Invasive Species Intern Positions Available for 2025
General Job Description
Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking 3 to 6 enthusiastic, self-motivated employees to assist the District with the hand-pulling portion of the water chestnut control program. This highly invasive, aquatic weed will be accessed with canoes and a motor boat, and physically removed from several waterbodies throughout Oswego County. Crew members will be expected to navigate to chestnut populations, identify them properly and remove the plants from each site. Interns will keep accurate records of weights of plants removed and create a final report of activities completed throughout the field season. This position will also entail monitoring and mapping utilizing GPS and GIS technology.
Typical Work Activities
Attend required training (CPR, Boater’s Safety, Harassment Prevention, GIS/GPS, etc.)
Inventory, maintain and load equipment for daily activities
Interact with the public and provide program information
Inavigate to launch sites and water chestnut populations
Identify and hand-pull water chestnuts
Maintain accurate records, communicate progress to the supervisor and develop a final report and presentation
Survey sites using GPS and develop GIS maps to detail water chestnut populations, launch locations and work progress
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics
Boat and water safety
General knowledge of invasive species
Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team
Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a warm/humid environment or inclement weather
Physical endurance and ability to lift heavy weights (up to 50 lbs.)
General computer skills
GIS and GPS experience is helpful, but not required
Qualifications
Candidates must have completed freshman year of college in a natural resources, conservation, forestry, environmental science, biology or closely related curriculum by the time the job commences.
Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license
Length of Employment, Pay Rate and Benefits
Approximately 9 weeks (mid-June to mid-August)
$18.00 - $19.00/hr
Eligibility to join the NYS Retirement System
To apply:
Send a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript and completed application to District Manager, Joe Chairvolotti, at joe@oswegosoilandwater.com by Monday, April 7, 2025.
AA/EEO Employer
