Department of Civil Service

Description:

The American hart's-tongue fern (AHTF) is a threatened species that is protected by the Endangered Species
Act in the United States. 94% of all AHTF in New York State are distributed between Clark Reservation and
Chittenango Falls State Parks. Conservation Stewards, as part of the Friends of Recreation, Conservation and Environmental Stewardship (FORCES) program, will work on a team that assists Parks staff in completing tasks related to AHTF conservation, including invasive species management, plant propagation, data collection, and interpretive educational programs. Training will be provided.

Identify and report invasive species populations located within the park(s).
o Assist in the removal of invasive species using proper equipment and techniques.
o Assist with educational programs for summer camps/groups that visit the park, including guided hikes.
o Assist biologists and staff as needed with other conservation projects, such as plant
propagation/transplanting, water quality sampling, wildlife surveys, and native seed collecting.

Preferred Qualifications:
o Current student or recent graduate in a degree program related to conservation, recreation,
environmental studies, ecology, natural resource management, botany, or a relevant discipline.
o Experience with plant identification or invasive species helpful, but not necessary.
o Highly motivated, dependable, hard-working, good communicator, and a team player.
o Able to work in a variety of weather conditions. Must be in good physical condition for fieldwork.
o A valid driver's license preferred. May need to occasionally travel to and from work sites.

Skills:

Verbal and written communication skills

Hands on field work

Research Skills

Team player

Internship Areas: Environmental Conservation, Scientific Research