Conservation Technician

Nature of Position: Conservation Technicians work under the direction of the District Manager and/or the Nassau County SWCD Board of Directors. They are responsible for assisting the District Manager with the design, implementation, and administration of a suite of resource management projects and community engagement activities.   These include but are not limited to Nassau County’s S.E.P.T.I.C. grant program, the annual Long Island Regional Envirothon event, various Muttontown Preserve restoration projects, and ‘A Day in the Life’ citizen science events.  Additionally, Conservation Technicians are expected to represent the District at events and meetings and assist the District and Manager with field work and office management. 

Brief Description of Duties:

The Conservation Technician is responsible for planning, promoting, carrying out and evaluating subject matters assigned by the District Manager and/or the District Board of Directors. These may include, but not be limited to:

• Invasive species monitoring/detection/removal, ground truthing, vegetation and woodlands preservation, soil erosion management and prevention, stormwater management, water conservation, tidal wetlands preservation, green infrastructure practices.
• Representing the District at various outreach events and meetings, and disseminating education materials to public, and municipalities. Securing and confirming events that the District should attend, and creating press releases to highlight work done by the District.
• Other duties include writing newsletter articles, maintaining the NCSWCD mailing list, customer service, general correspondence, report writing, developing professional and informative social media posts, and assistance in the development of new educational programs and/or materials.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or near completion in Natural/Physical Sciences such as Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Environmental Sciences/Engineering/Management, Biology, Ecology, or a related field.  Candidates should have knowledge of the principles and practices of Natural Resource Conservation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Excellent oral and written communication skills, good research skills, knowledge/experience w/GIS preferred, grant writing and/or grant management experience a plus, organizational skills, and ability to work with maps/aerial photographs and computer literate in Microsoft Office is preferred; residency in Nassau County is desirable. Must have the ability to occasionally work nights and weekends as assigned. Must be dependable, enthusiastic, and have the ability and desire to work independently while adhering to NCSWCD policies. Must also have transportation and be willing to use it for work related activities. Mileage is reimbursed.  Must be able to perform on-the-ground monitoring activities through woodland and forested areas.

Salary and Benefits: Starting salary: up to $45,000 commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits, including New York State and Local Retirement System; medical benefits; vacation, sickness, and personal leave.