Who Are We?

Located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley, Mohonk Preserve is New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve. We manage over 8,000 acres of mountain cliffs, forests, fields and streams through four integrated programs – Conservation, Education, Stewardship, and Visitor Experience – and welcome over 300,000 members and visitors each year who come to hike, run, rock climb, boulder, bike, cross-country ski, snowshoe and enjoy and experience nature.

Based in a vibrant university community, Mohonk Preserve offers a great working environment in one of New York’s greenest counties, with all-season recreation, access to Preserve lands, a dynamic, committed team of conservation professionals and long legacy of conducting ecological research and environmental education. The Preserve is also the home of one of America’s premier rock-climbing destinations.

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission is to protect the northern Shawangunk ridge and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. Mohonk Preserve supports thriving and resilient natural environments that are welcoming to all who explore, play and work here, and those who seek peace, wellbeing and inspiration amid its lands. We prioritize conservation of the northern Shawangunk Ridge and adjacent foothills as we carefully balance opportunities for outdoor recreation that reflect a healthy relationship between community and the land. Our commitment to collaboration, stewardship and education are interwoven throughout all the Preserve’s responses to the urgent issues of our time as we permanently protect and provide access to this cherished landscape. Please visit https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/ to learn more.

Our Core Values

• Teamwork:  We trust each other and value collaboration and accountability.
• Transparency:  We are clear, honest and ethical in our decision-making and communications.
• Belonging:  We welcome everyone and treat all with respect and compassion.
• Exploration:  We value curiosity, education and innovation as pathways to learning and growth.
• Stewardship:  We are committed to responsibly stewarding Mohonk Preserve in service to the land and the community.

About the Position:

As a member of the Conservation Science team, the Ecological Field Technician will help carry-out initiatives associated with our Climate-adapted Forest Management Plan and Invasive Species Program, assist with on-going ecological monitoring and community science projects, and assist with mentoring seasonal undergraduate interns.

Field work includes but is not limited to: peregrine falcon monitoring; assisting with forestry activities; surveying invasive insects (e.g. SLF, SPB, Spongy moth); vernal pool monitoring; monitoring forest vegetation composition, structure, and regeneration; and invasives species removal/mapping. The Technician will follow established field protocols in both new and existing monitoring sites. It is anticipated that this position will be working 70% in the field and 30% in the office. Ongoing training will be provided. The Technician will also be responsible for entering and managing the collected data and preparing project assessment reports summarizing results. This position will support departmental initiatives, outreach opportunities, and carrying out the Preserve’s mission.

The position is supervised by the Associate Director of Conservation Science & Research and requires working closely with other Conservation & Community Education department and Mohonk Preserve staff. This hourly, temporary position runs for approximately 34-36 weeks, February-October 2025, for up to 1360 hours. 

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Peregrine falcon monitoring including using a spotting scope to document behavior and location along cliff lines.
• Assist with forestry activities including but not limited to: tree marking, planting, and mechanical removal of invasive species or competing vegetation.
• Vernal pool monitoring including surveying for species occupancy and reproductive success as well as assessing water quality.
• Forest vegetation, soil, microclimate surveys (including species identification and data collection plant heights/percent cover, tree dbh, canopy cover, deer-browse presence, and habitat quality) using transects, quadrats, soil probes, and other forestry equipment.
• Recording phenology observations on various flora & fauna species throughout the Preserve.
• Record, manage, enter, and perform quality checks on scientific data.
• Assist with analysis of forest inventory and ecological data using statistical and GIS software.
• Invasive species surveys/mapping.
• Assist Community Science Coordinator with Invasive Species Program administration.
• Assist with Intern mentorship which includes field work and data management oversight.
• Perform other related duties to support department and Preserve as assigned by the Associate Director of Conservation Science & Research.

Desired Skills and Experience:

At Mohonk Preserve, our priority is finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the qualifications or have a less traditional background.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Forestry, Ecology, or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience conducting field work
• Experience identifying Northeastern vegetation
• Familiarity with using forestry equipment including but not limited to wedge prisms, DBH tape, densitometer, compass, clinometer, and quadrats
• Experience navigating off-trail using GPS coordinates
• Working knowledge of GIS including familiarity with ESRI ArcGIS products
• Capable to occasionally walk several miles in a given day carrying a backpack over uneven terrain in potentially adverse field conditions (biting insects, rain, heat, humidity, etc.)
• Proficient computer skills - Microsoft Office 365 applications, remote work platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom).
• Excellent communication abilities including written, oral, and presentation skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with both field work and managing data
• Have a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice to ensure that all people are respected and welcomed at the Mohonk Preserve.
• Must be able to work independently and interact professionally with a variety of Preserve stakeholders
• Ability to work some irregular hours, including early mornings and possibly some weekends
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Bonus skills
  • Bird identification skills (sight & sound)
  • Experience with bioacoustic monitoring using ARUs
  • Experience with data management and analysis
  • Experience with ArcGIS software
  • Bi-lingual

Physical Demands:

• Frequently uses a computer keyboard, reads, writes.
• Frequently works outdoors.
• Requires standing, walking, hiking, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, carrying equipment, sometimes for an extended period of time.
• Occasional events indoors or outdoors outside standard office hours and in other locations around the Preserve

Total Rewards Package:

This is a grant-funded, seasonal, non-exempt position offering the following:

• $21.00 per hour
• Housing available upon request
• Direct Payroll Deposit
• Mohonk Preserve membership for duration of position
• Access to lands and some activities of Mohonk Mountain House resort

Location:

Mohonk Preserve’s main offices are located at our Visitor Center in Gardiner, NY. This position will be based out of the Preserve’s Daniel Smiley Research Center (DSRC) on the grounds of the Mohonk Mountain House resort. Mohonk Preserve offers hybrid work schedules at this time – coordinated with their supervisor and depending on the job, staff may be able to split time working remotely, as well as in the office and in-person on the land. Generally standard working hours, with some flexibility, to be coordinated with their supervisor. Mohonk Preserve is a smoke-free campus.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Mohonk Preserve is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission. Successful candidates will be equity-minded and committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ). Mohonk Preserve encourages applications from women, minorities and/or other underrepresented groups.

This job announcement is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position.  There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.