team of peers in environmental protection, network with regional leaders in conservation, build field botany and invasive species management skills, a position on the TCCC Invasives Strike Force crew might be right for you!
We are seeking three individuals who share our passion for conservation and the outdoors to join our ISF crew controlling non-native invasive plant species. Plant identification and eradication management will be provided (some experience is preferred). ISF crew members will perform both manual and chemical treatment of invasive plants and will become NY Pesticide Apprentices with opportunity to train and take exams for licensing. This is primarily an outdoor position and includes periods of multi-day camping at work sites.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Housing, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Member Benefits:
• Free, as needed, rustic cabin housing at a local park, on a first come first served basis
• Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance; $11,025 total
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,097.50 available upon completion of program
• Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment and interest repayment
• Eligible for SNAP (food stamp) benefits
• Mileage reimbursement
• Training in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED and Leave No Trace Principles
• Training in environmentally friendly pesticide application with opportunity for licensing
• Being a recognized member of an accomplished AmeriCorps Program
Skills you will gain
Wilderness Firs Aid, Cpr, AED, Resume writing, Interview Techniques, Project Management
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment