Position Details

The Estuary Resilience Steward and Educator provides support for the Collaboration Program at the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve to improve the health and resilience of the Hudson River estuary, by conserving estuarine habitats through integrated education, training, stewardship, restoration, monitoring, and research programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties and responsibilities will depend on the skills of the candidate and availability of Reserve staff: 

Help advance the goals of the Hudson River Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force by assisting the Training Program Coordinator in developing a monitoring network with HRNERR partners and community scientists. Help develop and deliver species identification workshops and outreach materials to facilitate identification, and assist with collaborative monitoring efforts in priority locations. (35%)

Help advance the goals of the Hudson River Sustainable Shorelines Project by 

1. Assisting with annual assessments of innovative shoreline projects for the Hudson River Sustainable Shorelines Project using a standard protocol; coordinate with land stewards, maintain records of observations and photographs in paper and electronic records. Summarize results and provide outreach on results to Reserve staff and organizations. 
2. Assisting with development, promotion, and delivery of webinars highlighting innovative shoreline design. Duties include developing content, finding appropriate expert speakers, identifying audiences, managing database of partners, assisting with outreach events, managing evaluative data, creating informational resources
3. Creating educational materials to help promote the project online via the website and other relevant means

(35%)

Assist Training Program Coordinator in coordinating other collaborative research groups as needed (5%). 

Assist Education, Research, and Stewardship Programs with field, education (K-16), and canoe trip programs as needed (10%).

Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects. Completion of AmeriCorps reporting requirements including bi-weekly timesheets, monthly reports, pre/post tests for any education provided, evaluations at the beginning, mid-point, and end of term.  (15%)

Required Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to pass a federal background check
• BA or BS in environmental sciences, ecology, biology or natural resources or related field. 

Preferred Qualifications:

•  Knowledge of plant identification, climate change, natural processes, estuary ecology.
• Experience with MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, web design and maintenance. 
• Excellent organizational and computer skills.
• Education and outreach experience.
• Able to be out in field in all weather.
• Able to lift 50 pounds. 
• Knowledge of plant identification is a plus.
• Experience with GPS and GIS.  

SCA Hudson Valley Americorps

This position is hired through the SCA Hudson Valley AmeriCorps, and is considered a corps member. SCA partners with State and non-profit agencies to address the conservation needs of the Hudson River Watershed region. 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.

SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.

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.

Position open until filled. Click here for the full description, benefits, and application instructions.

Internship Title:

Hudson River NERR Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Research Intern, Summer 2023

Available Slots: One

Internship Focus: Research

Internship Project Description:

The Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve (HRNERR) seeks a student intern to assist with a trail planting of water celery (Vallisneria americana), a species of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV). Water celery is valued for providing habitat for fish and for improving water quality. The cover of water celery was greatly reduced in the Hudson River following storm events, and areas that have not recovered naturally have been mapped. HRNERR has started a project where water celery has been cultivated in a greenhouse. By participating in this internship, the student will help plan and implement an experimental design for planting this cultivated water celery within a freshwater tidal Hudson River Research Reserve site. The student will also gain experience with standard protocols used to collect water quality, nutrient, and weather data. In addition, this position may support tasks including how to safely store, handle, and dispose of chemicals, clean glassware, and prepare chemical standards. Other potential internship duties include river water sampling (from shore or boat), assisting with laboratory protocols (filtering and weighing), and calibrating instruments.

Required Skills:

Eligible applicants must be comfortable working in and around water and able lift up to 50 lbs. Experience with environmental field work and standard laboratory procedures is beneficial. For all tasks, ample training will be provided, and the work will be performed alongside full-time staff. Responsibilities will be delegated with the goal of developing the intern’s skillsets and knowledge to provide a valuable, early-career experience.

Internship Location:

Norrie Point Environmental Center, 256 Norrie Point Way, Staatsburg, NY 12580

Housing:

We can connect potential interns with local housing options, including an on-site dormitory.

Supervisor Contact Information:

Sarah H. Fernald

Research Coordinator, Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve

Division of Marine Resources, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Norrie Point Environmental Center

256 Norrie Point Way, P.O. Box 315, Staatsburg, NY 12580

P: (845) 889-4745 x111 | F: (845) 889-4749 | Sarah.Fernald@nulldec.ny.gov

Apply:

To apply, you must submit your application materials through your college or university. Click here to learn more about the process (scroll down).