Riparian Buffer Steward

About the Upper Susquehanna Coalition: The Upper Susquehanna Coalition (USC) is a coalition of 22 Soil & Water Conservation Districts within New York & Pennsylvania that collectively make up the headwaters of the Susquehanna River, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Our goal is to protect and improve water quality and natural resources in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin with the involvement of citizens and agencies through planning, education, coordination, funding, project implementation and advocating for our water resources.

Job Description: Riparian buffer stewards support the establishment of young forests, primarily riparian forest buffers, throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed in New York and Pennsylvania. Stewards based in Cooperstown, NY will work with the Otsego County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) office and travel throughout the county to monitor reforestation, perform and coordinate management activities, and write reports. Riparian and young forest restoration is a priority for water and habitat quality within the Chesapeake Bay. Stream, wetland, and agriculture team support may also be required. Stewards will work closely with a SWCD supervisor and as part of the Upper Susquehanna Coalition Buffer Team. This is a great opportunity to become involved in the work of SWCDs, and Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration. There is potential for buffer stewards to be hired full-time at SWCDs after the end of the internship. 

Steward tasks will include:

• Perform tasks associated with riparian and young forest establishment, including data collection, monitoring, development of management activities and oversight of management. This will include species identification, in field measurements, and report writing.
• Perform riparian buffer implementation, including the installation and maintenance of streamside buffers with potential to provide planning and design assistance. Buffer maintenance includes weeding tree tubes, replacing protective materials, weed wacking, mowing, and management oversight.
• Provide direct, one-on-one assistance to landowners on buffer implementation and maintenance.
• Educate and coordinate with volunteer groups, landowners, and municipalities.
• Work with other stewards throughout the watershed performing similar tasks.

Qualifications include: Excellent verbal communication skills with interest in working with the public, valid NYS Driver’s License with reliable transportation, ability to perform physically demanding work in an outdoor setting, flexibility to occasionally work weekend hours, and interest in forestry, habitat restoration or public outreach. Ability to utilize ArcGIS is preferred.

Supervision/Location: Steward will be based in Otsego County, NY with a central office in Cooperstown, NY. Stewards will be supervised in the field by each respective district and participate in Upper Susquehanna Coalition Buffer Team events throughout the watershed. Stewards may be asked to assist in other counties for extended periods. 

Schedule: This stewardship position is full time (40 hours per week) beginning in May 2025 and ending in the fall, with a potential for extension. Stewards may adjust their schedule as needed to accommodate for time off, pending approval from the SWCD. Weekend work may be required, but will likely be seldom. 

Travel: Travel will be limited to within the Chesapeake Bay watershed in NY and northern PA. Travel is limited to day trips using a work assigned vehicle.