Seasonal Conservation Science Technician I

Job Title: Conservation Science Technician I    
Department: Science    
Supervisor: Alex Soldo
Location: Albany, NY            
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Classification of Position: Seasonal, Full-time
Dates of Employment: Anticipated April 14-August 8, 2025 (17 weeks) 
Compensation: $17.50/hour
Housing: Limited Housing May be Available as a Taxable Benefit

The Conservation Science Technician I (17 weeks) is responsible for collecting and managing demographic and environmental data to support ecosystem management decisions in the 3,400-acre Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Field projects will primarily include collecting distribution, abundance and habitat data for rare and endangered wildlife and evaluating ecological restoration of globally-rare inland pine barrens vegetation communities. The position will be 80-90% field and 10-20% data management.  

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (APBPC) is a public-private partnership created by the NYS Legislature in 1988 to protect and manage the Albany Pine Bush Preserve (APBP) and provide the public with educational and recreational opportunities. The Management Plan for the Albany Pine Bush Preserve guides all aspects of creating and managing the preserve.

The 3,400+ – acre APBP, located in New York’s Capital District, protects one of the best remaining inland pitch-pine scrub oak barrens in the world. This extraordinary fire-dependent ecosystem provides habitat for many plants and animals, including more than 20 percent of New York State’s wildlife Species of Greatest Conservation Need, such as the endangered Karner blue butterfly. The APBP is a National Natural Landmark, Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Site, National Recreation Trail Site, a New York State Unique Area, Birding Trail Site and Bird Conservation Area, and a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area. Characterized by rolling sand dunes and over 20 miles of trails, the APBP offers visitors with a variety of interests many recreational opportunities including hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing and canoeing. 

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Survey populations of Frosted elfin and Karner blue butterflies
• Collect vegetation data (stem counts, species composition, structure)
• Conduct surveys of other special concern animals as time and resources allow
• Assist with operation of bird banding station (MAPS)
• Conduct tick sampling surveys
• Nocturnal surveys of moths and whip-poor-will as time and weather allow
• Data management and reporting
• Work with GPS/GIS as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree (completed or enrolled) in ecology, zoology, botany or related environmental science field
• Technical knowledge of the practices and techniques of field biology needed to accurately gather and manage ecological data
• Insect, bird, and plant identification skills
• GIS/GPS skills
• Ability to collect field data and keep accurate records to facilitate analyses, professional presentations, technical reports, and publications
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Ability to use personal computers including the use of spreadsheet, database, and word-processing programs
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and/or weekends as necessary
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and on some difficult or hazardous terrain (e.g. steep slopes, wetlands, heavily forested or shrubland, etc.)
• Ability to work well with staff, volunteers, academic partners, and others

APBPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

APBPC does not discriminate in its employment opportunities or practices on the basis of an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, sex, national origin, ethnicity, hairstyle and hair texture, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity, transgender status, genetic information/predisposition or carrier status, age, religion, creed, domestic violence victim status, and any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

APBPC is an at-will employer.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of APBPC for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.