UDRCC Field Tech

POSITION SUMMARY
Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR) is looking for a crew of energetic, intelligent, and motivated individuals to join our staff for seasonal employment through their Upper Delaware River Conservation Corps (UDRCC) program in the summer of 2024. The summer base of operations will be in the Willowemoc Watershed of NY.

The crew members will assist with activities that support native trout and aquatic resource conservation and flood resilience for local communities in the Upper Delaware River Watershed. While a variety of conservation activities may be encountered, the primary duties will be to complete a watershed assessment in the Willowemoc Watershed. The Corps members will partner with summer interns from Trout Unlimited (TU) in 2-3 person field teams. Other activities are expected to include: stream cleanups, tree plantings, fish surveys, macroinvertebrate sampling, and invasive species removal.

This position will tentatively run from June 3, 2024 to August 22, 2024. The work week will consist of four ten hour days (usually this will be Monday through Thursday but can vary week to week) that will require driving on rural roads with limited cell phone coverage, traversing difficult terrain on foot while carrying field gear up to 50 pounds and working in all types of weather conditions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with watershed survey activities and data collection including stream morphology, habitat and fish population assessments.
• Wade streams and rivers of various depths and in a variety of weather conditions.
• Maintain equipment and report maintenance/equipment needs to the supervisor.
• Additional duties, in support of the watershed program, may be required and include, but are not limited to: volunteer event coordinating, tree planting, community meetings and presentations, water temperature monitoring, and education/outreach.
• Maintain a high level of integrity while on the job.
• Follow proper safety and data protocol at all times.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Willingness to engage in physically demanding work.
• Own personal vehicle that can be used for extensive work travel. A valid driver’s license is required. Work related travel expenses will be reimbursed.
• Ability to quickly acquire skills and learn new techniques.
• Willing to work long days in outdoor field conditions.
• Patience to deal with ticks, bugs, snakes, mud, rain, cold, and hot weather.
• Possess strong communication skills.
• Desire to learn about stream ecology and watershed science.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team with varied skills, abilities, and perspectives.
• Ability to think creatively, keep an open mind, and take constructive criticism.