Karner Blue Butterfly Steward - Student Conservation Association : Job Details

**Karner Blue Butter?y Steward**

Expected Dates January 31, 2022 to November 10, 2022 Site Saratoga Spa State Park, NYS OPRHP Position ID PO-00732388 **This position requires that you become enrolled in AmeriCorps. If you are selected for this program please be sure to accept AmeriCorps during the SCA offer process. No travel allowance will be offered for this position even if it is stated on your confirmation of acceptance.

Due to Covid-19, events and trainings are subject to change in response to an increase in the number of cases in the Hudson Valley region. Specific duties aligned with this position may also be subject to change. Such changes include, but are not limited to: trainings being eliminated or held remotely, elimination of large-scale gatherings, reduction of education programs, and a transition to teleworking.**

**Beginning on 1/18/22, all new SCA volunteer program participants (Interns, Corps/Teams, AmeriCorps, PLC and Residential members) will be required to be fully vaccinated. Currently, full vaccination is defined as having received the first two-dose series (or one J&J dose) of COVID-19 vaccine.**

**LOCAL CANDIDATES TO THE GREATER ALBANY AREA ONLY**

SCA Hudson Valley AmeriCorps partners with State and non-profit agencies to address the conservation needs of the Hudson River Watershed region. Corps members are placed at individual host sites, where service activities range from providing environmental education to underserved youth, to restoring streambanks along the Hudson River, and beyond. Members join together regularly for trainings, service projects, or other events.

**Purpose of the Program:** Aid in management and outreach at a habitat for the federally endangered Karner blue butter?y

**Community Needs that the Program Serves:** The extremely tenuous nature of the Karner blue population along with the unique local conditions combine to create a site that warrants very close attention. The partnership with AmeriCorps members helps provide the on-site presence needed to allow for a greater level of management for a species in desperate need. Through habitat restoration and education programming, AmeriCorps members will be directly addressing both the Education and Environmental Stewardship Focus Areas of the Serve America Act.

**AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:** Monitor butter?y population, monitor/manage habitat quality, provide outreach to area visitors and improve compliance with protective measures

**How the AmeriCorps Members Role Aligns with the Organization:** This position furthers NYS Parks mission to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.

**Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:**

**Goal 1:** Complete and document monitoring for spring and summer broods

**Goal 2:** Complete spring and summer habitat monitoring in all management areas

**Goal 3:** Work with Park and patrons to improve dog park and improve compliance with area leash regulations.

**Candidate Qualifications:**

Ability to pass a background check.

Valid driver license of 3 years with a clean driving record

Must be able to work outside, often in hot, sunny conditions

Skills: Preferred = GIS, GPS, Field Surveys - vegetation and insects

Knowledge: Preferred = Entomology, Natural Resource Management

Training: Preferred = Public speaking, education/outreach

**Benefits:**

* All Hudson Valley Corps members receive a taxable $200/week living allowance

* Upon successful completion of the term, members receive a taxable Full-time Segal Education Award through AmeriCorps.

* Student loan forbearance and interest repayments for federal student loan through AmeriCorps.

* Eligible for free health insurance

* Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps

**Training Opportunities:**

All Hudson Valley Corps members receive Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Hudson River Citizen Science curricula, Trail Skills, Project WILD curricula, and professional development. Optional trainings include Leave No Trace, American Canoe Association Quick Start Your Canoe, and other opportunities that arise.

* No

Main Area of Focus Natural Resources Mgmt Education, Training & Skills Expected Biology degree minor or extensive experience Education some coursework or experience Ecology & Restoration degree minor or extensive experience Resource Management some coursework or experience Field Research some experience Hand Tools some experience Plant Identification some experience Public Speaking some experience Trail Maintenance some experience Volunteer Coordination some experience AmeriCorps Eligible Eligible Driving Logistics Valid Drivers License Needed Personal Vehicle Required A personal vehicle is required to access amenities such as grocery stores, libraries, etc. as well as travel to Hudson Valley Corps trainings and events. Yes Indoor/Outdoor Indoor US Citizenship Required